The 1984 Detroit tigers roared out of the gate, winning their first nine games of the season and compiling an eye-popping 35-5 record after the campaign's first 40 games--still the best start ever for any team in major league history. The tigers led wire-to-wire in 1984, becoming only the third team in the modern era of the majors to have done so. And Detroit's determination and tenacity resulted in a sweep of the Kansas City Royals in the AL playoffs and a five-game triumph over the San Diego Padres in the World Series. And Tigers fans will tell you that the bottom of the eighth inning in Game Five was the first time Kirk Gibson hit an iconic home run in the Fall Classic. Detroit Tigers 1984: What a Start What a Finish , an effort by the society of American Baseball research's BioProject Committee, brings together biographical profiles of every Tiger from that magical season, plus those of field management, top executives, the broadcasters--even venerable Tiger Stadium and the city itself. A team of more than 40 writers and editors compiled the biographies and supporting essays that make up the most comprehensive look at this remarkable team. Includes bios of: Glenn Abbott * Rod Allen * Doug Bair * Doug Baker * Juan Berenguer * Dave Bergman * Tom Brookens * Marty Castillo * Scott Earl * Darrell Evans * Barbaro Garbey * Kirk Gibson * Johnny Grubb * Willie Hernandez * Larry Herndon * Howard Johnson * Ruppert Jones * Rusty Kuntz * Mike Laga * Chet Lemon * Aurelio Lopez * Dwight Lowry * Roger Mason * Sid Monge * Jack Morris * Randy O'Neal * Lance Parrish * Dan Petry * Dave Rozema * Bill Scherrer * Nelson Simmons * Alan Trammell * Lou Whitaker * Milt Wilcox * Carl Willis * Tom Monaghan * Bill Lajoie * Sparky Anderson * Gates Brown * Billy Consolo * Roger Craig * Alex Grammas * Dick Tracewski * Paul Carey * Bill Freehan * Ernie Harwell * Al Kaline * George Kell * Larry Osterman. SABR is the leading organization supporting baseball research, and this book was researched, written, and produced entirely by SABR members. The team included many folks including these writers: Adam J. Ulrey, Alan Reifman, Bill Bishop, Brian Borawski, Carl Shinkle, Charles Faber, Chip Greene, Cindy Thomson, Clifford Corn, Dan Scott, Dave Gagnon, David L. Fleitz, David Laurila, David MacGregor, David Raglin, Don Peterson, Doug Hill, Gary Gillette, Glen Vasey, Jason Lenard, Jeanne M. Mallett, Jeffrey Shand-Lubbers, Jerry Nechal, Joanne Hulbert, John McMurray, John Milner, Kent and Chuck Ailsworth, Larry Hilliard, Malcolm Allen, Matt Bohn, Maxwell Kates, Mike Lassman, Mike McClary, Nick Edson, Nick Waddell, Pat Kilroy, Paul Carey, Paul Geisler, Peter M. Levine, Richard L. Shook, Richard Newhouse, Rick Vosik, Stew Thornley, Tracy J.R. Collins, Trey Strecker.

If the Red Sox are truly a religion, then here's the bible: "The Ultimate Red Sox Companion," a new encyclopedia with all the Red Sox information imaginable.Let's start with statistics. From batting registers to pitching registers, from fielding stats to baserunning stats, this book provides year-by-year and career stats for every player to ever spend time in a Red Sox uniform. It includes team stats by year, manager, general manager, and even owner, as well as details on where the Red Sox ended up in each year's American League pennant race, the twenty-five greatest games in franchise history, and a year-by-year history of the team's broadcasters."The Ultimate Red Sox Companion" doesn't stop at the stats, though. Every year the Sox appeared in the playoffs gets a special look, with box scores, series evaluations, and statistics detailed for each. Red Sox greats get their due too, with profiles of each Red Sox all-star; winners of the Cy Young, MVP, and Triple Crown awards; and Hall of Famers who wore the uniform. The book closely covers the history of the Red Sox farm system and player development, including in-depth information on both free-agent signings and draft picks-the good, the bad, and the ugly. If it's Red Sox-related, you'll find it in the "Companion,"A publication of Maple Street Press, distributed by Potomac Books, Inc.

Many consider the Yankees to be the gold standard of baseball franchises. Here is the book to accompany that legacy: "The Ultimate Yankees Companion," a new encyclopedia with all the Yankees information every fan will want to have.This book has more stats than any Yankee diehard could ever hope for. From batting registers to pitching registers, from fielding stats to baserunning stats, and year-by-year and career stats for every pinstriped player are provided. Each manager, general manager, and even owner has a listing of how the Bronx Bombers did under their guidance. Relive where the Yankees ended up in each year's pennant race (often at the top), read about the twenty-five greatest games in Yankees history, and see a year-by-year history of the team's broadcasters."The Ultimate Yankees Companion" is more than just stats, though, providing new insights on some of the greatest players and best seasons in the team's history. Each Yankee postseason appearance (and there are lots of them!) has its own special section too, with box scores, series evaluations, and postseason statistics. The Yankees have more than their fair share of Hall of Famers, all-stars, and post season award-winners, and each is highlighted and honored. Even player development gets a close look, with an evaluation of draft picks and free-agent signings, as well as a history of the famous and trend-setting Yankee farm system. If it happened to, for, or with the Bombers, then the "Companion" has it covered. A publication of Maple Street Press, distributed by Potomac Books, Inc.