Our Hall of Fame discussions and debate about who is fit and who is not to be admitted caused me to research this institution a little more thoroughly. This book really goes in depth on the history and shenanigans that surround the HOF and the pomp and circumstance that goes with it. Joe Jackson was acquitted in court of any wrongdoing and was banned from the Hall. Cobb and Tris Speaker admitted to fixing a game to set up a gambling takedown in which they were both involved and were admitted without hesitation. Speaker was also a sheet wearing KKK member as was Rogers Hornsby, who was considered the nastiest, most disliked player of the time. Hack Wilson played with a flask in his pocket and openly drank in the dugout. Players said that Grover Cleveland Alexander was thought to be overpowering on the mound when pitching drunk and average on those rare occasions he was sober. He died as a homeless bum. Leo Durocher was close with Bugsy Siegel and spent his entire career hanging out with the dark side. As did Joe DiMaggio who writers claimed was provided call girls in ever city he played in by no less than Joe Adonis and Frank Costello of the mob. There are many other anecdotes that would offend your sensibilities. Apparently it was the beat writers who mainly determined who got in or not. If a player treated the writers right, they in turn would cover for the players. If not, well ask Steve Garvey. Like the late Sparky Anderson opined, " if I want to see saints I'll visit a church. "