Received an advanced copy of the book SID GORDON: AN AMERICAN STORY, it is very apparent to the reader what a tremendous and likable man Sid Gordon was. Unlike Leo Durocher’s famous quote, “Nice Guys Finish Last”, his reference to the NY Giants team that Gordon played on and Durocher managed against in the mid 1940’s, this could be the farthest from the truth.
In this very detailed book, Gordon’s life stretched beyond his ability to play baseball. We see Gordon as a youngster growing up in Brooklyn to a Jewish family. Besides being an exceptional athlete, Gordon deals with Anti-Semitism, both on and off the field as the years go on. He reacts stoically and much like Jackie Robinson, lets his playing ability and actions speak for itself. Speaking of Robinson, Gordon and Robinson along with their families, had an amazing relationship, on and off the diamond. Both deal with racial discrimination (Robinson) and religious discrimination (Gordon), which seems to bond their friendship. Gordon and Robinson never played on the same MLB team, which makes their friendship that much more special and intriguing.
Cahn’s comprehensive study of his cousin also includes a detailed “Who’s Who” in baseball during the 1940’s and 1950’s, especially NY Baseball. We hear the names and places that truly put MLB on the map as it became “America’s Pastime”. We also read about Gordon’s trials and tribulations of finally making it to the “Bigs”, turning into a regular, having his dream (in baseball) derailed by participating in WW2, coming back and performing in a near hall of Fame career, and finally ending his baseball career and beyond.
Gordon’s friendships on the diamond were noted for the respect given to him by most everyone, again except the anti-semites. His teammates loved him and those from afar respected him. Gordon’s family life is also discussed in length by Cahn with Gordon being a great son, husband, father, cousin, etc., to all the members of his family. Cahn’s ability to talk to so many of his relatives truly assists with this. He was just an average “Joe” to them who had the great ability to play baseball. He never put himself above anyone.
SID GORDON: AN AMERICAN STORY, could have been easily called NICE GUYS FINISH FIRST. Fortunately, or unfortunately, that book title was used by Monte Irvin is his autobiography released in 1996. This book is so much more than a baseball story, it is in fact as the title states, AN AMERICAN STORY. As in Irvin’s book, it is also apparent that yes, NICE GUYS FINISH FIRST. Two thumbs up.
Gary Mintz, New York Giants Preservation Society
November 20, 2022
