Young Babe Ruth: His Early Life and Baseball Career, from the Memoirs of a Xaverian Brother - Softcover

Gilbert C.F.X., Brother

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786406526 ISBN 13: 9780786406524

Publisher: McFarland & Company, 1999

Synopsis

This work contains the heretofore unpublished memoirs of Brother Gilbert (a.k.a. Philip F. Cairnes), the Xaverian brother generally credited with steering the Babe to his first professional contract. Ruth was raised by the Xaverian Brothers, a Catholic religious order, at St. Mary's Industrial School from 1902 (when he was only 7) until 1914.

These reminiscences begin with Babe Ruth's departure from St. Mary's and concentrate on his early playing years. An historical introduction by the editor of these memoirs, Harry Rothgerber, details the history and relationship that existed between this organization of Catholic educators and the man who was to become the most influential baseball player and greatest slugger who ever lived. Brother John Joseph Sterne, the book's forewordist, recounts a St. Mary's band fundraising trip in which the band accompanied the Yankees through the American League cities at the end of the 1920 season. Several previously unpublished photos from the Xaverian Order complement the text.

About this title

About the Author

The late Brother Gilbert, also known as Philip F. Cairnes, wrote these memoirs not long before his death in 1947.

Reviews

When George "Babe" Ruth was abandoned by his parents and sent to live at Saint Mary's Industrial School, Xaverian Brother Gilbert became his mentor. In these previously unpublished memoirs, completed in 1947, Gilbert shares his thoughts about the Babe's passion for life and his reckless youth. Each chapter, with plenty of dialogue and personal insight, is headed by extensive commentary from editor Harry Rothgerber, who provides context and smooths out Gilbert's text. Unfortunately, the book may be a hard sell to readers: the print is small, the vocabulary is often complex and archaic, and the contemplative tone won't appeal to many teens today. Still, the memoir, which includes several photographs and a lengthy index, does provide a discerning account of the formative years of an American hero whose legend is steeped as much in his robust personality as in his athletic achievements. Roger Leslie

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0786406526
• ISBN 13: 9780786406524
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 220