Review: Lew Paper's "Perfect" - Don Larsen's Miraculous World Series Game

Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series remains one of the most discussed baseball events of the modern era. Nine innings without the blemish of a baserunner on baseball's highest stage vaulted Larsen into the annals of baseball lore. Lew Paper's new book, "Perfect", analyzes the lives and careers of every player involved in that epic contest.

Both lineups were filled with Hall of Fame talent that have had their careers well documented in baseball literature. Paper manages through tireless research to find obscure quotations and references that shed new light on the careers of the superstars that dominated the backpages of the New York press. This book shines though, detailing the less heralded players that comprised the lineups of each team. Get to know the careers of players like Dale Mitchell, who stood there helplessly as that final questionable third strike was called, and how he refused to reunite with Berra and Larsen on television late in his life to in his words, "celebrate striking out."

As captivating are the playing careers of the game's participants, reading about the aftermath of their careers make "Perfect" worthy of a purchase. Sadly, we are reminded that age takes its toll on even the greatest of superstars, and that in their waning years, they may no longer be as "perfect" as we remembered them. This game, however, will forever be "perfect" and Paper hits the mark in prolonging its memory.

More Info -

October 8, 1956 - World Series Game 5 Box Score - Baseball-Reference.com