The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn (1971). A celebration of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the 1950s-- most notably of the players lives and attitudes after retirement-- and one of the most revered baseball books of all time.

Bums by Peter Golenbock (1984). The author covers the period in Brooklyn Dodger history from 1941 to 1957. A must read even for non-Dodger fans, the book gives the inside dope on all the classic triumphs and tragedies through the recollections of players, coaches and fans. 1984 Casey award winner.

The Glory of Their Times by Lawrence Ritter (1966). The first oral history effort and still one of the best baseball books ever written. Some of the greats interviewed include Hall of Famers Ed Roush, Stan Coveleski, Harry Hooper, Rube Marquard, Sam Crawford, Goose Goslin and Paul Waner.

The Early All-Stars: Conversations with Standout Baseball players of the 1930s and 1940s by Brent Kelly (1997). Including Harlond Clift, Mel Harder, Andy Pafko, Bill Rigney, Dick Sisler and Al Zarilla-- seventeen in all. Fully illustrated with bibliography and index. McFarland & Co.

October Heroes by Donald Honig (1979). Inspired by Ritter's work, Honig interviews players from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s including Hall of Famers Charlie Gehringer, Lefty Grove, Freddie Lindstrom, Ted Lyons, Bob Feller, Cool Papa Bell, Billy Herman, Johnny Mize, Enos Slaughter, Monte Irvin, Ralph Kiner and Robin Roberts.

This Side of Cooperstown: An Oral History of Major League baseball in the 1950s by Larry Moffi (1997). Features interviews with several players from that classic decade. University of Iowa Press.