We do have two reservations about "The Whiz Kids and the 1950 Pennant". The first concerns the portrayal of Jim Konstanty, the relief pitcher who was the 1950 National League MVP. One of our noncanine animal companions of primate derivation (who has loaned us his habit of shameless namedropping for purposes of this review) was a regular customer at Mr. Konstanty's sporting goods store in the mid-1960's. He remembers Mr. Konstanty as being far more personable than one would gather from this book. Of course, the pressures of making a record number of appearances during a tight pennant race could affect one's affability.

Also, while not shying away from the issue, Roberts and Rogers do not fully develop the ironic theme that the Whiz Kids, a supposed youth movement and potential future dynasty, were actually the dying embers of a fading era. The 1950 Phillies were the last all-white National League pennant winners, edging out the Jackie Robinson/Roy Campanella/Don Newcombe Dodgers in extra innings on the final day of the season. With the Phillies management dragging its heels as to recruiting and signing the best available ballplayers regardless of race, the remainder of the National League pennants in the 1950's went to the Dodgers, the Giants (with Willie Mays and Monte Irvin) and the Braves (with Hank Aaron). (Given the arguments as to whether the current millenium ends in 1999 or 2000, we should perhaps add the 1960 Pirates with Roberto Clemente to that list.) Not only did this relegate the Phillies to the second division, but it probably also cost author Roberts the chance to win 300 games. It would be interesting to see David Halberstram analyze the 1950 National League pennant race in a manner similar to his analysis of the 1964 World Series in "October 1964"

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:

WHIZ KIDS A WINNER  Nov 18, 2000

This is a very well written account about a team that captured the hearts of an entire city. This is a great account of the surprising achievment of the 1950 Phillies. The excellent interviews of the players involved and the rehashing of the author is great. A very nostalgic and fact filled retelling of an exciting and fun filled year in baseball. A must read for all Phillie and historical baseball buffs.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

"Whiz Kids" is a terrific book for all Phillies and baseball fans  Sep 23, 2009
By Joel Burcat
Robin Roberts and Paul Rodgers have written a terrific book that can be enjoyed by all Phillies and baseball fans. While the focus is on the 1950 Phillies, the authors have spent a fair amount of time (but not too much) explaining how dreadful the Phillies were in the decades leading up to 1950 and how the Phillies organization managed to change from the stodgy, cheap baseball club it had been to a forward thinking and nimble one that won the 1950 NL penant.

Robin Roberts' memory for detail is terrific and you very much feel like you are there, through the victories, defeats, fights (on the field) and down times for the young men of the team. Many other players are highlighted and I liked the fact that Roberts did not sugar coat the shameful way Jackie Robinson had been treated by the other players including, regretably, the Phillies.

Another enjoyable component of the book are many interviews, mostly done by Dean Rodgers, that are interesting and informative. The use of segments of these interviews throughout the book really confirms the accounts descibed in the book and helped to breath life into the players both on the field and off.

I liked the fairly extensive statisitical compilation at the end of the book and think that serious fans will find that very useful to better undertand the team.

As memories fade and those who actually remember the 1950 Whiz Kids walk off the field, this is an important book that preserves this moment of American-Philadelphia-Phillies history. It also happens to be a very enjoyable and worthwhile read. The Whiz Kids And the 1950 Pennant (Baseball In America)

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Great Material for Phils fans  Oct 08, 2002
By Michael T. Gibbons
"The Whiz Kids" met my expectations. It is great material for Phillies fans. Having grown up hearing the names of Ennis, Ashburn, Konstanty, Roberts and the rest, I wanted to read a good account of the first Phils pennant since 1915.

The ever humble Roberts (with the help of a professional writer) recounts his rise to the major leagues as well as the futile history of Phillies baseball. It's a nice, easy to read story that follows a tried formula: the team has a long history of losing, young players come aboard and develop into a close team, they exceed expectations and go to the World Series. There are plenty of scenes that flesh out the personalities and struggles of the team mates. Plenty of train trips and hotel stays. Tough game situations yeilding exciting victories or close defeats. Those looking for deep insights into the era should look elsewhere. In fact, I see this book aimed primarily at us Phils fans. Our banners are few, so we need to raise them high. These aren't Duke Snyder, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese and the other "Boys of Summer." The Phillies of this era had one great year surrounded by several decent years. Only a couple of the names stand out these years later.

I give the book four stars because it served its purpose for me. If you are looking for light reading material about a cinderalla team, this could be for you as well.

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