"A good read for baseball fans."—Review, Choice, December 2012 "Robert Cottrell vividly portrays how purpose, determination, sacrifice, and hard work trumped entrenched racism and anti-Semitism on and off the field. An inspirational tribute to the human spirit."—Bob Luke, author of The Most Famous Woman in Baseball: Effa Manley and the Negro Leagues "In Two Pioneers, distinguished historian Robert Cottrell situates ... Read moretwo of sport’s most enduring icons, Jackie Robinson and Hank Greenberg, not just in the context of baseball history but in that of a nation confronting its own racial and social contradictions. His uncompromising and thoughtful interpretation of their lives and times captures their struggle to make this country live up to its ideals and reminds us of why they mattered."—Rob Ruck, professor of history, University of Pittsburgh, and author of Raceball: How the Major Leagues Colonized the Black and Latin Game "Baseball has a long history of being an important social force in America. Hank Greenberg and Jackie Robinson were men with great physical skills and exceptional moral strength whose baseball prowess transcended the athletic arena in ways that were truly inspirational. Robert Cottrell has done a masterful job of intertwining their accomplishments and the contexts of their times, creating a fine narrative that is compelling to read."—Dave Smith, founder and president, Retrosheet Show Less