The 1965 Milwaukee Braves: Scandal or Coincidence Hardcover – April 9, 2024

Not since Jim Bouton wrote Ball Four has there been more of a controversial book written on baseball. Not since the writings of Bill James has there been a book written using statistical prowess to enlighten each subject matter. During the 1965 baseball season, Milwaukee County Board Chairman Eugene Grobschmidt accused the Braves "of trying to make the team look bad" to make moving the club to Atlanta easier.Legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn along with Pitcher Billy Hoeft shared comments concerning Braves management. Besides ill feelings between Spahn and Bragan. Hoft also had ill feelings between himself and manager Bobby Bragan. Indeed, in the spring of 1965 Hoeft charged the Braves with deliberately losing the pennant because the team was planning to relocate to Atlanta: “How do you move a team that wins a pennant? They just didn’t want to win the pennant.” He blamed Bragan for, among other things, leaving in batters who were in slumps and removing those who were hitting well.Author James Manske meticulously goes through each game of the 1965 Milwaukee Braves season. Scrutinizing management moves on and off the field. Presenting facts, figures and players views to you, the reader for your ultimate verdict as the judge as whether it was conspiracy or coincidence. Read more