Diamonds in the Coalfields

<p> Between 1876 and 1960 nearly 100 northeastern Pennsylvanians played managed coached or umpired in the major leagues. Many were the sons of immigrant coal miners and living and working conditions in America were quite different from what they had been used to. Baseball became an important part of the assimilation process and it thrived as a church-sponsored form of recreation and entertainment for the coal miners and their families.</p><p> This work explores the childhood and minor and major league experiences of Christy Mathewson Stan Coveleski Stanley Bucky Harris Hughie Jennings Ed Walsh Nestor Chylak Joe Bolinsky Jake Daubert John Buck Freeman Mike Gazella Pete Wyshner John Edward Murphy Steve O'Neill John Picus Joe Lefty Shaute Steve Bilko Harry Dorish Bob Duliba Joe Professor Ostrowski and Stan Pawloski--21 players managers and umpires who exemplify the great talent dedication humility and hardship that many northeastern Pennsylvanians experienced.</p>