LOCAL BOOKSHELF 'The Chosen City: The Owner, the Players, and the New Hampshire City that Integrated Baseball in the United States' By Bill Ranauro

There isn't a better time in New England to read about baseball than summertime. New Hampshire author Bill Ranauro's new book, "The Chosen City: The Owner, the Players, and the New Hampshire City That Integrated Baseball in the United States," tells the fascinating history of how Nashua, New Hampshire, became the setting for integration in professional baseball. &emsp;Ranauro writes, "The story of baseball's integration will always start with Jackie Robinson, but the complete account must include other early African American players such as Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe." Most baseball fans know that Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, but the story of Campanella and Newcombe is less known despite the fact that they were "the first African American players in the 20th century to participate in organized baseball with a team based in the United States." That team was the Nashua Dodgers. &emsp;"The Chosen City" is thoroughly researched, delving into the history of baseball in America, dating back to the 1800s. Ranauro explains how professional baseball developed in the context of cultural developments in America. These events include the ending of the Civil War, segregation, the Great Depression and World War II. Ranauro explores how each of these events impacted and shaped baseball, writing, "In the post-war world of 1946, Major League Baseball truly was the national pastime." &emsp;The pacing of the book and the in-depth look at the individuals who played key roles in setting the stage for integration contribute to this book's readability. How and why Nashua, New Hampshire, came to be "the chosen city" was not a whim, but a well-thought-out plan by the Brooklyn Dodgers' general manager, Branch Rickey. Ranauro describes him as "a prudent individual who planned and calculated the consequences of every move he made." &emsp;Ranauro highlights Rickey's character to show the care that went into sending Campanella and Newcombe to play in Nashua. He writes, "It's fair to think that the city where they were starting their careers would go a long way toward determining the success of the great experiment." &emsp;It is interesting to read about Nashua's history through the lens of baseball. Ranauro gives context for how the city came to be chosen, but also how the city responded. Many of his primary sources are found through journalism, and he wisely points out, "When looking back at the experience of the two players in Nashua, what's most remarkable is not what was reported in the paper, but the notable absence of any reports of racial incidents or tension." &emsp;"The Chosen City" is an important part of the history of professional baseball, but also of a small New England city post-World War II and its community and acceptance. &emsp;Ranaura concludes, "Their seamless acceptance of Campanella and Newcombe was more important than any bottom-line figure that defined the team's success or failure." A great read for history lovers and baseball fans alike.