Over the last 40 years, Richard Roeper has attended White Sox games, watching as his team established a losing streak that was almost unparalleled in major league baseball history. In this account of what it was like to grow up a White Sox fan in a Cubs nation, Roeper covers the recent history of the organization, from the heartbreak of 1967 and the South-Side Hit Men to the disco demolition and the magical 2005 season when they became world champions. Encapsulating what it means to be a baseball fan, root for the same sorry team no matter what, and find vindication, this history of the White Sox is flavored with trivia; anecdotes about players, owners, and broadcasters; plus Roeper’s own humorous and personal reminiscences.
"Sox fans, this book is one you can’t put down." —The Star Newspapers
"While there are more heartbreaks than celebrations documented—86 years of losing will do that—this document of one fan’s relationship with his beloved team has a happy ending." —The Chicago Sports Review
"Roeper offers hilarious memories and anecdotes about his favorite team.” —Elite
Anonymous
Posted May 22, 2008
Sox and the City by Richard Roeper is a Non-Fiction phenomenon that puts his experiences as a Whitesox fan into the reader¿s eyes. As the title really does exclaim, Roeper tells of his experiences from his first Sox game to the World Series Champions. The theme is all Whitesox. Every single page is filled with fun facts. I loved this book, being a die hard Whitesox fan. Throughout Baseball history, Chicago has always been a town with two teams. The Cubs have and will always be the first team in town. Roeper clearly explains his passionate hate for the Cubs. I, too, hate the Cubs. I loved how clearly Roeper explains the differences between Sox and Cubs fans. For instance, Roeper explains that Cubs fans don't go to Wrigley to see their team win, and they just want to have a good time. A sox fan will tell you the only reason they would go to the game is to see a win, and there is no other reason to attend. What I also love about this book is how Roeper experienced every event that occurred in this book through his very eyes. Another thing I enjoyed was the facts and information about different topics including Roeper's own experiences from previous years. I also enjoyed the quotes placed separately in darker boxes to show significance. There really are not any bad things I can say about this book. Roeper could have included more facts about the actual events, instead of just his experiences as a spectator. His experiences when the Sox were making a playoff run were amazing. During the ALDS 'American League Division Series', Roeper actually watched the games on a cruise ship, which I thought was hilarious. One chapter, called 'Eight Men Out', relates to the movie and many other stories about the 1919 Blacksox Scandal. This novel also reflects on how important it is to stay loyal to your team, or anything. This book has made me realize that the Whitesox have gone through a lot more than I knew. Now, I can recite facts and other knowledge that is not well known to many Cubs fans. Roeper is a great author, who tells his experiences of the Whitesox like it happened yesterday. The detail of games and experiences really make this novel an enjoyable read. Because I am a Whitesox fan, and have lived through some of this history, such as the 2005 season where they won the World Series, Roeper really connects to me and my own experiences when these events occured. Overall, I loved this novel that Roeper wrote from his heart. I have one more thing to add. Lets go Whitesox!
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Posted July 19, 2006
This book is a must read for anyone who grew up in the Chicago area and pledges allegiance to either baseball team. Southsiders and Sox fans will feel validated and enjoy reliving the 05 championship season. Cubs fans reading this book will hopefully gain insight into Southside culture and acknowledge that Chicago is a two team town. Roeper does a great job detailing the agony and pride that comes with being a Sox fan. He doesn't shy away from pointing out hypocrisy of people who try to straddle both teams. He's unapologetic about his love of the Sox and criticism of Cubs culture. I found myself laughing outloud several times recognizing myself, my husband, and my family and friends in the these pages. At times, sections of the books are too heavy with baseball statistics and players for the more casual fan like me, although I know my husband will love all those details when he reads it. The book does bounce around a lot between decades, but Roeper pulls it all together at the end with an excellent recap of last fall. A must read from Bridgeport to Bridgeview and beyond...
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Posted February 2, 2011
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Overview
Over the last 40 years, Richard Roeper has attended White Sox games, watching as his team established a losing streak that was almost unparalleled in major league baseball history. In this account of what it was like to grow up a White Sox fan in a Cubs nation, Roeper covers the recent history of the organization, from the heartbreak of 1967 and the South-Side Hit Men to the disco demolition and the magical 2005 season when they became world champions. Encapsulating what it means to be a baseball ...