Ernie's Bleachers

Eddy Pareti is a street-smart kid who does things his own way. He ditches school and dodges duties at the family's tavern, Ernie's Bleachers (now Murphy's Bleachers), which is just across from Wrigley Field. World War II is ending, the Cubs are heading to the World Series, and Eddy sneaks into games and brushes up against baseball legends, including stars of the Negro League.

From behind his family's bar, Eddy pours beer for soldiers, ball players, and rodeo clowns, runs bets for a bookie wh...