A quick read with some fun stories, but gets repetitive at times and also contradicts itself.

Many players, managers, umpires, executives and even a team doctor have been banned from baseball over the history of the office of the commissioner of baseball. From the first commissioner, Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis to the current commissioner, Rob Manfred, each one has acted in what he believe would preserve the integrity of the game. The stories of some of those who faced suspension or expulsion are told in this book by Hal Bock.

Well-known stories such as those of the eight players from the 1919 Chicago White Sox, the suspension of Alex Rodriguez for the 2014 season and Pete Rose are covered, but so are the suspensions of others who were not as well know. Jimmy O’Connell and coach Cozy Dolan of the New York Giants who were suspended for a failed bribe attempt. In 1946, the second commissioner of the game, Happy Chandler, stated that any player who left for the brand new Mexican League would be suspended from Major League Baseball for five years. Suspensions of owners like George Steinbrenner and Marge Schott are covered and even the brief expulsion of Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle for accepting promotional jobs for casinos.

No matter who the subject of the suspension was, each one is covered by a brief story that explains the behavior that warranted the suspension and the commissioner’s reasoning. That may or may not be something the reader will agree with, but each story is structured in this manner and makes for quick reading for each chapter. None of these chapters fully describe the entire story, especially those of the 1919 White Sox or Rose, as there are other publications that delve much deeper into those topics. However, if the reader is looking for a quick and informative book on each of the persons who have been punished by a baseball commissioner, then this book will fulfill that need.

I wish to thank Diversion Books for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BANNED by Hal Bock is a compiled list of people (Players, managers, front office persons, etc) that have been banned from Major League baseball. It spans from the begins of baseball all the way to the recent substance abuse bans of present day. It is put together more like a list, rather than a book, and each story has been well researched and charmingly presented.
I found the section about the 1919 Black Sox very interesting, especially finding out that even some of the indirectly associated people were banned. Bock does a good job of setting the scene for each banning and helping the reader get to know many of the players involved and the book includes pictures of many of the players. Also, several of the chapters references events in earlier chapters as if the reader hadn't just read about them. It almost made me feel like the book needed a little more editing to make a smoother read.
Lacking a cohesive narrative (other than banning) was a little disappointing, but BANNED was nevertheless quite informative and enjoyable for a baseball nut like me.