By: Bill Black, NDN All-Stars
When I picked up Early Wynn, the Go-Go White Sox, and the 1959 World Series, written by award winning sports writer Lew Freedman, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. To be honest, after looking for books about Hall of Famer Early Wynn, and not finding any, I was excited to come across this one!
I knew the basics—Early Wynn was a Hall of Fame pitcher, the 1959 White Sox had a special season, and “Go-Go” was a well deserved team nickname. But after reading this book, I came away with so much more than just facts and stats. I felt like I was right there in the dugout, sweating in the late summer heat, hanging on every pitch. I came away not just understanding the importance of that season, but feeling it. And that’s what made this book such a great read.
Right from the start, the book brings you into the world of baseball in the late 1950s. It’s a time when the game felt a little grittier, when players played through pain, and when every game meant something big—especially for a team like the White Sox, who hadn’t been to a World Series in over 40 years. Mr. Freedman does a great job of painting the picture of what life was like back then, both on and off the field. FI felt like I had stepped back in time.
The main star of the story, of course, is NDN All-Star #23 Early Wynn (Cherokee). If you’re a fan of old-school baseball or just great pitching, his story is something you’ll really enjoy. Wynn wasn’t flashy, but he was tough, competitive, and had a serious mean streak on the mound. He didn’t back down from anyone. This book makes that clear in the best ways—through stories from teammates, play-by-play accounts, and details of how he fought his way to 300 career wins. At age 39, when most pitchers are thinking about retirement, Wynn was powering the White Sox toward the pennant. His journey is inspiring without trying too hard to be. It’s just real.
But this book isn’t just about Early Wynn. It’s about a whole team of players who came together to do something special. The “Go-Go” White Sox were all about speed, defense, and doing the little things right. They didn’t hit a ton of home runs, but they stole bases, made smart plays, and got clutch hits when it mattered. Players like Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, Sherm Lollar, and my old next-door neighbor Earl Torgeson, might not be household names today, but they were absolutely key to that 1959 season. The book gives each of them their moment, and you come away with a real appreciation for how they worked as a team.
One of my favorite parts is how this book captures the energy of the 1959 season. You can feel the tension building as the White Sox chase the American League title. The rivalries, the road trips, the packed crowds at Comiskey Park—it’s all here. Every chapter builds on the last, keeping you hooked as the season moves closer to the World Series. Even though I already knew the final outcome, I found myself rooting for them like I didn’t. That’s how well Mr. Freedman brings the story to life.
And then there’s the World Series itself. The White Sox were up against the powerful Los Angeles Dodgers, and the matchup couldn’t have been more exciting. The book doesn’t rush through these games. Instead, it gives each one the space it deserves, taking you through the key moments and decisions. You really get a feel for the pressure the players were under and the joy (and heartbreak) that came with each result. Even though the Sox didn’t win the series, their performance still feels like a triumph. It reminded me that sometimes, the journey really is just as important as the destination.
The writing style is smooth and easy to follow. It doesn’t get too bogged down in numbers or stats (although it does include some helpful ones when needed), and it’s written in a way that makes the people and moments feel real. Freedman clearly loves baseball, and that love shows in every chapter. You don’t have to be a hardcore White Sox fan to enjoy it. If you care about sports, teamwork, or stories about people giving their all, there’s something here for you.
I learned a lot without it ever feeling like a history lesson. I now know more about how teams were built back then, how important scouting and player development were, and how some teams had to find different ways to win. The White Sox weren’t the biggest or strongest team, but they made it work by playing smart and sticking together. That’s a lesson that goes beyond sports.
One surprise was how the book handled the off-field moments. There are great behind-the-scenes stories—about arguments, friendships, and even practical jokes—that made the players seem like regular guys. Those little moments helped balance out the more intense parts of the season and made me like the team even more. (And, this reminded me of some of the stories “Torgy” would tell his son Brad and me as 12-13 year old kids…)
By the end of the book, I felt a little sad that it was over. I had grown attached to Early Wynn and his teammates. I had come to respect their grind, their style, and the way they carried themselves. The 1959 White Sox didn’t change the world, but for one season, they brought excitement, pride, and unforgettable memories to their city. That’s something special, and this book captures it perfectly.
If I had one small complaint (and this is kind of nit-picking…), it’s that I wish there had been a few more photos from the season, especially of the players in action or the World Series games. But that’s a minor thing. There are some. The storytelling is so strong that I could picture most of it in my head anyway.
In the end, Early Wynn, the Go-Go White Sox, and the 1959 World Series is more than just a baseball book. It’s a story about chasing a dream, believing in your teammates, and giving everything you’ve got for something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re a lifelong White Sox fan or just someone who loves a good sports story, this book is worth your time.
There are not many books out there that feature Early Wynn, and I was happy to find this gem!
I’d recommend it to anyone who is a fan of NDN All-Star #23 Early Wynn, who’s ever cheered for an underdog, followed a long shot, or fallen in love with a team that didn’t always have the most talent—but had the most heart. That’s what this team had, and that’s what this book celebrates.
It made me appreciate the game more, and it reminded me why I love baseball in the first place. And that, to me, is the best kind of book there is.
Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present. He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.
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