More than any other sport, baseball has been identified with America--its values, dreams, lessons, and losses. Most of all, baseball is connected to the American childhood. In Before the Glory, the game's living legends, maverick players, and stars of today tell the stories of their childhood and coming of age with the innocence and candor of youth. From Bill Mazeroski growing up in a shack without heating or electricity, to Ron LeFlore becoming addicted to drugs at the age of twelve, to David Wright winning a food-fight in the school cafeteria, Before the Glory is not simply baseball, it is life. It is poverty, segregation, innovation, integration, survival, war, peace, love, hate, villains, and heroes--all as seen through the eyes of everyday children who happened to have the desire and ability to rise to the top of America's greatest sport. Hall of Famers, retired MLB players, and current stars, including David Wright, Justin Morneau, and Brian Roberts agreed to be interviewed especially for this book and share, in their own words, their perspectives on the challenges of childhood, family life, and reaching goals. This book is an inspiration to young and older fans alike. Foreword by Brooks Robinson. Includes an 8-page color insert.