Sports Fact and Book Rec of the Day 7/5/2007

7/5/1954:
Cleveland first baseman Billy Glynn explodes for three homers and eight RBIs as the Indians blast Detroit, 13-6, in the opener of a twin bill. Not usually a power hitter (only 10 home runs lifetime) and relegated to a reserve role with the recent acquisition of Vic Wertz, Glynn hits a grand slam, two other homers and a sacrifice fly while batting leadoff for the Tribe, who are surging toward an American League record (at the time) of 111 victories.

Birthdays:
Curt Blefary b. 1943
Goose Gossage b. 1951
Johnny Rodgers b. 1951
James Lofton b. 1956
Amelie Mauresmo b. 1979

NAVAL GAZING

England’s rise to global dominance was unprecedented. Never before had an entity been able to capture and rule so many territories in so many corners of the globe. This history of the Royal Navy reveals how England overtook Spain and Portugal, toppled Cromwell, broke Napoleon, and paved the way for America’s rise to power. Packed with larger-than-life characters and the glorious ships themselves, To Rule the Waves is a great yarn, as well as a fascinating political story.

TO RULE THE WAVES: HOW THE BRITISH NAVY SHAPED THE MODERN WORLD, by Arthur Herman (HarperPerennial, 2005)