Ballplayers who are primadonnas, abuse drugs and alcohol, gamble and do all they can to get more money are nothing new. This historical biography tells the story of Ed Delahanty a slugger in the 1890's and early 20th century who looms large as a symbol of his age. Casway calls this the "Emerald Age" because of the prominence of Irish-born and Irish-American professional ballplayers who affected the crafty, rough-and-tumble style of play of the era, as well as gain favor among ballplayers toward labor organizing. Delahanty hit with considerable skill, unfortunately most of his career for the mismanaged Philadelphia Phillies. He also took on the reserve clause jumping to new leagues (twice) and bargaining for better salaries. He was well-admired and nominated as captain for his team, but also could be selfish off the field and a loafer on the field. Late in his career both a weakness for drink and gambling debts sucked him into a mire he could not escape. His life ends with a dramatic fall from a railroad bridge at Niagara Falls, and a controversy still unresolved. Casway does a good job of researching Delahanty's story and bringing to life baseball of his time. The other subject of the book - the Emerald Age - does not fare as well, his thesis stretching to prove a distinctly Irish aspect of baseball even he does not seem to believe. ( )