Big Hair and Plastic Grass summary

Baseball, Culture, and the 1970s

In Big Hair and Plastic Grass by Dan Epstein, we are taken on an exhilarating journey through the 1970s, the most transformative decade in the history of baseball. Epstein delves into the cultural and sociopolitical landscape that shaped this era, highlighting the impact of the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and the rise of counterculture on the game.

Epstein vividly paints the picture of the 1970s baseball world, where long hair, flamboyant facial hair, and colorful uniforms were the norm. He discusses the advent of free agency, which empowered players and changed the dynamics between owners and athletes. This movement, along with the rise of the players' union, led to a significant shift in the power structure of the sport.

The Game on and off the Field

As we move further into the book, Epstein takes us through the on-field action of the 1970s, highlighting some of the most memorable moments, such as the epic rivalry between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the legendary World Series showdowns. He also explores the off-field dramas, including the rise of performance-enhancing drugs, which began to cast a shadow on the game.

Epstein also delves into the emergence of player personalities, such as the outspoken and controversial Reggie Jackson, the eccentric Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, and the larger-than-life characters like Bill Lee and Dock Ellis. These players, with their unique styles and outspoken personas, became symbols of the era's individuality and freedom.

Ballparks and the Business of Baseball

The book also takes us on a tour of the ballparks of the 1970s, showcasing the unique characteristics of each stadium and the experiences they offered to fans. Epstein also discusses the changing business of baseball, particularly the role of television in transforming the sport into a national pastime, and the increasing commercialization of the game.

He also sheds light on the impact of the American League's adoption of the designated hitter rule, which sparked intense debates among fans and experts alike. This move represented a fundamental shift in the traditional strategies of the game, and its repercussions are still felt in the sport today.

Legacy of the 1970s Baseball

In the concluding sections of Big Hair and Plastic Grass, Epstein reflects on the legacy of the 1970s in shaping the modern game of baseball. He argues that this decade, with its radical changes and colorful characters, laid the foundation for the sport we know today, influencing everything from player contracts to the design of ballparks.

He also emphasizes the enduring impact of the 1970s on popular culture, as the era's baseball stars transcended the sport to become cultural icons. In the end, Epstein's book is not just a chronicle of a transformative decade in baseball, but a celebration of the spirit of freedom and individuality that defined the 1970s.