The fascinating, little-known story of an independent team that refused to conform to organized baseball and played by its own rules.

The Doherty Oval is filled with nearly double its 6,500 capacity. Fans stand jammed together in the outfield grass behind a rope, filling the space between the players and outfield wall. At the plate, the great Babe Ruth waits. The pitch streaks in and the Bambino smacks the baseball high and far over not one but two fences. All hell breaks loose.

In The Doherty Silk Sox, Jack DeVries tells the captivating story of the independent baseball team that took on legends like Ruth and the New York Yankees. and won. Founded in 1916, the Silk Sox would go 399-236-15 against major league, Negro League, and independent teams during twelve seasons. Featuring players who refused to have their salary, schedule, and future dictated by major or minor league owners, Harry Doherty and his Silk Sox created their own alternate baseball universe, facing all comers without regard for league, location, or race.

Taking place during one of America's most dynamic and memorable time periods, The Doherty Silk Sox follows the team through a deadly pandemic, the Great War, Prohibition, and the Roaring Twenties, until their demise at decade's end. Drawing on meticulous research and interviews, DeVries provides deep insight into this talented Silk Sox team and the players who turned their backs on organized baseball - and chose instead to play the game on their terms.