Through a Blue Lens: The Brooklyn Dodger Photographs of Barney Stein 1937-1957

One of the most beloved teams of American sport, the Brooklyn Dodgers have become a nationwide icon since their departure for the West Coast a half-century ago. Their story has been told many times in many ways over the years. . . but it has never been told like this. Barney Stein was the Dodgers' official team photographer from 1939 until the team left for Los Angeles in 1957. With access that no other photographer had, his camera chronicled every aspect of the team's most vibrant and memorable period. But his Brooklyn Dodger work has remained one of the sports world's lost treasures, since—except for rare and scattered glimpses—it has not been published or otherwise seen since the team left New York. Now, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dodgers' last season in Brooklyn, Barney Stein's Dodgers photographs live again. Through a Blue Lens takes you to every corner of Ebbets Field—to the playing field, the dugout, the locker room, even to the fabled Marble Rotunda. You'll see the on-and-off-the-field legends who made the Brooklyn years so unforgettable, as well as never-before-seen photos of the final game at Ebbets Field and the legendary ballpark's demolition. In addition, first-person memories and anecdotes from surviving members of the Brooklyn Dodgers give a unique dimension to what is truly a family album of those unforgettable years. They also pay a fitting tribute to Barney not only as a great news photographer, but as a loving and considerate friend to all who wore the Dodger Blue.