"Rich Westcott's breezy writing is chock full of quirky anecdotes. He is at his best when he's unearthing such gems as those about Aloysius Travers, a St. Joseph's College student manager, who pitched one game for Detroit...'the 24-2 loss might have had something to do with Travers's decision to become a priest.' Native Sons should be of interest to longtime Philadelphia baseball fans and his loyal audience of readers won't be disappointed."—Larry Platt, editor-in-chief of Philadelphia Magazine and author of Only The Strong Survive: The Odyssey of Allen Iverson
"Native Sons again demonstrates Rich Westcott's skills as one of major league baseball's outstanding historians. For the first time, Westcott has compiled a complete, well-documented, vividly written account of every player and manager who was born in the Philadelphia area and realized the dream of making it to the big leagues. They're all here—from Cal Abrams to Bert Yeabsley, as well as many of the significant records and lively anecdotes that have helped make the City of Brotherly Love such a colorful part of our National Pastime."—Robert S. Lyons, author of Palestra Pandemonium: A History of the Big 5
"Another fine effort by one of baseball's top historians. Filled with information about players you have heard about, grew up with, or are still currently playing. From MVPs to those who only played one inning, if they're from the area, they're in this book."—Jack Scheuer, Associated Press Correspondent who has covered local sports for over 35 years