Baseball Books

If you have to choose just one book each year to give you as much information about the coming year in baseball: who the players are, who all the teams' prospects are, what they all did last year and a forecast of what they will do this year -- then this is THE book you should buy. Featuring analysis from some of the leading writers and analysts in the game this book has it all including situational stats and diagrams showing batter/hitter tendancies. Whether you are a ROTO-nerd, a Fantasy junkie, or (and I know there are some of you out there) a genuine baseball fan, you WILL love this book. It has it all!

The Scouting Notebook is an excellent book and a must-have for each new year for the true baseball fan. This book contains in-depth analysis of all regular major league players and many top prospects. It can give the reader an idea of what to expect based on past tendencies. A wonderful book!

If your league allows for the retention of players from year to year, this is the book to get. As a fantasy owner, I have been collecting these books for over 10(?) years and I find them invaluable in trade negotiations or just picking up that extra infielder off the waiver wire. What this book gives me is not just the stats, but observations on why a batter is hitting like he is, or why a certain pitcher should be performing better.

Also, pull out the book while watching a game on TV, the pitching charts for both the pitcher and hitter add an enjoyable twist to the game.

This is THE book for fantasy baseball nerds. This will be my third year in a row using this book as my primary tool preparing for draft day. But, you don't have to be stat crunching geek to enjoy it - the book will be enjoyed equally by "lovers of the game."

For anyone out there who loves hard core baseball this book is for you. Every player from every team has a biography and a scouting report. If you did not know him before the season you will definately know him by spring training. This is a must for baseball fans.

Searching for Heroes is a beyond excellent story. Joe Carrieri's experience being a Yankee batboy is every boy's dream and for him to actually live it must have been a feeling thats undescribable. He lived a childhood life with the greastest legends in baseball history. EXCELLENT!!!! Theres heroes and theirs legends, heroes get remembered and legends never DIE.

While unlike many other people who have read this book by seeing it on the shelf or being told how good it was I was told to read it by the author of it...Joe Carrieri. I met Joe on many occasions as I would work the morning shifts at the local Foodtown/Shoprite in the neighborhood and he would always be in every weekend. One day while talking about the yankees he told me about his bok and the next time I was in the book store I happened to see it so I bought it. It sat on my shelf for a few years and I forgot about it. But last night I happened to see it and had nothing to read and picked it up. Ti put it mildly I have never ead a book so fast in my life. The Book was absolutely amazing!!! I would reccommend this book to anyone! Joe if you read this I was the guy that always worked with Maria from about 1994-1998 my name is Louis Mancini and you did a great job!!!

This book will make you yearn for the time that athletes felt a responsibilty to the fans. While not angels, the athletes of the 40s and 50s at least loved to play the game and had an innocent quality lacking in today's athletes, who are merely interested in their own pleasure, and don't even seem to enjoy it. This book will make you feel good.

My favorite story was that of the "case of the missing bat" It lead my mind to a better place, one of more simple time. I wounder who really has Al Rosen's bat????????

Joe Carrieri's book, "Searching for Heroes, The Quest of a Yankee Batboy" is a wonderful picture of a great era in Yankee history. He was in a unique position as a youngster, some would say a dream spot. When he is instructed by Brother Columbo, his principal at St. Jerome's Grammar School, to interview baseball's most successful players as to the meaning of greatness in their own lives as a requirement to being excused from school, the reader is transported into a fantastic

world. Any youngster reading this is bound to be inspired and I can attest to this as a retired teacher.

I understand Mr. Carrieri has written another book entitled, "The Promise." It focuses on Joe Dimaggio. How perfect. The inspiration of Joltin Joe is legendary. Hopefully, Amazon will include "The Promise" in your catalogue and by doing so will help to inspire readers, young and old. Any chance of this happening soon?

The beauty of Hank Davis' book is that it operates on several levels at once -- as only the best works can.

On the surface, Small Town Heroes is the story of an older guy with enough spare time and discretionary income to get in his car and truck around eastern North America checking out minor league baseball teams. Players, managers, mascots, front office people, concession workers -- each has a story to tell. These stories interweave to form the tapestry that is minor league baseball today.

On a deeper level, Davis' investigations facilitate the contemplation of bigger issues, beginning with the realization that, ultimately, all travel is time travel. It is fascinating to watch Davis collide head on with (friendly) ghosts from his middle 20th century childhood even as he encounters a new generation of "instant" stadiums hastily assembled from the remnants of discarded beer cans.

Deeper still is the responsibility of an emerging generation of elders to preserve and protect that indigenously North American optimism that baseball has always represented and that minor league baseball today can help us preserve. Our heritage was never predicated on the whims of spoiled brat millionaires and self important corporate moguls in luxury sky boxes. As Davis points out time and again, relief from such nonsense is only as far away as your local minor league ballfield.

My only regret is that Davis' book cannot go on forever and cover every location. As both a Royals/Golden Spikes and CWS fan, I would enjoy Davis' perspective on Omaha's precious Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium.

Meanwhile, anyone afflicted with parents, spouses or others irritated by "valium ball" who routinely admonish you to "grow up" and burn your bats and gloves so you can get out in the back yard and build them a new patio -- you need only hand those offenders a copy of Small Town Heroes and let Davis show them why such requests cannot and must never be granted.

Finally, if you're a "Field of Dreams" fan, consider this to be a book about multiple successful examples of the "if you build it, they will come" scenario.

Well, beat the drum and hold the phone-the sun came out today! We're born again, there's new grass on the field.........Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine, watchin' it from the bench............. Hank Davis has a hit! Reading Small-Town Heroes gives one much the same feeling as listening to Fogerty belting out Centerfield.

Davis does an excellent job of exposing the heart, soul, and emotions of those immersed in making a minor league team a reality. The struggle of emotions and the psychic battles faced by players, managers, coaches, mascots, fans, vendors, and other personnel involved in making the game "come off" are, many times, missed by the typical fan. Davis puts you "in the head" of the new kid just getting off the bus in eastern Tennessee and guides you through his experiences and journies. He then leads you on an expedition of the mind, emotions, and ego of the 27-year-old coming down from The Show for a last trip through the minors.

Davis's style makes you cheer for guys and teams that you have never seen-nor, in many instances, heard of. You feel the sense of urgency in getting the next hit or lowering the ERA with the next strike out. You feel the humanity of men ready become superstars as well as those about to plunge into "the agony of defeat". Hank Davis distinguishes and translates the subtleties of conversation in the dugout and batting practice that are concealed or ambiguous for most. His understanding and empathy flow clearly and vividly through to the pages of Small-Town Heroes.

Hank Davis leaves the reader with his opinion of the state of the baseball, and the minors in particular. He has an explicit assessment and is not hesitant about sharing it. He is the kind of guy I would like to sit next to and share a beer with at Graniger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina on a hot August night!

Tours of small towns, minor league parks, and geography are accurately and realistically portrayed for the reader. Local flavor, as illustrated by Davis, can almost be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt. He presents all the characters-those not likely seen by a visitor and those taken for granted by the locals. From "Mom" and the "Mountain Man" to the groupies, mascots, ground crew, hotel desk clerks, waitresses, and guards-"the whole cast"--Davis introduces you to each. Others have attempted tours similar to Davis only to commit error after error-Davis gets a hit!

This is an excellent read from start to finish. Davis really captures the essence of the minor league experience from the perspective of players, employees and fans. Baseball fans will love it, and non-fans will still be caught up in the many personalities profiled here.

Hank Davis has done a marvelous job in this view of life in (and around) the minor leagues. His sense of humor comes through many times. This was probably the easiest reading book of this length (354 pages)that I've encountered. It just flows! One of the things that I liked most about the book was not only the liberal use of photographs, but their placement. Every photo was within a page of the corresponding verbage. In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each and every page was interesting, entertaining, or informative. As a visitor to approximately 30 minor league parks myself, Davis enabled me to "revisit" many of those parks. Job well done, Mr. Davis!

Well, beat the drum and hold the phone-the sun came out today! We're born again, there's new grass on the field.........Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine, watchin' it from the bench............. Hank Davis has a hit! Reading Small-Town Heroes gives one much the same feeling as listening to Fogerty belting out Centerfield.

Davis does an excellent job of exposing the heart, soul, and emotions of those immersed in making a minor league team a reality. The struggle of emotions and the psychic battles faced by players, managers, coaches, mascots, fans, vendors, and other personnel involved in making the game "come off" are, many times, missed by the typical fan. Davis puts you "in the head" of the new kid just getting off the bus in eastern Tennessee. He then gives you a tour of the mind, emotions, and ego of the 27-year-old coming down from The Show for a last trip through the minors.

Davis's style makes you cheer for guys and teams that you have never seen-nor, in many instances, heard of. You feel the sense of urgency in getting the next hit or lowering the ERA with the next strike out. You feel the humanity of men ready become superstars as well as those about to plunge into "the agony of defeat". Hank Davis distinguishes and translates the subtleties of conversation in the dugout and batting practice that are concealed or ambiguous for most. His understanding and empathy flow clearly and viv-idly through to the pages of Small-Town Heroes.

Hank Davis leaves the reader with his opinion of the state of the baseball, and the minors in particular. He has an explicit assessment and is not hesitant about sharing it. He is the kind of guy I would like to sit next to and share a beer with at Graniger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina on a hot August night!

Tours of small towns, minor league parks, and geography are accurately and realistically portrayed for the reader. Local flavor, as illustrated by Davis, can almost be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt. He presents all the characters-those not likely seen by a visitor and those taken for granted by the locals. From "Mom" and the "Mountain Man" to the groupies, mascots, ground crew, hotel desk clerks, waitresses, and guards-"the whole cast"--Davis introduces you to each. Others have attempted tours similar to Davis only to commit error after error-Davis gets a hit!

Dave Baldwin's "Snake Jazz" is a well-written, insightful and humorous baseball book. The author is eminently qualified to write about the national pasttime. Not only does Mr. Baldwin hold a PHD, he was also a major league relief pitcher in the 1960s and early 70s. Had he pitched today, Baldwin would have been a good closer and an even greater set-up man. But Dave played in a time when baseball frowned upon intellectual players and relief pitchers (of which Dave Baldwin was both).

Baldwin's autobiography presents a vivid picture of what it takes to climb the ladder from the low minors to "The Show." Being a Washington Senators' fan, I loved Baldwin's anecdotes on Senators' players such as Frank Howard, Dick Bosman and Jim French. His stories of Ted Williams as a manager are priceless, especially the one where The Splendid Splinter picks up a bat for the first time in a decade to emphasize a point about hitting (if you want to find out what happens, get the book). Baldwin's book delves into the science of pitching in an interesting and educational way. Dave's wry and deprecating humor keeps the reading light and engaging.

When I was a 9-year old kid, I loved baseball and dinosaurs. Seeing Dave Baldwin's Topps baseball card with a Brontosaurus on the back (when they did those wonderful comics on the back of the card) made him one of my favorite players. Reading Snake Jazz from one of my all-time favorite players is like reading tablets from Mt. Sinai. It's not a self-absorbed ghost-written piece a drivel you typically see from athletes these days. Instead, you get an insightful glimpse into the game from a person who "almost" made it into the big time.

This is a splendid book! Baldwin, who is a true Renaissance man, has used
his background as a scientist, engineer, artist, and poet to give us a
baseball book like no other. For example, in one section of "Snake Jazz"
he pitches to an imaginary Babe Ruth in what is perhaps the best
description of the pitcher/batter mental duel ever written. In another
chapter his vivid and funny depiction of playing ball in the old Termite
Palace in Hawaii is sure to be a classic. And to top off a great book, he
presents three mind-twisting baseball paradoxes at the end. Most
importantly, "Snake Jazz" gives us an entertaining example of the principle
that there is no substitute for diligent effort. Don't worry about your
limitations, just keep pressing yourself to do more and better. "Snake
Jazz" couldn't be more right!

Most baseball autobiographies are "as told to" tales resembling after-dinner speeches -- light on substance and long on self-adulation. Snake Jazz is just the opposite. This is an honest self-effacing story, filled with humanity and humor, personal struggles and successes, and some wonderful tales of America in the 1960s and 70s. Dave Baldwin grew up with the baseball dreams of boys of the post-war era, then pursued them with grit and determination, throwing baseballs for hours on end into a box his dad rigged up in their backyard. He ultimately turned his dream into a 15-year professional career by refusing to stop pitching when released in the minor leagues, reinventing himself as a submarine pitcher, finally reaching the major leagues for an all-too-short four years. It is an inspirational tale for baseball fans, aspiring players, and parents of aspiring players.

Along the way you are treated to a good dose of Dave's homespun philosophy, his perspective on baseball and on heroes like Ted Williams (his manager) and Frank Howard (his teammate), some wonderful stories from the locker rooms and playing fields, and his thoughtful dissection of the science of pitching. For Dave is far more than a "cup of coffee" major leaguer. He is a scientist with a Masters degree in systems engineering and a Ph.D. in genetics, an acclaimed artist whose painting made it to Cooperstown ahead of his baseball achievements, and one of America's foremost students and commentators on the physics of baseball.

This book is beautifully written, with laughter and discovery in every chapter. It leaves you longing for more. But most of all, it leaves you with the realization that, despite Dave's unique intellect and perspective, his story is the story of the many young men who aren't superstars, who grow up in the game, won't take no for an answer, and discover their own maturity and destiny on the playing field. Snake Jazz deserves a special place in any baseball library.

Dave Baldwin's SNAKE JAZZ is an insightful, clever, entertaining biographical journey of an individual who becomes obsessed with baseball as a youth and finally makes his way to the majors as a 28 year old rookie after many twists and turns. Baldwin manages to capture so much in this excellent read. One gets the flavor of a young boy adjusting to life in the southwest and combating the often bizarre elements to play the game he loves. With the help of his dad, Baldwin devises a box in his yard into which he would pitch through adolescence and into his major league career. You get a sense of the trials and tribulations of youth, the great promise jeopardized when an arm injury at the University of Arizona almost curtails his dreams, and his re-learning to pitch before finally attaining his goal. Baldwin weaves in great anecdotes about players, minor league ballparks, restaurants, and locales, vividly depicting the struggle of the minor league player and the humor and heart that helps him endure. Dave also has a great feel for the social issues of the times and paints those for the reader as well. Once he reaches the majors, having learned to throw in a submarine style delivery, Baldwin becomes an effective reliever under managers like Gil Hodges, Ted Williams, and Chuck Tanner. The stories of his colorful teammates are wonderful. The true beauty of Baldwin's development is his evolution into a true Renaissance Man, earning a Ph.D. in genetics and an M.S. in systems engineering. In addition, he became a creative painter, a poet, and even a bodhran player. Baldwin's values and integrity shine throughout the book and make for a terrific journey for the reader as one follows that of the author.

I enjoyed Snake Jazz immensely. The book moved very well, not a boring paragraph. Sprinkled with humor throughout, it is replete with a sense of discretion and healthy self-effacement that many memoirs lack. The bold "section" headings are convenient for an individual who is short on reading time and needs handy breaking points. There are photos, pertinent quotes heading each chapter, poetry and even a glossary and appendices! Interesting and amazing aspects of the history and lore of baseball are plentiful. Baldwin details his "voyage" and struggle from overhand pitcher to the "throws funny" type expertly! He's writes fluently from beginning to end but his skill soars describing his playing days in Hawai'i. The roommates and various "characters" one meets on Baldwin's journey are memorable! I don't think I'll ever get the razor blade chewer out of my mind. His accounts of minor league life, bus rides (the anecdote about the one-eyed driver is wonderful), food (e.g., mobster lobster in Reading, PA, "grease soaked" box lunches) and fans ring authentic. Accounts of his encounters with the legendary Ted Williams are priceless! I loved his words on Billy Goodman, Frank "Hondo" Howard and Gil Hodges as well as lesser known, Max Surkont who supplied valuable and lasting advice early on in Baldwin's career. The inclusion of the author's genetics expertise and mindset studies only add to the appeal of the memoir! He covers his off-season college and graduate school efforts as well as his stint in the military service. He doesn't dodge the reality of the times. He deals honestly with teammate reactions to the civil rights and anti-war movements. A reader might find him or herself visiting a baseball card show to pick up a Dave Baldwin to send to him for autographing!

First of all, what this is not. It is not a weepy, sniffling "good old days" lament. Nor is it a "things were much better back then" dirge. It is an extraordinarily detailed day-by-day account of a boy growing into manhood on Chicago's Southside. All the joy, nonsense and tomfoolery of adolescence are here, and so are the pain, tears, dejection and heartbreak. These emotions are universal to all teenagers, whether they were part of a middle-class clan, dirt-poor, or filthy rich.

The reader is left marveling at Erler's resilience in the face of the adversity and misery he brought on himself, as teenagers will. But he always bounced back, and each bounce brought him higher and higher. This Southside Kid is now a retired successful business man, with a happy marriage and a loving family.

Southside Kid will take you on a fascinating journey through the days of wars, snack foods, automobiles, sports, race relations, and the birth of rock n' roll. Music always played a big part in Erler's life, and he provides an unparalleled written soundtrack that is bound to provoke happy memories.

There is much here for readers of all ages. More than a memoir, this is a portrait of real life in America. Write on, Curt! Let's hear the rest of the story.

Before I start my review i'd like to say i'm just under 30 years of age and live far away from Da Southside, in fact i'm right across the pond in dear ol' blighty - the North East of England! (Tho I was born and still am a Bristol Kid!)
The music I love and adore with all my heart is the music Curt shares with us in Southside Kid. I just about dig anything that came out on the Sun label. Rockabilly, Blues, R'n'R, R'n'B, Country, Jazz....Man just about anything that's got a beat, especially if it was recorded between the 40's and early 60's.
So I grew up in an era where these mighty tough sounds are hard to find on the radio, TV ect. I spend my life daydreaming about what it would've been like living in such a time.
Southside Kid has taken me to such places I have dreamt about, a time when the world and the folks had different values to the world today.
If you dig Baseball look no further, Curt might share with you a few secrets about pitchin'!
Personally I love the stories about the road trips, the jazz joints (Count Basie!) and traditional family values.
This is a heartwarming read, plenty of laughter(Curt's got great humor), and a very loving family.
If every household shared the same faith and love the world would be a better place.
It's truly a fascinating read, I felt many emotions whilst reading this book, "Southside Kid" will touch your soul.
Thanks Curt for being a real gentleman and sharing your wonderful memories with me. I now have a better understanding of that rockin' era!
My best wishes always
Your UK Buddy
"The Castleside Cat" Dave K

P.S Don't delay...buy Southside Kid today!

Surely we all have dreamed of having that mythical time machine that would take us maybe to the future, but who wants to go there??? I'm going in reverse to those happy days of the fifties. I thought I remembered them but found many more in reading Southside KId, the baseball games with little real quality equipment,who cared-or knew! the wonderful funky cars Curt describes especially the ones he owned, but wait !! don't listen to me, Curt is patiently waiting at the curb in his Merc, the door is open and you're invited-hang on tight ! you're not going to believe it,hurry up cause I know he wants to hit the Blue Note tonight, Basie is in town.

An enjoyable read for everyone - especially for a southsider. The unfortunate folks that didn't have the pleasures of this era will soon realize some of what they missed.
Curt captured the reality of his many enjoyable moments, tragedies and love of life, in a wonderful period of time. For the older generation it will bring back memories that brought smile after smile to this old mug. For the younger generation - "eat your heart out" as you read about freedom, hard working ethics, friendship and love of life.
In life, names and faces may change but Curt captures the fact that true friendship never gets old. He has experienced many of Americas dreams.
EVERYONE ENJOY, kudos does not say enough.

While wrapped in the warmth of sweet childhood memories and exciting adventure as well, I could NOT put this book down. The author describes his wonderful, youthful years with such writing ability that I felt that I was there in the neighborhood, or experiencing the same emotions, and hearing and smelling and tasting the same things. I was lost in nostalgia while reading this book. Now, I wish that I had grown up in the 40's and 50's in middle class, Southside Chicago. There was never a boring moment in the Southside Kid's life ... OR IN THE BOOK!

This is a book on a huge topic, and thus not easy to review. It is sparingly illustrated, mostly with B&W photographs, which come across moderately well as they are printed at an adequate size.

It covers an admirable breadth of material, and it reads very well, moving right along, in a chatty tone (it is a very American book). Not sure about the depth, in a few cases it was very noticeable that the writer had missed out on the best half of the story he was telling.

I see no reason why this should not be very popular with the American woodworker, or person with an interest in wood.

I noticed this book in the new release section of my local bookstore and picked it up to take a look-see and I am glad that I did! This book truly was a fun and enjoyable read. It is broken down into chapters that talk about different types of wood, it's uses and qualities which turn out to be infinitely varied and really interesting. And just as interesting are the stories of the people, the cultures and even the author who we get to learn about in this book. I really enjoyed picking this book up learning about table sander races, maple bats, how Venice was built, bow and arrows, mysteries and miracles.

I am not a wood worker and before I read this book I would never have thought to have listed "wood" as a hobby or interest but after reading this I realize we all are. And I already caught myself looking at the wood of my cello which I don't think I had ever done before and thought about the chopsticks I used last night. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys "characters" because this book is full of them- the people and the wood kind. The book is conversational and you read it that way; you also learn a few things along the way. Whether you are wood worker or just a curious kind of person.

Spike Carlsen took a topic that could have been as exciting as, well watching wood grow, carved it into a well written story, with lots of humor and tales of how us humans---our very society itself---would not, could not be the same as it is today without this precious resource. This book, and the folks in it (and their unique personalities), and the woods themselves (each exotic specimen having its own incomparable story) is written with the same reverence an author would bring to a well researched and documented historical novel. He explains in exquisite, easy to read detail why certain woods are used for specific applications and how highly skilled craftsmen produce one of a kind pieces, which because they are made from material that were once alive, have taken on a life of their own. Great book I know will enjoy as much as I have!

Because this book is as much about people as it is about wood it's incredibly readable -- and funny. The author got out from behind the desk and got into the stories as much as possible and shares self-effacing tales along the way.

The book is set-up as individual essays so readers can pick and choose where to start. I was drawn to the one on Jimmy Carter and how wood forensics helps to solve crimes.

It's good for the Cliffy Claven in your life as well as the public radio essay listener looking for a human lesson behind the facts.

This is a book about wood that will amaze you, inform you, make you wise and make you laugh. Where else, between two covers could you hope to learn about the history of the catapult, the worlds largest wooden airplane, a model city built of 2 million toothpicks, how a grand piano is made, the world championship belt sander races, and much, much more. On top of that you will get more solid, well-informed information about wood and trees than you ever thought you'd want to know. And you'll keep reading right to the end because it's beautifully and smoothly written and great fun throughout.

The nun completely cracks me up! There were a few times while reading this gem when I thought I would die laughing!

A nun in the major leagues? No way! But Hanson makes it happen, and with hilarious results. The combination of burly athletes who aren't always on their best behavior, and a devout Catholic female who insists that they behave, is truly entertaining. I look forward to more books by this author.

I loved this book. The author's got a great sense of humor that carries the story, even in the more serious parts. While it's not likely that we'll see a nun pitching in major league baseball anytime soon, Hanson did his homework and came up with a scenario that could happen: a woman knuckerballer playing major league baseball. Why not? The Spring Habit's got a strong storyline with real conflict. It combines religion and politics and America's favorite pastime. What's not to love?

The Spring Habit is an irreverent yet upbeat novel featuring a most unlikely heroine - a chaste and virtuous nun with a singularly amazing knuckleball. The big league Washington Memorials grudgingly accept her, yet as she strives to make headway in an all-male world, she develops a bond with the team's female beat reporter. With the World Series underway, tension promises to be high amid a gender-redefinition of pro sports!

This book is really a fun read. If you like baseball, it has enough baseball to keep you interested. If you don't like baseball, you'll still enjoy it. Hanson is a really fine writer and the story is funny and moving.

One of my memories of Hank Aguirre is his pitching in relief of the first major league game I saw in Detroit in 1958. After completing a game in Yankee Stadium in which Al Kaline broke his collar bone to make a diving catch to win the game the headline read "Tigers Find A Starter But Lose A Star", the Tigers found they had a legitimate starting pitcher for their staff. Hank's inability as a hitter are legendary, but the author spends a great deal of time on Hank's humanitarian efforts on behalf of Hispanic minorities in the Detroit area. His business efforts were ultimately successful, but the time spent away from his family took its toll. People are remembered for what they give, and Hank gave of himself to others. This is a very easy to read book, and one that would be beneficial to high school libraries even though the name of Hank Aguirre is an unknown to them.

i was fascinated by the title itself. the tall mexican should be a must read for all minorities who struggle under the lash of predjudice. i thought i was going to read a story about baseball, but discovered TTM is a story of hope and of love for our fellowman that goes beyond the ordinary into the realm of the spiritual. Hank Aguirre was, pure and simple, a giant of a man whose work for other Hispanics made him an apostle for the underpriviledged -

Bob Copley paints a vivid and moving picture of a man who showed us all how to be better human beings. Hank Aguirre was no more perfect than the rest of us, and that made him the perfect role model for real people. He had talent and determination and compassion and he parlayed those qualities for the benefit of those less fortunate than himself. Aguirre showed us all how to be better managers and better citizens and better friends. Copley's biography brings us into the world of Hank Aguirre and allows us to experience life as a friend, neighbor, and colleague of Aguirre. And as such, in the end, we grieve Hank's untimely passing with the same sadness. Hank's legacy lives on, through his family and through all of us who are willing to share our blessings and opportunities with others. The Tall Mexican lets Hank Aguirre continue to provide a powerful role model for generations to come. Share it with your children.

the tall mexican is heart-lifting biography of a big-league, all-star pitcher who brke the mold of professional athletes by startin a business in crime-ridden section of Detroit and providing jobs for the jobless and hope for the hopeless and turned thousands of lives around in so doing. A deeply spiritual man, hank aguirre befriended many and exploited no one

an inspiring account of The Tall Mexican, Hank Aguirre, who was a true professional baseball star; but who dedicated his post-celebrity life to helping his fellow Hispanics in Detroit by starting a business and providing jobs for the unemployable. He started his business in 1979 with eight employees and one run-down former bump-shop in the Mexicantown barrio. Today, there are eight locations emoloying over 1500 workers - 87% of whom are Hispanic. Sales this year are projected at $156 million. Hank succumbed to prostate cancer in 1994, but his legacy prevails.

I was anticipating the publishing of this book as I have been familiar with Stein's work as the Dodgers' official team photographer. What you get in this book is a nice blend of posed shots along with never-before published shots of various game stills along with behind the scenes snaps. In addition, Crosby and D'Agostino enlist the help of the still living Brooklyn Dodgers (including Vin Sculley) to tell the reader what is really happening in the photo or why the photo was taken.

This is clearly not a rehash of old Dodgers lore or the same, well-published photographs...but an intimate family album of the Brooklyn Dodgers from '37-'57.

Forests have been felled with books written about the much beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. Roger Kahn, Carl Erskine, Red Barber, and numerous others have relished telling us what life was like with Brooklyn baseball, especially from the years 1947 through 1957. In addition, numerous authors have written about Jackie Robinson. However, author Dennis D'Agostino and Bonnie Crosby, daughter of Barney Stein, who was the official photographer of the Brooklyn Dodgers have put together several of Barney's photographs of his years in covering the Dodgers from 1937 through their last season of 1957 in Brooklyn. These are photos not seen before in other books, and numerous details are provided that the reader may otherwise overlook in the picture. I'm fortunate to have the book entitled "The Rhubarb Patch" published in 1954 with Barney Stein's photos and text by Red Barber, and this new effort is a treasure trove of photos from this historical era. One photo that has been often seen is of Jackie Robinson stealing home in the 1955 World Series on pages 90 and 91. The view we are given shows the entire dugout and many of the fans in the stands, several dressed in neckties and fedoras. The on-deck batter for the Dodgers, Frank Kellert, appears to have the best view of whether Robinson was safe or out. When asked for his opinion on the play Kellert drew the rath of Robinson by answering, "I thought he was out." Not mentioned in the caption, but seated in the front row of the stands is "The Big O", Dodgers' owner Walter O'Malley, nattily attired in suit and tie. I'm thankful I can remember the Dodgers of the 1950's, but whether you are old enough to do so or not, if you enjoy baseball history, I would highly recommend, yes, one more book on the Brooklyn Dodgers.

I thought I had seen just about every shot of the "Boys of Summer" but boy was I wrong. The book had some fabulous and nostalgic photos of my childhood heroes. Well written and enjoyable reading added to the wonderful photos. A must for every Brooklyn Dodger fan

Having only been told of the folklore of the Brooklyn Dodgers from my father, it was a real treat to see new photos of a golden age of baseball. This book captures the essense of baseball in Brooklyn and the love affair of the fans and the players. My Dad's favorite player was Don Newcombe, and there he was putting on his uniform at Ebbet's Field with a huge smile. This book gave me a connection to Brooklyn I only heard from the stories of my father. After reading and viewing these photos I felt like I was part of Happy Feltons Knothole Gang....What a treat and I believe for Brooklyn Dodgers fans a Treasure!

Thank heaven for Barney Stein, the five foot tall giant of a man whose personal rallying cry of "Uno mas! One more!" allowed for the creation of THROUGH A BLUE LENS, a "family album" of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Barney was the team's official photographer from 1937 to 1957. Indefatigable in composing the best shots (he is said to have climbed the old dirigible mooring mast on the Empire State Building for a panoramic shot, and climbed the north tower of the then-under-construction Triborough Bridge for much the same reason), each of Barney's photographs tells a complete story.

Posed shots are here as well as in the old Dodger Yearbooks that Barney contributed so richly to. Action shots of crucial and not-so-crucial moments on the field pepper this book. What sets THROUGH A BLUE LENS so far apart are the informal and candid shots of the team going about the everyday business of Dodger baseball. Barney's quick eye captured the fun and the excitement and the team's Love of The Game, and captured the unique personalities of each individual Dodger. He also captured Ebbets Field at its best and in its sad death throes, the true end of an era in Brooklyn.

Did I say thank heaven for Barney Stein? Well then, thank heaven for his daughter, Bonnie Crosby, who has managed to preserve so many of her father's never-before-seen creations. Doubtless many of Barney's photographs are gone forever, and THROUGH A BLUE LENS is too short at 162 pages, but this wonderful coffee table edition is a must have for the dedicated Brooklyn Dodger fan.

I absolutely loved this book! It made me laugh, cry and laugh until I cried. Now I'm just wondering... when do we find out if Andy and Kate get married?!?!? =)

I can't imagine anyone not thinking this book is entertaining. They'd have to be anti-baseball, anti-makeup, anti-romance, anti-poking fun at people, anti-big life dreams and just plain anti-American! I am an avid reader and I almost never read a book more than once -- but this one I've read multiple times and it made me laugh out loud every time. The characters are quirky and endearing. Stanger's sense of humor is evident throughout; he says things we all think, but wouldn't say out loud. If you've ever lived in a small town, you'll feel right at home. This is the kind of book that will have you cheering for the underdog right up to the very end.

This book is a great story of the diversity of Bloomington, Indiana uniting for the great American pastime. The characters are so funny and it keeps you wanting more. I had to force myself to put it down some nights so I could sleep! Jeff Stanger is a great Hoosier writer!

but great for my mind.

I found this novel to be hilarious, swift-moving, and at times, painful. A great read, but not so much while sitting atop any sort of commode. I read seven chapters in one "sitting" and had to crawl out of the bathroom like some unfortunate amputee. So, I'd say this book will give you good feelings, and not-so-good creepy pins-and-needles feelings too. Read with caution.

I just finished the book Trolley Dodgers and am sad it is over. Before I pick it up to start again (tonight!) I wanted to pass along a positive review. This book is fabulous, especially if you have spent any time in Bloomington, Indiana. I felt like I was reliving my college days again with Stanger's descriptive scenes, and the characters he created were as familiar as old friends. As a baseball fan, a graduate of IU, and a Mary Kay chick, it feels like Stanger has captured too many parts of my life in his book. Scary? Yes... but I MUST read it again!