Baseball Books

Colbert does a marvelous job here at combining the various elements of baseball-related art. In this collection you will find some of the very best poems and fictional outtakes that have been written about the game. But the speakers are not limited to professional writers. There are player quotes, journalistic snippets, and even a famous comedic routine.

Finally, the art work is stunning and layed out in a way that accentuates both the visual and verbal aspects of the book. Highly recommended for the fan of literature or baseball that wants something that is both beautiful and meaningful.

What a wonderful Mother's Day gift for one who truly loves the game of baseball. This book is baseball and writing at its best....from Humphrey Bogart's saying...a hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz....to the marvelous photos and poems...to Ann Hood's MEMOIR..and her love for the game. As Robert Frost said...some baseball is the fate of all of us.....and for us lucky ones...more than some please!! Despite all its problems, baseball is a great game!!

I loved editing this book. With the writers mentioned in the Publishers Weekly review above, you can guess why. But you'll be even more amazed, as I was, by the vibrant art and design. Deborah Bull and Greg Wakabayashi have created something special. David Colbert

For anyone who loves baseball, food, wine, Italy, and music (not necessarily in that order), this is the book for you. Dave Bidini's experiences with the Peones are hilarious. Imagine the passion that Italians have about everything in life. Now imagine that passion when arguing with an umpire. Hot dogs in the dugout? Not in Italy. Italians know how to eat! Read this book...you won't be disappointed.

Baseball has been a popular sport in Italy ever since it was first introduced by American soldiers who liberated Italy from the fascist in World War II. Author Dave Didini (along with his wife and two small children) traveled to Nettuno, Italy (south of Rome on the Tyrrhenian coast) to seek out his favorite summer game in what has evolved into the "baseball capital" of Italy since 1944. The serie A team in Nettuno is the Indians -- but this is a team stuffed with talent imported from Latin America. So for six months Didini followed the fortunes of the Serie B Peones, solidly staffed with Nettunese locals. When he returned to America, he sat down and wrote up his experiences with Italian baseball and culture. The result is Baseballissimo: My Summer In The Italian Minor Leagues. A lively and informative account that is a "must read" for anyone with an interest in baseball, as well as the armchair traveler seeking a quite different perspective on living and life in contemporary Italy.

Baseballissimo is one of those books you probably won't find at the bookstore, mainly because they wouldn't know what section to put it in. I only found it because of amazon's amazing "recommended for you" feature. It put together the fact that I enjoy memoirs, baseball, and Italy, and found a book about all three.

Baseballissimo is by Dave Bidini, a Canadian author. A surprisingly high percentage of the offbeat and intriguing books that I come across are by Canadian authors. I don't know how it works exactly, or what the income tax rate must be in Canada to subsidize such a program, but apparently the government actually pays authors to write books. They paid Bidini to take his family (wife, toddler, and infant) to Nettuno, Italy for six months so he could follow the local baseball team, the Peones for a season, and write a book about it. He says his choice was between baseball in Italy or wrestling in Newfoundland. Doesn't sound like a tough choice to me.

Bidini sits in the dugout and sometimes warms up with the Peones, an amateur team in one of the several Italian leagues. He gets to know the players and gives them all nicknames. He finds out how baseball came to be so popular in Italy (American GIs introduced it during World War II). He and his family become temporary residents of the small town of Nettuno near Anzio and about an hour's drive south of Rome. Bidini gets in touch with his roots - his grandparents were immigrants to Canada from Italy. He reminisces about how baseball has always been a part of his life. And he follows the Peones from pre-season training to the exciting season finish against Palermo.

Sometimes you get the feeling that Bidini cares more about the game than the Peones do. They're a good team, but it's just amateur baseball, and they all have day jobs and girlfriends and lives. Bidini's pushing forty and the manager, although still fit and athletic, is in his sixties. The players, mostly in their twenties and in a country where soccer is king, are sometimes late for practice, or are more interested in the fantastic pre-game snacks they've brought. Since this is Italy, there are no hot dogs and sunflower seeds. It's homemade pizza, smooth espresso, and sugary pastries. Sure, the players want to win, and they go all out when they play. But to them it's just a game. Little do they know.

Frank Bosworth excels at not only being funny but managing to convey a thoughtful undercurrent. Most humorous writers provide laughs, then switch to serious mode for the "lesson" while Bosworth has the reader shifting between chuckling and howling from beginning to end, but still sends the reader away, pondering the size of the role chance plays in our lives.

Bosworth has a unique and delightful way of presenting the reader
with doses of the wit and wisdom of moments from
everyday life that we often miss while looking backwrd or forward or simply away; in so doing he touches our hearts, opens out eyes and sometimes makes us shed a long awaited tear inside a good hard laugh.!

Loved this entertainingly humorous story of personal success and failure where the author's fate is determined, as is the norm, not by his athletic capabilities, determination or personality, but by another's success or failure. We can all relate to this story as we all wait for our 15 minutes of fame!
Is a must read!!

This is very simple. If you collect baseball cards, you need ths book. It's just that easy!!!

THIS BOOK HELPED ME AND MY COLLECTOR FRIENDS SO MUCH , THAT I HAD TO GIVE IT TO ONE OF THEM WHO DOES NOT LIVE IN THE USA, AND THAT IS WHY I AM NOW BUYING MY SECI=OND COPY. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This book is an absolute necessity for baseball card collectors who are in search of specific players. The book alphabetically lists every player who has appeared on a baseball card. Not only does it list the major companies (like Topps), it does an excellent job of listing locally issued cards. It includes minor league cards as well. If you are looking for a specific player's cards, this is the best place to find every card produced of that player.
The only downside to this book is that it is fairly quickly outdated due to the glut of cards on the market. Back in the day, a great player like Hank Aaron might have 1 regular card and maybe 5-10 special or regional cards each year. Now, a player like Albert Pujols might have over 100 total each year.
That downside cannot be avoided, though. With that in mind, this book cannot do much more.

A hustler gets a free ride and makes it seem as if he's doing you a favor. - Bill Veeck

Hey, you can have your Babe Ruths and Willie Mays and Barry Bonds. Give me Bill Veeck. Veeck's the guy who introduced Bat Day, had the one and only midget pinch-hitter in the history of baseball, put players' names on the back of uniforms, had the first exploding scoreboard and signed the first African-American to play in the American League - Larry Doby. Oh, yeah, and he planted the ivy around the outfield fences at Wrigley Field.
The Hustler's Handbook was written in 1965 with sportswriter Ed Linn. Somehow or other I got the feeling it was written to help pay off a creditor or two. Don't know where I got that idea, but I'll stick with it for now. The book is a product of the time and often deals with what were then current issues - the behind-the-scene story of the '64 World Series, the purchase of the New York Yankees by CBS, a couple of then fresh chapters on baseball executives Horace Stoneman and Branch Rickey. All things considered, we can forgive him his chapter on the cute widdle Metsies. I've been sick of the stories about these "lovable losers" since before Roger Clemens was born, but Veeck doesn't let too much treacle ruin his observations.
This volume of Veeck's observations on the state of the game is a flat out delight. Veeck's observations are pungent and direct.
This is what he had to say about Yogi Berra: "Yogi is a completely manufactured product. He is a case study of this country's unlimited ability to gull itself and be gulled.... It pleased the public to think that this odd-looking little man with the great natural ability had a knack for mouthing humorous truth with the sort of primitive peasant wisdom we rather expect from our sports heroes."
On Leo Durocher and racism: "Leo himself is without any racial consciousness - or even unconsciousness. Leo looks on each human being with the purest of motives; i.e., what can this guy do to make Leo Durocher's passage through life easier, more fun and more profitable?"
Veeck has another chapter on the minor leagues in which he heaps praise on the glorious Mike Kelly, owner of the St. Paul team in the American Association who Veeck credits with delivering "a priceless education in operations, trading, larceny and such other of the applied sciences as came to his nimble mind."
Veeck has a sharp eye and a soft place in his heart for the sharper and the con man. The only character in this book who Veeck treats with anything approaching harshness is Branch Rickey, who Veeck apparently felt was a little too much the pious charlatan for his tastes.
It's a shame that as I write this (June 2004) The Hustler's Handbook is out of print. If I was building a sports library this one would be on the first shelf.
The Fireside Edition was published in 1989, and contains an epilogue (which, oddly enough, is subtitled "Moneyball") written sometime before Veeck's death in 1986. If you think Veeck is a dinosaur, passe and irrelevant to today, consider this from the Epilogue:
"There is... one source of talent that has never been tapped: the female of the species. In 1980, I had a promotion worked out, secretly, with Coca-Cola to conduct a national hunt for the best of the female players, with the winners to be placed in the minor leagues and brought along like anybody else. It was not a stunt. Although the female of the species lacks the upper-body strength to stand much of a chance in the competition for the power positions, young women are more than competitive when it comes to dexterity and agility. If everything had gone according to plan, we would have had a female playing second base in Chicago within three years and, unless I was off the mark, a pitcher with style and control within five."
The Hustler's Handbook will delight baseball fans with a knowledge of the history of the game.

Veeck, famous for such promotions as the pinch-hitting midget and the exploding scoreboard, reveals the methods to his maddness and the subtle brilliance behind every move he made in baseball. This book is essential reading for anyone involved promotions or marketing. It's also loads of fun for baseball fans or anyone who just wants to laugh.

This out-of-print work treats us to the great combination of Bill Veeck's insight and sense of humour as rendered by Ed Linn (recently passed on... rest in peace, and thanks for all the great reading), one of the best authors any baseball figure ever wrote a book 'with'. It is dated about 1966, before the era of free agency, baseball strikes, and Veeck's second stint as owner of the White Sox. It doesn't really live up to the title, it wanders a bit, and at the end it leaves one wondering whether Veeck had a message to convey (beyond, of course, the standard refrain that baseball owners generally shouldn't be trusted any further than one can throw a slider underwater).

The above doesn't detract from my strong recommendation, because even as a dozen-odd independent chapters that relate only marginally to one another, it's still wonderful stuff. Old stories about almost-forgotten figures, commentaries on various owners' catfights, and plenty of gaffs at Ford Frick. One of the most interesting parts is the chapter devoted to the interpretation of the long-mislaid notes of Harry Grabiner. (Who cares?, you might ask? Ever hear of the Black Sox scandal? Well, Harry was in the Chisox front office when that happened. A lot of people should be glad these notes weren't published until 45 years after the fact, and Veeck's commentary on them is most incisive.)

A definite search candidate, and if you dig in it enough, contains a lot of insight into the operation of a ballclub.

Excellent book for young boy's especially who are learning to develope the correct way to be a pitcher.

I've coached little league for a few years now and feel that overall I do a good job, but when it comes to instructing pitchers I'm not much help. I was never a pitcher myself and dont give great advice-mostly "throw strikes and stay positive". As far as mechanics-I'm not much help.

After reading about the book in our local newspaper and being told by my son that he wants to pitch this year I thought I'd check it out. It was a good idea. It's very informative-I especially like how he has photos of major league pitchers demonstrating the ideas he's writing about. The drills and the discussion of the different grips and pitching strategies are going to give me something to work on with my son and the other pitchers this year-if it ever warms up. I'd highly recommend it.

This book is easy to follow and has helped my coaching of young pitchers this winter tremendously. The pictures show exactly what I should teach and the book covers everything from grips to when pitchers should throw certain pitches to how to get hitters out. I would think any pitcher or coach at any level from little league to the Major leagues would benefit from this book. All of us coaches should have it!

If you think you know something about the history of our top three American sports, you should try this one. Fox will tell you so much about what happened that you will shake your head saying, "I didn't know that." He tells his story eloquently. The breath and depth of his knowledge in some popular areas is awesome, especially his account of the evolution of the jump shot. I was left impressed with the degree of research that was necessary for such an interesting book. While his selection of pictures is interesting, it is the factual research concerning little known facts that will leave you a more knowledgable student of sports in America.

If you think you know something about the history of our top three American sports, you should try this one. Fox will tell you so much about what happened that you will shake your head saying, "I didn't know that." He tells his story eloquently. The breath and depth of his knowledge in some popular areas is awesome, especially his account of the evolution of the jump shot. I was left impressed with the degree of research that was necessary for such an interesting book. While his selection of pictures is interesting, it is the factual research concerning little known facts that will leave you a more knowledgable student of sports in America.

Most sports books focus on a single sport; this book is unusual in that it deals with three: baseball, football, and basketball, all on the pro level. In a terrific opening chapter, Fox discusses what he considers to be the defining moment for each sport, and for each it ends up being the same concept: putting the ball in the air (the "invention" of the jump shot in basketball by Kenny Sailors, the utilization of the forward pass by Benny Friedman, and the sudden blossoming of the home run with Babe Ruth).

Each team is then given a separate chapter in which Fox relates its early developments; Fox is particularly interested in the formative years of each sport: baseball prior to 1900, football when it was more a slugfest and teams just slammed into one another, and basketball when it actually was played inside a cage (thus the term "cagers" for basketball players). Finally, there's a chapter each on the "national" team for each sport: the Yankees, the Packers, and the Celtics.

Fox has done his reasearch well, but the book is more than just another history book. Humorous anecdotes abound, and Fox is forthright about how drink, drugs, and sex ruined many a career. You won't find your typical hero worship here either (except for maybe Ruth, Friedman, and Bill Russell), just a lot of interesting information about the three most popular pro sports in America. Highly recommended.

Memories from my 2007 summer reading list:

I really enjoyed the biography of one of the greatest evangelists of our time. While much of the story is triumphant, I was struck by the somber notes of family discord. The eveangelist seemed to sacrifice the spititual upbringing of his sons in favor of the spiritual conditions of the world around him. His story serves as a good encouragement to strike a healthy balance between family and ministry.

Billy Sunday is another title in the "Heroes of the Faith" series on various Christian figures over the years.

Phillips summarizes Sunday's life, accomplishments, and death in a succinct manner and covers areas such as:

1. Early life in Iowa.
2. Being shipped off with his brother to a Soldier's Home when their mother could no longer take care of them.
3. Major League baseball career.
4. Eventual conversion and call to go into the gospel ministry.
5. Long and happy marriage to Nell, his beloved wife.
6. Results of various crusades throughout the country.
7. Pain experienced over the waywardness of his sons.

Again, the book is a good and smooth-flowing narrative and is easy to read. Recommended for anyone who wants to know more about the life of Billy Sunday.

Read and enjoy.
.

This book was a biography of one of America's greatest evangelists. From his childhood growing up in Iowa to his becoming one of the best baseball players at the end of the 19th century & ultimately showing his love & passion for not only Christ but for every unsaved soul in America & beyond. He not only was a great preacher, he was a great American & showed it by helping & providing for troops & other gov't. establishments. This is definately a book that will keep your interest & attention from start to finish!!! Very inspirational; enjoy!!

Exactly What It's title advertises - an alphabetical listings of players and personalities associated with the Negro Leagues of Baseball. Ranks with "Only the Ball Was White" and The works of John B.Holway as essntial to a study of the subject. Definitely recommended.

Editor James A. Riley is a renowned expert on the rich history of Negro League Baseball. His crowning achievement is honoring more than 4,000 players and those involved in management between the years of 1872-1950 in this comprehensive biographical encyclopedia.

Included are biographies and statistics on each individual and team, a bibliography that lists the materials used in the research, along with a register of the interviews that Riley conducted.

The Negro Leagues had a major economic and social impact in the black community, featured some of the greatest players & teams that the sport has ever had and was an integrated business on the diamond, inside the front offices and in the stands.

I have always compared the play in the Negro Leagues v. the white MLB to that of the AFL v. NFL and ABA v. NBA; that it was on par or superior to the other major league. The encyclopedia is a celebration of the legacy left by those who not only challenged the institutionalized racial hatred of the times, but triumphed in ways that we can learn from and must never forget.

...I question that love if you do not have this book. This is the most concise collection of biographies, stats, and information about every human involved with the development, management, and participation in every Negro League that ever existed. Even players whose first name was not known is listed with at least a few words about when they played and for whom. And the players with extensive history is detailed along with stats and other great side stories about them. There is even information on the teams in the Negro Leagues, which I found most interesting. I don't know of any other book that has as much information on the lesser-known players and behind-the-scenes people in the Negro Leagues than this one. If you are a Negro League fan, you probably already have this book. But if you are a baseball fan in general, you MUST have this book.

From Hank Aaron to Jeff Francoeur, Victor's camera captures the heart and soul of the Atlanta Braves for over 40 years. But this is more that a mere picture book for the coffee table. Along with his outstanding photographs Victor provides first hand accounts and anecdotes about the players as only he can tell them. He also includes the story of his own life, how he served his country during World War II and how he became the official photographer of the Braves. This is a book for both Braves fans and history buffs alike.

If you are a fan of the Atlanta Braves, this book is a must! The photos and behind the scenes stories are fascinating, as is the life story of the author.

This book is a must for any Braves fan. Photographers and WWII enthusiasts may want to check it out as well. I was fortunate enough to interview Walter Victor (the subject of this book) recently for a newspaper article I was writing and he is without a doubt the kindest man you'll ever meet. He went through the book with me and described the significance of many of the pictures, some of which are included in exhibitions at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
This book doesn't just chronicle Victor's experience as the official photographer for the Atlanta Braves baseball team though, there are also early photos that Walter took while fighting in Europe during WWII.
In closing, I further want to stress that this is an important book to own if you are a fan of America's baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, or a fan of America in general, Victor one of the last of a dwindling breed of Americans who possess true grit, guts and spirit.