Baseball Books

This book is an excellent text for any aspiring professional ballplayer. Decisions aren't always based upon the best talent/playing ability, a cold fact of life not mentioned much by recruiters and scouts. Wonderful reading for a baseball fan.

The author tells his story with an honest, easy going approach. It was refreshing to read an athlete who is not bagged down with an enormous ego. I was pulling for Steve the entire way, and I hope that one day his sons will pitch for the Phillies and lead them to the World Series.

Steve Fireovid played parts of 6 seasons in the major leagues. I guess the best way to describe him was that he was viewed as good enough to almost make the team, aka the 26th man. This baseball diary explores the process of actually making a baseball team. The roster spots don't always go to the best players. Money, contracts and connections often affect the decisions of baseball executives.
Fireovid reveals the inner workings of baseball and his struggle to make it in the majors. Despite the letdowns, he never comes across as bitter, just factual.
In a world full of autobiographies of almost every star, this unheralded book, by the self-described 26th man, accomplishes what most of the others don't. This book reaches out and grabs the reader. You care about him and about others like him.
This is not a tale of failure. This is the story of a true success, Steve Fireovid.

The author like many young stars in high school and college, started with great promise and expectations. But though he stood out in the minors, he never really got a chance at the major league level. This diary of his last year in baseball tells what day to day life as a minor league pitcher was like, and demonstrates that the system is sometimes as blinded by images, by prejudged expectations, as the rest of us. Fireovid was a better pitcher than several who were elevated, but "They were a prospect, I was a suspect."

I'm not really a baseball fan, but I very much enjoyed this frank picture of the life of a mature, thoughtful man making one last try for his childhood dream.

even though my dad wrote this book, i never knew what all went on. i think it's enjoyable to read, and very unbiased. i'm glad i read it, and it's fun to see my name in it.

Byron Baldwin is a fabulous photographer. This is the story of a baseball team in Rembert, South Carolina who play the game because they love and enjoy it. Many of them have been playing for years, and Byron Baldwin captures the season's many great moments.

The 521 All-Stars is a baseball team with roots going all the way back to the 1920s. It is a black baseball team, and part of a league of twenty other teams. Each Saturday and Sunday, people come to the field to cheer for their teams.

Frye Gaillard does a wonderful job writing, and each picture seems to come more alive with the use of his words.

I hope that Byron Baldwin will one day write another book with either Frye Gaillard or another writer, for this quiet man with a love for music and photography made a great impact on the lives of the students he taught (I know, I was one of them) as well as the community of Charlotte, NC. I hope that he will also be able to show others around the world his knowledge and amazing techniques in photography. This book helps show them, and it brings to life a part of Southern history that many people have either forgotten about or never knew as well as show the beauty of the love of a great game.

From its richly flavored and evocative photographs to its cleanly presented yet eloquent prose, this book is truly a must have. Thought the book may focus on baseball as subject matter, the story truly lies within the framework of the community that supports the league. This sense of community, seemingly lost in a world laden with technology, is alive and well in Rembert, South Carolina. Byron Baldwin and Frye Galliard really do capture this spirit, and use their respective talents to convey it to the reader. Whether you are interested in baseball, black history, or that spirit of community so true to "Americana", then buy this book. You will not be dissappointed.

Outstanding book. this is the first book that I have read that focused on smalltown USA and the will and esprit that a town puts into a baseball team. I found the book to be extrememly inspirational and the photography was excellent. Definitely worthy of reading.....I truly enjoyed each and every page.

Through evocative and tasteful photographs, coupled seamlessly with simple yet poignant prose, this book certainly deserves the five star rating. Baldwin and Galliard have definately captured a piece of what it is that makes us human. Despite the fact that the book's focus is baseball, the real story lies in the community that fuels the small-town league. This idea of a community that relies on its members to exist is nearly lost in a society laden with technology. Somehow, the boys in Rembert, South Carolina, and their love of the game, have managed to survive. If you are interested in good photography, black history, baseball, or southern culture, then this book is truly a must have.

What a wonderful visual study of the nature of community and the joy of sport. The text captures the context but the energy, passion and love of the players is a delight to behold in the photographs. This book should be in every public school library in the nation. I can see young people spending hours looking and reading and being inspired at the vision of a place where values, a love of community, faith and sport are demonstrated in an authentic and traditional way. I'm glad I owe this book!

Bill Crawford has written a fairly thorough and detailed account of Jim Thorpe, without a doubt the greatest athlete of the 20th Century. Mr. Crawford, however, fell short when relating, on pages 231-232, Thorpe's passing and eventual burial. At his death he was brought back to Shawnee, Oklahoma, by his family. He was NOT BURIED, as Mr. Crawford states, but his body lay in the mausoleum at Fairview Cemetery. Many local people visited the site in respect, myself included. During the months his body rested there several prominent citizens began work on a project to build a permanent monument for him. Designs for a burial place and a museum were developed and funds began to be raised. Preliminary plans were to put it between the football and baseball field on the west side of town. However, before the total could be raised and the plans finalized Thorpe's body disappeared, literally, in the middle of the night - much to the surprise of his family and to Shawnee citizens. It was a terrible disappointment. In 1949, on one of his trips back to Oklahoma, he had stated that he was born May 28, 1888 "near and south of Bellemont - Pottawatomie County - along the banks of North Fork River . . hope this will clear up the inquiries as to my birthplace", signed Jim Thorpe. (Bellemont was on the county line between Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties, 8 miles off Hwy 18 - Shawnee is the county seat of Pottawatomie County and about 11 miles from the site). Thus, Shawnee citizens were very proud to be known as the home of the greatest athlete of all time. When the town didn't get to be the resting place of Thorpe's body it was decided to name the football stadium in his honor anyway, and it's known as Jim Thorpe Stadium to this day. It was surprising to read in Mr. Crawford's book that "Shawnee refused to erect a memorial for her husband". It just wasn't so and a little further research on his part, maybe perusing copies of the Shawnee News-Star in the local library. Also, just a few years ago (haven't been out there in a while), there was a marker on the vault at Fairview describing that was where Jim Thorpe's body had lain.

As the youngest son of Jim Thorpe, I want to thank Bill Crawford for finally bringing out the truth in writing as to what happened to our father. For years our family and others have tried to clear his name. Much still needs to be done. Although his Gold Medals from the 1912 Olympics have been returned, dad is only named co-winner. His trophys from the games are still held by the IOC.

Mr. Crawford writes a wonderfull book. But,there is still a lack of understanding of the Indian culture,and what took place in the Indian School System during the early years of the last century, the Indian were not citizens of the United States and held on legal status. Dad did what he was told to do and suffered for his lack of knowledge and having no legal support.

As a family, we still want his name fully cleared and his full honors returned. Then the day would come when he can be put to rest.

Bill Crawford's "All American: The Rise and Fall of Jim Thorpe" is a well crafted, insightful and poignant portrait of one of the 20th century's greatest athletes. That alone would be sufficient to give it all-star status among the scores of sports books published in recent years. "All American," however, is far more than that because paints a unique and compelling picture of "amateur" intercollegiate athletics in its infancy and thereby helps us to understand behemoth that it has become today.

Jim Thorpe's story has been told in other biographies as well as in a grade B movie. Crawford's contribution is its investigation of the complex relationship between Thorpe and his legendary coach, Glenn "Pop" Warner - the same Pop Warner who is the namesake of the youth football leagues that are supposed to instill in young men the spirit and ideals of honest and fair competition. Yet, as early as the first decade of the century, Warner, the football coach at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, was earning more than his school's president, was recruiting "student athletes" who were far more athlete than student and was disbursing under the table cash. Although Warner won the trust and loyalty of Thorpe, he ultimately betrayed him by denying that he knew that he had played semi-pro baseball for petty cash. As a consequence, the Amateur Athletic Union and the American Olympic Committee ruled that Thorpe had compromised his amateur status and stripped him of his 1912 Olympic medals. In fact, Crawford makes clear, Warner not only was aware of what Thorpe had been doing in football's off-season, he most likely made the arrangements.

"All American: The Rise and Fall of Jim Thorpe" should be required reading for anyone wishing to gain a perspective on the sports scandals du jour. It's an important book and a great compliment to the daily sports section.

This book provides the most detailed history yet of America's greatest athlete. In an era where athletes could not enhance their performance with drugs, Jim Thorpe was clearly, naturally the best. Bill Crawford's detailed account of Thorpe's life leaves no doubt in my mind. I am amazed by the amount of information Crawford provides on Thorpe as well as other athletes of the time. The history he provides of Carlisle and the Indian school system in general illustrates how poorly the BIA and the US government treated Indians. "All American: The Rise and Fall of Jim Thorpe" should be required reading for all BIA officials as well as strongly recommended reading for others in government. Certainly student athletes and athletic officials would enjoy and learn from it.

All American: The Rise And Fall Of Jim Thorpe is the biography of one of the greatest athletes of the twentieth century - who was also at the center of one of the greatest scandals. Jim Thorpe was a grand football running back, a proud Native American, a college player who led his Carlisle Indian Industrial School team to victory, and the winner of gold medals for the decathlon and the pentathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games. Yet a scandal ensued over whether he was truly worthy of "amateur" sports status, whether playing in certain professional ball games required that he be stripped of his titles. The scandal dragged his reputation through the mud and left a black mark on his life, even though he would go on to play professional baseball and become president of what would one day be the National Football League. All American is the candid portrayal of a courageous and dedicated athlete, and one who was essentially used as a guinea pig to determine the rules - who is an amateur, and who is a pro, and what amateurs and pros are allowed to do or not do. Enjoyable in its own right, All American is a welcome addition to prominent Native American biography collections, and highly recommended for American sports history shelves.

I can't wait to read this book. Amazon makes ordering new and used items so easy. I am a customer for life.

Former Yankee Jerry Coleman recalls his playing days: second baseman played his entire nine-year career in New York and appeared in six World Series.(Turn ... An article from: Baseball Digest


Great Read! Jerry is true example of what real heros are made of. How many players would unselfishly leave the game not once, but two times to serve their country in combat? This is the stuff Pat Tillman was made of. Jerry is a great guy! You never hear him speak of any of this unless asked. He is a San Diego treasure.

I bought this book for my father as he has been an avid Padre fan since 1969. He just loves it. Jerry Coleman is the San Diego Padres.

Scott
El CAJON, CA

I don't know how many "with." books I have read not 100 but more than fifty. Even wrote two of them. YOGI IT AIN'T OVER WITH YOGI and THE OCTOBER TWELVE with PHIL RIZZUTO.Jerry Coleman's "WITH" RICHARD GOLDSTEIN did an outstanding job. I envy him but not for writing the book. Writing is hard work. Spending time in the company of Jerry Coleman is a joy. A tonic for the soul.

Jerry Coleman has honorably served America both as a military man, as a baseball player during the 1950's for the New York Yankees, and as an announcer for the Yankees, CBS, and as an announcer/manager for the San Diego Padres. He considers his greatest achievement in life to be the five years he spent as a marine during both World War II and the Korean War. He grew up in a home with a physically abusive father, and a very devoted mother. His best friends with the Yankees were Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, Ed Lopat, Bobby Brown, and Charlie Silvera. Coleman believes Mickey Mantle's alcohol problems became full blown after he retired from the game and the cheering stopped. Coleman vividly recalls the incident in May of 1957 when Yankees' infielder Gil McDougald lined Cleveland Indians' pitcher Herb Score in the eye. This had a great emotional effect on McDougald who considered quitting the game. Coleman's one year at the helm of the Padres did not go well. His players viewed him as the team's announcer, and a relic from the past. Coleman gives his views on various things regarding the game such as the size of players compared to when he played, and the effect large contracts can have on some players. He blames the players' union for fighting against a strong drug program which has ultimately harmed players who play by the rules. Coleman considers Aaron to be the all-time home run leader with Maris to be the home run leader for a single season. This book is light easy reading, and I enjoyed reading about one of the bubble gum cards of my youth.

This was a GREAT book. It does not sugar-coat Bonds instead it challenges the beliefs/charges. It gives very clear and obvious flaws to the "evidence" and "belief" that Bonds cheated. We will not know if he cheated until he admits it. The trial will not bear out whether he actually cheated. Read this book and open your eyes to the possibility that we witnessed one of the most amazing athletes that every played the hardest game every invented. Under no circumstances should any man, woman or child be "convicted" just because they are the biggest jerks on the planet. Ted fell into that category and he was not nearly as revered as he should have been. Unfortunately, once the bell has been rung...it cannot be UNrung.

I am not a baseball fan, or follow the stories about athletes using steroids. I was very surprised, and found myself turning the pages and inhaling the information. I enjoyed this book because its entertaining, and informative.

I've read almost all of the books out there that deal with steroids in baseball, and this one really is the most interesting of them all. Ezra is able to mount a very convincing defense of Bonds, without resorting to typical 'lawyer' techniques like taking incriminating evidence and trying to come up with some reason it shouldn't be included. What amazed me was how much of the 'evidence' against Bonds has been grossly exaggerated, or even fabricated.

The author looks at reports that Bonds gained 40 pounds of muscle in one year and that his bones have increased in size (among other purported evidence), and those reports are almost categorically shot down. The author also points out that no one has ever claimed to have given Bonds steroids, injected him, or even seen him taking anything suspicious.

Whether you like Bonds or not, this is a great book to read. I've always figured it to be very likely that Bonds did take steroids or HGH. This book seriously makes me wonder whether I'd jumped the gun and declared him guilty like all too many other fans.

I joined most Americans by forming the opinion that Barry Bonds was a cheat and a steroid user. All of the evidence was there, wasn't it? Well, actually no! Attorney David Ezra finally takes a look at the actual evidence and in doing so has convinced me that Barry isn't a cheater and there should be no "asterisk" next to his name and records. I was amazed to learn about Barry's intelligence, athleticism, and work ethic. This book should be read by the media, the U.S. Attorney's office, and MLB. We are to quick to rush to judgment when the person we're judging seems to be a jerk.
Well, I have changed my mind and so will you. This is must reading for all baseball fans.
Thanks, David Ezra for a great read!!!

Here I was in the midst of a deadline for work when I was sent an advance copy of this book. I told myself I would only read the first few pages and then get back to work....well needless to say it was several hours before I could put the book down and only because my job was at stake. Very engaging book. I am a baseball fanatic and had already made up my mind about Bonds. After reading this book, there is certainly more doubt in my mind. The author provided many intriguing insights. The author like me doesn't like Bonds the person much but Bonds the player is still a once in a generation marvel and I am now willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. This book is well written and worth your time.

It's not the "last" World Series championship anymore!!!!

I've always had the nagging suspicion that some Red Sox fans were afraid of anything linked to 1918. Well, there is no longer any reason to feel that way.

After beating the Yankees in the greatest comeback in baseball history (and watching New York commit the worst choke of all time) and then sweeping the Cardinals in the World Series, maybe now fans will be curious about the 1918 team and that war-torn season.

Find out what Babe Ruth was like before he went to New York and his career went downhill.

This is a well-written account of Babe's last championship season with Boston. If you are a Red Sox fan, it's a must read. If you know a Red Sox fan, this makes an excellent gift. 1918 is no longer a reminder of failure, but just another season when Boston won the world series.

In 1918, Wood's main focus is on the dramatic and historic 1918 season, in which the Red Sox took their sixth Junior Circuit flag, then continued on to beat the Chicago Cubs in the World Series four games to one, becoming the first team to win five World's Championships. As we know, 1918 is also the last world title for the BoSox. Also featured are the amazing exploits of the young pitching phenom George Herman Ruth. This was the year that Ruth burst on the baseball world not as the Cy Young-like lefthander he had been, but as the soon-to-be Sultan of Swat most of us think of when we hear the name "Babe". Wood also goes into great detail on the undisciplined Ruth's season-long feuding with his manager, Ed Barrow, as well as with the Sox' owner Harry Frazee. Ruth was desparate to play first base, the outfield, or even come in as a left-handed shortstop so he could play every day and hit more homers. Management wanted him on the mound, where he was still one of the most dominant pitchers of the dead-ball era. Wood tells of at least three times where Ruth 'quit' the Red Sox, only to show up at the park the next day. Another major part of the book is told through the backdrop of World War I. In early 1918, Major League Baseball inexplicably failed to request an exemption from the government's "work or fight" order (while other entertainment industries, such as theater and the nascent motion picture crafts, were granted exemptions). This meant that players were obligated to either join the active military or find war-related work until the cessation of hostilities. With a September 15 deadline, baseball's answer was to cut the regular season short, with the last games being played on Labor Day and the World Series starting on September 5. Ironically, the Armistace would be signed only eight weeks after the end of the "Late Summer" Classic. This book offers an interesting history of the early days of the game, the early days of the most famous baseball player of all time, and an insight into the background of the "Curse of Babe Ruth". This book is a must read for baseball historians and Red Sox fans. Yankee fans will also draw fiendish pleasure from the book, as a reminder of the eight decades of frustration suffered by fans of the Red Sox.

1918 is the year the Red Sox last won a World Series, and every opposing fan is pleased to remind them of that fact. Every baseball fan knows that Boston sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees and invoked the Curse of the Bambino. These facts have become part of the very fabric of the game.

Yet, amazingly, no-one has yet written an account of the momentous season, until now. The author, a Boston fan, has lovingly recreated that season, taking six years to research and write the book. The dedication to detail and historical truth shows in every line.

I feel it inevitable and ironic that, despite the wealth of detail and fact, this book will gain its reputation (or notoriety) because of the author's speculation that the 1918 Series may have been fixed, just like the 1919 White Sox series. Wood's impeccable research has brought to light some interesting facts (I won't spoil your reading of the book by going into them here) which, at the very least, draw a question mark over Boston's last World Series victory. It's certain to be the most controversial aspect of the book.

Aside from that, you'll find an affectionate portrait of the great Babe Ruth from his days as an ace pitcher, everything the most demanding fan could expect to know about the historic season, and a wealth of fascinating photographs, many of which haven't been published before. The photos themselves are worth the asking price for the book in my opinion.

Everyone with an interest in the history of the great game should have a copy of this book. Every Red Sox fan *needs* a copy. It might be the closest they ever come to savouring the taste of World Series victory :)

I can't resist ending this with a quote from the Boston Herald and Journal, September 13, 1918, which opens the book :

"Of course it is possible that some year will yet see a Boston team losing a world's championship."

Go Yankees :)

This book tells you the whole story of the last year the Red Sox won the World Series. The star of the show is none other than Babe Ruth. The book is also a biography of Ruth's life up to that year - and he was an amazing character!

"1918" also gives you a picture of baseball during those times. I was amazed to learn that gambling on baseball was rampant, and the owners and players argued about money just like they do now.

This book is packed with fascinating information, and also really fun to read. If you're a baseball fan, a Red Sox fan or a fan of the Babe, you'll love it.

I don't care what nobody says about Barry Bonds I'll always be cool with the Man,because he is a 5 tool player who can Hit,run,play field,Hit for Power&create a winning situation for his team. Barry Bonds is the Best Hitter.

Barry Bonds is one of the best hitters in the game. His records are a testament to that. A great book on a great man and player. There are more goals and records out there to break and he's the man to do it!

Baseball star Barry Bonds was one of the sport's greatest hitters, and John Bloom's biographical sketch BARRY BONDS joins others in the `Greatest Hitters' series presenting a review of his life and talents. Chapters detail his statistical performance, his controversial public image, and the accusations of steroid use which cloud his reputation today. An intriguing coverage.

The hitting prowess of Barry Bonds is probably the greatest in the history of baseball. He is steadily but surely becoming a legend in his own time. This is an interesting and absorbing book. It has fascinated me and pinnacled my interest in this sports super star.

This is an in-depth look at Barry Bonds who is one of the greatest hitters of the game of baseball. The statistics are there in the record book but what is behind those numbers? This book tries to be objective on this subject. Fame and Barry Bonds' place in the history of baseball is a timely issue and this book is worth reading.

If you're a die-hard baseball fan, then you'll love this auction catalogue featuring Barry Halper's unique collection of baseball memorabilia. If you can't make it to Cooperstown, this book is full of some of the most incredible pieces of baseball history short of the Hall of Fame. From the first baseball ever used, to Babe Ruth's last will and testament, each page brings you closer to baseball heaven. The ultimate guide to baseball lore and a must for the "can't wait till spring training" baseball fan.

This is filled with great photos of some of the most amazing baseball memorabilia that you'll ever seen. The book can be really, really expensive, so try to find it used.

Andy.

This collection is a history of the great game of baseball. The Babe Ruth collectables alone are stunning, add in the Joe DiMaggio and all of the photos! Wow! To spend a few hours browsing this set of books is magic! I can't say enough (can you tell).

Very nice indeed. Photographs of sale items, which have distinct value. What I loved most was the inclusion of lot numbers and their final sale prices. Millions of dollars spent on what, at that time, were just some trinkets and a hobby.

Very well presented and I really like what I continue to see.

This book is great. The pictures are beautiful, the descriptions informative--an all around great piece of work for sports lovers. It's well worth the money.

Baseball America 2006 Prospect Handbook breaks down the top 30 minor league players for each of the 30 Major League Baseball teams. The handbook takes testimony from scouts, front office personel as well as minor league coaches. Problems do seem to arise with biased opinions about players. Sometimes you will see players get unfairly compared to great players. For instance the book refers to Justin Upton as the next Ken Griffey Jr. At the time that this book was written upton was not yet 19, had not signed a contract, and had never played a single game above the high school level. The staff writers do try to temper expectations but even their eyes can be clouded with unrealistic espectations of certain players. Another issue that can't be ignored is the fact that Baseball America does ignore a lot of the statistical analysis that has been made over the last 20 or so years. A great example how underrated players like Travis Hafner have been in past handbooks. With all of its faults I must say that it is still the premeire source on baseball prospects that is available. The handbook gives insightful and indepth analysis on 900 players. There is usually useful information on injuries, work ethic, bat speed, pitch speed, pitch movement, glove skills, and athleticism. This information comes from watching many games and speaking with the people closest to these players. As well as giving a minor league depth chart, the handbook also tantilizes readers with a projected 2009 future lineup(excluding the possibilities of trades or free agency). Another strength of the handbook is that there are 13 writers and each cover different teams so each time you read a new team you are given an interesting and fresh perspective. Wether you are trying to get ahead in your fantasy league, looking to the future of your favorite team, or just love baseball; this book is for you.

I have been a fan of Baseball America for awhile now; I consider myself knowledgeable about baseball, more thanks to John Sickels and Bill James than Baseball America.

Baseball America takes you where you don't normally hear about, or follow as in depth, such as college, high school baseball and international baseball.

I truly enjoy their work in this "guide book". However, I wish they would explain how they rank their players in the Top 30 category more clearly.

For instance. The Brewers' minor league system number one prospect of 2006 was Prince Fielder (a firstbaseman, now major leaguer). By reading the stats, I can see why. RHP Mark Rogers was ranked number 2. I failed to see why. The stats don't reveal the truth behind his "skills" and "talent". [these are in quotes, because baseball skill and talent are two different things...]
In the preface, Baseball America explains the Scouts scales. Perhaps this could be used more in the book itself when explaining how prospects are rated. How is, for instance, Mark Rogers better than Yovani Gallardo? (a fellow Brewers' RHP ranked 4th despite having better stats.

Yes, I am well aware that baseball isn't all about stats. But, Baseball America could do a better job of explaining the ranks.

Other than that minor gripe, I am very pleased with their efforts.

If you have any interest in following baseball beyond each team's 25-man roster, then this is an essential publication. Covering 30 prospects for each major league team (for a total of 900), this is about as comprehensive a look you're going to find at prospects.

Baseball America has a well-earned reputation as the best place to find minor league, college, and high school baseball information, and that expertise is evident in the book. Each team has their prospects graded, and a look at each team's most recent amateur draft is included. The list of the top 100 prospects is also enjoyable - or not, depending on how many players from your team are included on that list.

Unless you're a team that can afford to sign several high-priced free agents each year, player development is critical to future success. And if you're a fan who has a serious interest in your team, then it's an area to which you likely pay a great deal of attention. But while other publications touch occasionally or briefly on team's top minor-league prospects, no other mainstream publication does as good a job of giving a serious and deep look at your organization's prospects.

I'd recommend buying this one every year, as it's one of the best general looks at an organization's prospects. Along with John Sickels' prospects book (available on his website), this is a necessary purchase for serious fans.

This marks the fifth year in a row that I've purchased this book. It has become my bible for evaluating minor league talent. Its scouting reports are clear, well-written, and for the most part, on target. Whether you're a fantasy baseball owner or just a fan of the game, you'll enjoy this book.

Baseball America is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive, intelligent, and insightful source on the minors leagues, MLB teams' farm systems, and prospects. It also provides a lot of great insight and coverage of the best of college and high school teams and players, as well as some coverage from international prospects which could some day be in the majors. Simply put, Baseball America is an invaluable source of the more-than-casual baseball fan.

So it's no surprise that Baseball America's Prospect Handbook is *the* source of information on prospects. It gives you the top 30 prospects of every MLB team, as well as scouting reports on all of them. This is invaluable for the hardcore baseball fan - anyone can spout off any team's top 10 prospects. Most fans know of the big names in 2005 - Jeremy Hermida, Delmon Young, Brandon Wood, Justin Verlander, Chad Billingsley, Carlos Quentin, Joel Guzman, etc. But when you want to go beyond the Top 10, when you want to do more than scratch the surface on the collection of talent (or lack thereof, in the case of teams like the Nationals and Reds) then this book is a necessity. I'd go so far as to say that if you're reading these reviews, this book is probably for you. Considering the information and well-designed format and attractive design, it isn't very expensive at all, and if you can find a used copy for those of you who are looking for information, not a museum copy, all the better, you can usually find one for around $15. Not bad.

So, do you want to know who's rated higher in the Indians organization, Bear Bay or Nick Pesco? Who has the higher ceiling in the Cubs' organization, Billy Petrick or Sean Gallagher? Do you have any question about any minor league player? This is the book to go to.

Recommended for hardcore fans and those who enjoy keeping up with the younger talent on the horizon.

In the mid-1970's author Donald Honig traveled the USA with his tape recorder and let 18 ex-ballplayers tell their stories. The result is a superbly readable oral history of baseball from the 1920's-1940's. Each ex-player does his part, coming through with moving memories that inspire and illuminate. We hear from Bob Feller, Charlie Gehringer, Billy Herman, Ted Lyons, Lefty Grove, John Mize, Spud Chandler, and many others. Each man is blessed with certain eloquence as he describes his upbringing, his start in baseball, and his years on the field. I particularly enjoyed Bob Feller describing his pitching technique, Cool Papa Bell's recall of barnstorming with Negro League squads, and Pete Reiser's initial years in the show. But many other tales are just as good, and the pages never drag. A few older readers may recall some of the events described here. The rest of us get a feel for baseball in the pre-television era when the parks were smaller, the crowds lighter, the nation poorer, and the grass real.

Sadly, at this writing only Bob Feller and Max Lanier remain, but the memory of each player survives in these eloquent pages. Readers might also enjoy THE GLORY OF THEIR TIMES, an earlier oral history from author Lawrence Ritter.

Donald Honig has created a gem for baseball fans who appreciate the players and the game of the 20's through the 40's. Even the not-so-avid fan will recognize many of the stars featured in Honig's book. This list includes Bob Feller, Lefty Grove, Charlie Gehringer, Johnny Mize, Wes Ferrell & Ted Lyons just to name a few.

As good as the stories are that the "stars" tell, it's the other players who relate the best tales. In particular, Billy Herman's tale about his night as Ernest Hemingway's dinner guest is almost worth the price of the book alone. Cool Papa Bell's stories of his experiences in the Negro Leagues and "barnstorming" against Major League players are priceless. Rip Sewell's explanation of how he began to throw his "Eephus pitch" is one of the few times that I've seen in print.

If you enjoyed Lawrence Ritter's, "The Glory of Their Times", a book about baseball's very early players, then you will love Honig's book. These two works are worth a place in every baseball fan's collection!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

If Lawrence Ritter's "The Glory Of Their Times" is number one in the list of oral histories of baseball, then Donald Honig's "Baseball When the Grass Was Real: Baseball from the Twenties to the Forties Told by the Men Who Played It" ranks a close second. True to Ritter's form in interviewing and editing the tapes for an oral history of baseball by those who played it, Honig does a great job of having the players tell of their time in baseball, the stories of what it was like in the majors and the history - the time that they played. Everyday life and the public perception of ball players had changed between the time Ritter's interviewees played in the majors and Honig's group had played, the difference being interesting in itself. Honig's subjects tell of a time that is still remarkably different from ours by a group that also is rapidly diminishing, victims of old age. The book is a remarkable slice of history, definitely worth the time and money to read for anyone who is interested in baseball and history.

THIS IS ANOTHER GOOD BOOK BY DONALD HONIG. THIS IS ABOUT THE MEN WHO PLAYED IN THE 20'S 30'S AND 40'S. SOME GREAT STORIES AND INTERVIEWS ARE WHAT YOU GET IN THIS MUST READ BOOK. WISH IT HAD MORE BUT WELL WORTH READING FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED ABOUT BASEBALL WHEN THE GRAS REALLY WAS REAL. VERY RECOMMENDED.

If you loved Larry Ritter's "The Glory of Their Times," then you definitely should read this one. It follows the same format and lets some of baseball's greats (and not quite so greats) from the 20s and 40s tell it like it was. It'll make you yearn for the good ol' days of Ruth, Gehrig, and Foxx.