Baseball

by Michael D. Arnold (Illustrator), J. Thomas Hetrick (Author)

The tragicomic story of the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, baseball's futility leaders and winners of only 20 out of 154 games that season. Meet some of the most colorful men ever to wear a major league uniform. Follow their unfortunate train-travel odyssey through the National League and straight into obscurity. Marvel at the real desperation of a team forced to turn a cigar store clerk into a starting pitcher. Anecdotes galore. Reviewed in the 1999 Cleveland Indians Yearbook. Illustrations, appendices, sordid statistics, bibliography, and index.

Author Biography

J. Thomas Hetrick has written two books about 19th century baseball-MISFITS! Baseball's Worst Ever Team and Chris Von der Ahe and the St. Louis Browns. The latter book was a Finalist for the Seymour Medal, a peer award given for the best book of baseball history or biography in a year. A member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Hetrick has indexed Ball Four (Jim Bouton), Minnesotans in Baseball, and Baseball in 1889: Players vs. Owners (Daniel Pearson) for the organization. On occasion, he's presented his research at chapter and SABR National meetings in St. Louis, Boston, and Pittsburgh. In 2001, Hetrick spoke at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Hetrick also owns and operates Pocol Press, a small press publisher located in Northern Virginia. He can be reached at info@pocolpress.com.

by Keith Olbermann (Foreword by), David W. Anderson (Author)

"I have done a report of some kind on the Fred Merkle story, whether in print, on radio, or on TV, on or about its anniversary, September 23, virtually every year since I was in college. The saga has always seemed to me to be a microcosm not just of baseball, nor of celebrity, but of life. The rules sometimes change while you're playing the game. Those you trust to tell you the changes often don't bother to. That for which history still mocks you, would have gone unnoticed if you had done it a year or a month or a day before. That's who Fred Merkle is. I have often proposed September 23 as a national day of amnesty, in Fred Merkle's memory."--Keith Olbermann, from his foreword.

Author Biography

David W. Anderson is a telecommunications consultant in northern Indiana. He is also an umpire for Indiana high school and Babe Ruth league baseball. Keith Olbermann is anchor for Fox Sports.

by David Genest (Author), Matthew Swope (Author)

Welcome to the world of MP!

Motor Preferences for Baseball challenges the status quo of traditional coaching by introducing a revolutionary approach that celebrates the individuality of each athlete. Written by David Genest and Matthew Swope, this illustrated guide taps into the cutting-edge science of motor preferences (MP) to enhance performance, optimize training, and minimize injuries.

With decades of combined experience and collaborations with elite teams, Genest and Swope provide actionable strategies to transform the way athletes are trained. Learn to recognize terrestrial and aerial profiles, uncover unique visual and movement patterns, and tailor your coaching to align with natural strengths. This personalized approach not only optimizes potential but also redefines the standards of excellence in baseball.

Perfect for coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts, Motor Preferences for Baseball equips you with the tools to coach smarter, train more efficiently, and unlock peak performance. The future of baseball begins here--where innovation meets individualization.

by Rick Schultz (Author)

This book contains TWO previously released books - Untold Tales From The Bush Leagues & A Renegade Championship Summer.Ever wonder what minor league baseball is really like behind the scenes? Are you a baseball fan that wants to get closer than ever to the action? This book pulls back the curtain to share the true and (until now) untold tales of America's national pastime. Fans of all ages can read some of the most jaw-dropping, eye-opening stories from life in minor league baseball! Join more than 20 professional baseball broadcasters from across the country, as they recall nearly 100 unbelievable tales from their years in the bush leagues. The most hilarious, wacky, amazing and surprising stories you'll ever hear - all told by the announcers who watched it happen. Untold Tales From The Bush Leagues includes stories featuring notable baseball stars as well as names you've never heard. Some of the names you'll know include Michael Jordan, Tommy Lasorda, Tony Gwynn, Gary Carter, Josh Hamilton and many more! You'll be amazed at what really happens behind the scenes in minor league baseball! I mean, really amazed. What do players do on the team bus? How do they occupy time in the clubhouse? What do they say to each other on the field? You'll hear stories about the most zany things that really happen in minor league baseball, such as.... How did one broadcaster call a no hitter when he never saw even one pitch? What did one player eat off of the infield dirt during a rain delay? What were some of the most hilarious practical jokes players have pulled? How do teams pass the time on long bus rides? Why was one bunch of hungry players walking on a lonely, dark street around midnight? Why was Tony Gwynn intently watching one particular minor league game? What happened when the broadcaster accidentally let the wrong words fly live on the air? What did Tommy Lasorda once do in a fast-food restaurant? How did these teams escape near disaster during late-night bus rides? What special pregame meal did Josh Hamilton enjoy? What was the umpire so angry when he stepped into the hotel elevator? How did Michael Jordan spend some off-time while playing minor league baseball? Why did one public address announcer almost get in a fist fight with a former major leaguer? What tool did one broadcaster use to find true love at the ballpark? Untold Tales From The Bush Leagues will pull back the curtain on these and many other true stories from baseball's minor leagues. A Renegade Championship Summer -Come along for the ride with the 1999 New York-Penn League Champion Hudson Valley Renegades. Hear from the players and coaches who made it happen, including superstar Josh Hamilton and many other household names! You'll also get the true feel of minor league baseball, going behind the scenes with umpires, front office executives, scouts, former players and many more! Put yourself in the dugout, clubhouse and team bus to see what really goes on with a minor league baseball team! See what kind of impact Josh Hamilton, the number one pick in the draft, had on the 1999 Renegades. Truly a must for any baseball fan who wants to be closer than ever to the game! "I've been in professional baseball for three years, and I've never seen the true, day-to-day feeling of the game caught the way Rick has in A Renegade Championship Summer." - John Gilbert, Director of Group Sales, Norwich Navigators, 2000

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Christopher Docter (Author), Alicia S. Stevens (Author)

Mexican American Baseball on the Westside of Los Angeles pays homage to the teams, players, coaches, and umpires in Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, West Los Angeles, and other surrounding communities who brought immeasurable respect and nonstop enjoyment to their loving families, unwavering fans, and pride-filled neighborhoods. From the 1920s to the present, baseball and softball have provided far-reaching educational opportunities, reaffirmed ethnic identity, restructured gender roles for women, promoted political self-determination, and developed economic autonomy. Games were exceptional times when Mexican Americans found safe haven from exhausting labor and blatant discrimination. These unparalleled photographs and significant stories spread extra light on the bountiful history of this distinctive region of Los Angeles.

by Nancy Streza (Author)

What's your favorite sport?

In My Favorite Sport: Baseball students will learn all about America's pastime. Each My Favorite Sport book includes engaging nonfiction text about the game, the field, the rules, the scoring, the equipment, and the skills needed to play the game.

Sample Text:
The batter steps up to the plate. The pitcher winds up. Crack! The ball is hit and the batter starts running.
I love to play baseball!

by Jonathan W. Sweet (Author)

Who are the greatest baseball players in Minnesota history? Most Minnesota fans know about Joe Mauer, Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew, but what about the Negro League stars and other Hall of Famers that have roamed the diamonds of Minnesota? This book highlights the 50 greatest players who have played for teams in the North Star State from the Twins to minor league, barnstorming and town ball teams. They may have achieved their greatest fame elsewhere, but at some point they all called the fields of Minnesota home.

by David Benham (Author), Jason Benham (Author)

Twin brothers David and Jason Benham grew up with big dreams of baseball and an even bigger trust in God. Though they attended a small high school with no baseball field, turned down a professional offer so they could attend college together, and faced more than one missed pitch and injuries, they kept dreaming, praying together on the field, and believing in God's provision for their lives.

David and Jason's journey, from Little League to college to professional baseball and beyond, reminds us that even when we don't know what God is up to, He's putting together the pieces of our life's puzzle and executing the plans He has for each of us.

Miracle in Shreveport tells the story of a family's love, the power of prayer, and a game that is truly all-American. It is also the story of brotherhood staying strong, despite the threat of comparison in a profession committed to competition. Most of all, it is the story of being faithful in small steps, honoring God in the process, and trusting His hand in our lives. In this book, the Benhams call us to remember that when we follow God's dream for us, we find it is better than we could have ever dreamed for ourselves.

by Steve Steinberg (Author), Lyle Spatz (Author)

Winner of the 2025 Sporting News-SABR Baseball Research Award
Winner of the 2025 Larry Ritter Book Award
​Finalist for the 2024 CASEY Award

Author Biography

Steve Steinberg is a baseball historian and author of Urban Shocker: Silent Hero of Baseball's Golden Age (Nebraska, 2017), winner of the SABR Baseball Research Award, and The World Series in the Deadball Era. Lyle Spatz is the author of many baseball books and the coauthor (with Steve Steinberg) of The Colonel and Hug: The Partnership that Transformed the New York Yankees (Nebraska, 2015), winner of the SABR Baseball Research Award, and 1921: The Yankees, the Giants, and the Battle for Baseball Supremacy in New York (Nebraska, 2010), winner of the Seymour Medal.

by Janet Wykes Moore (Author)

"Alaska! Do they even play baseball in Alaska?" ... "Moving stinks!" ten-year-old Joe Baker declares. The family is moving from Minnesota to Alaska. Joe is leaving behind his favorite uncle, his best friend, and his baseball team. Joe and Dad leave Minnesota and head north on the Alcan Highway through Canada to Alaska. Dad keeps Joe busy listing the wild animals they see. But when Joe sees his first moose, a cow with a newborn calf, he abandons the list in favor of keeping a moose journal and photograph record. Life in Alaska is full of surprises and pitfalls. A new friend, Dutch, helps him through some rough spots. But the bully, Snake, taunts him from day one, eventually starting a fight that gets them both suspended for three days. Joe plans revenge. Moose encounters are numerous and sometimes dangerous. All become entries in Joe's journal. Spring brings the school science fair and baseball tryouts. Both help Joe feel that living in Alaska will be okay. He uses his moose journal information and pictures to create a science fair display. His entry is not as polished as some but he is enthusiastic. Joe is torn about what to do about baseball. Mom and Dad agree to let him go back to Minnesota and play with his old team, but Dutch begs him to stay. Should he stay or should he go?

by Dave Jamieson (Author)

"An entertaining history of baseball cards . . . An engaging book on a narrow but fascinating topic." --The Washington Post

When award-winning journalist Dave Jamieson's parents sold his childhood home a few years ago, he rediscovered a prized boyhood possession: his baseball card collection. Now was the time to cash in on the "investments" of his youth. But all the card shops had closed, and cards were selling for next to nothing online. What had happened?

In Mint Condition, his fascinating, eye-opening, endlessly entertaining book, Jamieson finds the answer by tracing the complete story of this beloved piece of American childhood. Picture cards had long been used for advertising, but after the Civil War, tobacco companies started slipping them into cigarette packs as collector's items. Before long, the cards were wagging the cigarettes. In the 1930s, cards helped gum and candy makers survive the Great Depression. In the 1960s, royalties from cards helped transform the baseball players association into one of the country's most powerful unions, dramatically altering the game. In the eighties and nineties, cards went through a spectacular bubble, becoming a billion-dollar-a-year industry before all but disappearing, surviving today as the rarified preserve of adult collectors. Mint Condition is charming, original history brimming with colorful characters, sure to delight baseball fans and collectors.

"Jamieson explores the history of card collecting through an entertaining cast of characters . . . For anyone who can recall being excited to rip open their newest pack of cards, Mint Condition is a treat." --Forbes

Author Biography

Dave Jamieson has written for Slate, The New Republic, and Washington City Paper, among others, and has won the prestigious Sidney Award and the Livingston Award for Young Journalists. He lives in Washington, D.C., with a closetful of worthless baseball cards, all of them in excellent condition.

by Angel Krishna (Author)

Join the Monkeys and the Crocodiles as they learn a valuable lesson about friendship, feelings and communication in a fun, entertaining game of Baseball. A fantastic story for bedtime with your kids.

by Dean A. Sullivan (Editor)

Dean A. Sullivan presents a fascinating array of provocative, unexpected, and illuminating materials revealing the rich history of baseball. The 105 pieces in this work cover such topics as the Merkle Boner, Jim Thorpe, Christy Mathewson, the Black Sox scandal, Lou Gehrig, the death of Ray Chapman, Ty Cobb, Dizzy Dean, and more from the storied major leagues. Lesser-known treasures celebrate semipro teams, boys' baseball fiction, Japanese baseball, college ball, black baseball, the minor leagues, women's teams, and other facets of the wonderful game of baseball.

Back Jacket

Dean A. Sullivan presents a fascinating array of provocative, unexpected, and illuminating materials that reveal the rich history of baseball. The 105 pieces in this work cover such topics as the Merkle Boner, Jim Thorpe, Christy Mathewson, the Black Sox scandal, Lou Gehrig, the death of Ray Chapman, Ty Cobb, Dizzy Dean, and more from the storied major leagues. Lesser-known treasures celebrate semipro teams, boys' baseball fiction, Japanese baseball, college ball, black baseball, the minor leagues, women's teams, and other facets of the wonderful game of baseball.

Author Biography

Dean A. Sullivan is the editor of Early Innings: A Documentary History of Baseball, 1825-1908, also available in a Bison Books edition.

by Timothy Malcolm (Author), Moon Travel Guides (Author)

Baseball is called America's pastime for a reason. Experience the best of the MLB cities and stadiums with Moon Baseball Road Trips!

• Flexible Itineraries: Explore the 30 major league cities with a variety of road trip options, including a Boston to DC route, a loop through the Midwest, a dip into Toronto, a cruise along the West Coast, and more
• Visit all the Ballparks: From the ivy walls of Wrigley to Fenway's Green Monster and Dodger Stadium's gorgeous mountain views, experience every ballpark in the league and dive into local fan culture
• Catch a Game: Find valuable tips for snagging tickets and get the inside scoop on the best places to park or catch public transit, where to eat and drink nearby, and events like music festivals, the Hall of Fame Weekend, Fourth of July celebrations, and more
• Explore the Major League Cities: Get to know the MLB hometowns with full chapters on each city. Pay respects to Babe Ruth in Baltimore, visit Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and stroll through the Boston Common. Find the best local craft breweries and chow down on chili dogs, barbecue, fresh crab, and more foodie specialties. Hold back a tear at the Field of Dreams, grab a seat for a Spring Training game, or rent a kayak on the bay and try to catch a fly ball from San Francisco's Oracle Park
• Expertise and Know-How: Former baseball writer and avid Phillies fan Timothy Malcolm shares his advice for planning the perfect baseball road trip
• Maps and Driving Tools: Detailed, easy-to-use maps, along with mileages, driving times, and directions, with full-color photos throughout
• A Foldout Poster Map and ballpark checklist
• Planning Tips: Where to stay, when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, and tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, plus suggestions for seniors, families with kids, and more

Author Biography

Timothy Malcolm is a writer and editor living in Houston, Texas. His more than 20 years writing professionally has included stints at Chron and Houstonia in Houston, the Times Herald-Record in the Hudson Valley of New York, and the nonprofit Southern Smoke Foundation.

by Stew Thornley (Author)

For more than half a century, Minnesotans have been treated to the memorable players and teams of the Minnesota Twins. From the Ruthian blasts of Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett to a successful brand of small ball, the Twins have fielded competitive teams at Metropolitan Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Field. But prior to its arrival in 1961, the team also had a storied past in Washington that included Walter Johnson, the greatest pitcher of the Deadball Era, if not all time. Sports historian Stew Thornley highlights the lesser-known events in the club's history, from the area's attempts to lure a major-league team to town in the 1950s to then-owner Calvin Griffith's campaign to regionally rename the team. He also pays tribute to the rich heritage of baseball before the Twins, marked by minor-league teams such as the St. Paul Saints and Minneapolis Millers, which produced future Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Duke Snider, Ted Williams and Roy Campanella.

by Bengie Molina (Author), Joan Ryan (Author)

La inspiradora y verdadera historia del pobre obrero de factoría puertorriqueño Benjamín Molina Santana, quien contra viento y marea crió a la mayor dinastía de béisbol de todos los tiempos. Los tres hijos de Molina--Bengie, José y Yadier--han ganado cada uno dos anillos de Serie Mundial, algo sin precedentes en ese deporte Uno de ellos, Bengie, narra su historia.

Author Biography

Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina es un ex receptor de Grandes Ligas que ha jugado para los Ángeles de Anaheim, los Blue Jays de Toronto y los Gigantes de San Francisco. Sus hermanos, Yadier y José, son también receptores en las ligas mayores. Bengie ha ganado dos anillos de Serie Mundial y dos Premios Guantes de Oro. Es ahora coach de primera base e instructor de receptores de los Rangers de Texas.

by Allen Barra (Author)

Acclaimed sportswriter Allen Barra exposes the uncanny parallels--and lifelong friendship--between two of the greatest baseball players ever to take the field.

Author Biography

ALLEN BARRA is the author of Inventing Wyatt Earp, The Last Coach, and Yogi Berra, as well as several essay collections. He is a regular contributor to such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Daily Beast, and Salon.

by Ashley Hover (Author), Heath Hover (Author), Kenny Kiernan (Illustrator)

It's such an exciting life to be a baseball coach's kid! This book gives you a glimpse into the life of a baseball coaching family, highlighting these fun times through rhymes and vivid color pages that your kids will love. This book is perfect for families with a dad who coaches baseball. It will definitely get everyone excited for the baseball season and supporting daddy!

We made this book to help you see,

The awesome kid you get to be.

Take a peek inside, you'll be glad you did.

It's an exiting life as a coach's kid!

by Skylar Browning (Author), Jeremy Watterson (Author)

The Wild West had nothing on Montana's first baseball games. Fights, booze, cheating and gambling fueled the state's inaugural professional league in 1892. The turn of the century brought star-studded barnstorming tours and threats of bloodshed. Big Sky Country embraced a distinctly different version of the old ballgame, and Montana players who made their way to big league diamonds helped change the sport on and off the field. From the Lewis and Clark expedition to Dave McNally's historic career, award-winning journalist Skylar Browning and researcher Jeremy Watterson reveal Montana's relationship with America's pastime.

Author Biography

Skylar Browning is the editor of the Missoula Independent, Montana's only alternative news weekly. His award-winning feature writing has involved everything from spending time at the state's only nudist colony to standing in the huddle with the local semi-pro football team. He's been honored by the Montana Newspaper Association and the Society of Professional Journalists, and received an NEA Fellowship in 2009. Jeremy Allan Watterson grew up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation along the Hi-Line in Wolf Point. He has provided color for baseball games on KVCK radio. He is a member of the Society of American Baseball Research, and earned a degree in sociology from the University of Montana in Missoula. He has had photography, poetry and other co-authored baseball writing published in weekly newspapers and western Montana journals. Montana Baseball History is his first book.

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Joseph Thompson (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in Houston and Southeast Texas pays tribute to the baseball and softball players and teams from Houston, Sugar Land, Texas City, Richmond, and other surrounding communities in the region. Since the early 1900s, this game has had an important role in the lives of area Mexican Americans. In the Houston barrios, when entrenched discriminatory practices obstructed city unity, the diamond brought people together. In the Sugar Land region, Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Anglos worked and played together, blurring racial lines. Baseball and softball built community pride and connected generations of Mexican American families. The wonderful stories and breathtaking images in this book help resurrect the rich and little-known history of Mexican American baseball and softball in this key part of Texas.

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Gregory Garrett (Author), Juan D. Coronado (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in South Texas pays tribute to the former baseball teams and players from Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Pharr, Donna, Alamo, San Juan, Brownsville, Harlingen, and other surrounding communities. From the late 19th century through the 1950s, baseball in South Texas provided opportunities for nurturing athletic and educational skills, reaffirming ethnic identity, promoting political self-determination, developing economic autonomy, and reshaping gender roles for women. Games were special times where Mexican Americans found refuge from backbreaking work and prejudice. These unmatched photographs and stories shed light on the rich history of baseball in this region of Texas.

by Darren López (Author), Eric Kittelberger (Illustrator)

Learn the untold story of baseball legend Martín Dihigo who dazzled fans by playing all the positions, perserved through difficulties and fought racism. He went on to win the hearts of fans in five different countries to be elected in their Halls of Fame. Come and read why he has earned the nicknames El Maestro and El Inmortal.

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Gene T. Chavez (Author), Rod Martinez (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in Kansas City highlights the standout teams and players in the greater Kansas City area and other communities in the Sunflower State. Following labor opportunities, Mexican immigrants proliferated in the region in the first decade of the 20th century. Eventually, they and their offspring settled in countless communities, including Kansas City, Topeka, Newton, Chanute, Emporia, Wellington, Wichita, Dodge City, and Garden City, and had extended family networks in Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa. Baseball and softball in their own unique ways confronted discrimination and promoted the spirit for social equality. These remarkable photographs and wonderful memorabilia provide ample evidence and insight about those who loved the game.

by Athletes Club Publishing (Author)

Your mental readiness is the most important part when you start-training, because-when you are concentrated, confident and-ready your training will be too easy and helpful, here lies the importance of mental toughness training.This book gives you 16 questions that you need to answer frequently at each training, to set up your brain before and after doing your exercises, to be mentally-ready at 100%, and this is what we call it the mental training.

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Mark A. Ocegueda (With), Alfonso Ledesma (With)

This volume pays homage to the wonderful teams and players from Azusa, La Verne, Claremont, Pomona, Chino, Cucamonga, Ontario, and Upland. A common thread of all these diverse communities was the establishment of baseball teams and, later, softball teams. Baseball played a critical role in advancing civil and political rights, labor reform, gender equality, educational integration, and cultural legitimacy. These remarkable photographs revive the often-overlooked history of Mexican American baseball in the Greater Pomona Valley.

by Bill Redban (Author)

Discover The Inspirational Story of Baseball Superstar Manny Machado!

• Youth and Family Life
• High School and Minor League Career
• Major League Career and Personal Life
• Legacy, Charitable Acts and much more!

by Darren López (Author), Eric Kittelberger (Illustrator)

Learn the untold story of baseball legend Martín Dihigo who dazzled fans by playing all the positions, perserved through difficulties and fought racism. He went on to win the hearts of fans in five different countries to be elected in their Halls of Fame. Come and read why he has earned the nicknames El Maestro and El Inmortal.

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Victoria C. Norton (Author), Christopher Docter (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in the San Fernando Valley explores the teams and players that dotted the valley landscape throughout the 20th century. In a time and place where Mexican Americans were closed off from many city recreation centers, neighborhoods formed their own teams. Baseball and softball reinforced community and regional ties, strengthened family bonds, instilled discipline and dedication that translated into future professional careers, provided women opportunities outside their traditional roles in the home, and fostered lifelong friendships. These photographs serve as a lens to both local sports history and Mexican American history.

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Eric Enders (Author), Donavan Lopez (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in El Paso chronicles the vibrant and colorful history of baseball in the El Paso-Juarez border region. For more than a century, baseball along the border has served as a means of bringing together people of all backgrounds, races, and nationalities, from the fly-by-night teams of the Pancho Villa era to the fabled semiprofessional clubs of the Lower Valley League. For the area's Mexican and Mexican American citizens, storied teams like the Juarez Indios, Fabens Merchants, 1949 Bowie Bears, and El Paso Diablos served as both community rallying points and signposts of cultural identity. From the legendary semiprofessional players of decades past to the most recent major leaguers, this book presents the photographic history of baseball in America's largest border community.

by George F. Will (Author)

#1 New York Times Bestseller

"A delightful look at all the little things that make major league baseball a subtle spectacle." --Seattle Times

In his classic tribute to America's pastime, political commentator, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and lifelong sports enthusiast George F. Will travels from the baseball field to the dugout to the locker room to get to the root of the game we all love. He breaks down the sport to its four basic components, managing, pitching, hitting, and fielding, and analyzes the way four of its notables, manager Tony La Russa, pitcher Orel Hershiser, outfielder Tony Gwynn, and shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., approach the game. One of the most acclaimed sports books ever written, Men at Work is a revelatory, and often surprising, study of professional baseball.

Front Jacket

In his classic tribute to America's pastime--now with a new introduction--political commentator, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and lifelong sports enthusiast George F. Will travels from the baseball field to the dugout to the locker room to get to the root of the game we all love. He breaks down the sport to its four basic components, managing, pitching, hitting, and fielding, and analyzes the way four of its notables, manager Tony La Russa, pitcher Orel Hershiser, outfielder Tony Gwynn, and shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., approach the game. One of the most acclaimed sports books ever written, Men at Work is a revelatory, and often surprising, study of professional baseball.

Back Jacket

In his classic tribute to America's pastime--now with a new introduction--political commentator, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and lifelong sports enthusiast George F. Will travels from the baseball field to the dugout to the locker room to get to the root of the game we all love. He breaks down the sport to its four basic components, managing, pitching, hitting, and fielding, and analyzes the way four of its notables, manager Tony La Russa, pitcher Orel Hershiser, outfielder Tony Gwynn, and shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., approach the game. One of the most acclaimed sports books ever written, Men at Work is a revelatory, and often surprising, study of professional baseball.

by Gary Caruso (Author)

Nestled at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers in the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory resides one of the most dominant college baseball dynasties in the nation. The Marietta College Pioneers known as the Etta Express for the way they ve barreled over opponents for half a century own a record five NCAA Division III National Championships, including 2011. Finally, the best-kept secret in college sports springs to life as author Gary Caruso digs into the personalities behind this incredible success story to reveal the compelling human drama that s made Marietta College baseball a treasure all readers are sure to enjoy."

by Leroy Satchel Paige (Author), David Lipman (Editor)

""Maybe I'll Pitch Forever"" is a memoir written by LeRoy ""Satchel"" Paige, one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In this book, Paige shares his hilarious and captivating story behind his legendary career. He takes readers on a journey through his life, from his humble beginnings in Mobile, Alabama to his rise to fame as a pitcher in the Negro Leagues and eventually in Major League Baseball. Paige's storytelling is filled with colorful anecdotes, witty humor, and insightful reflections on his experiences as a black athlete during a time of segregation and discrimination in America. He shares stories of his encounters with other baseball greats like Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, as well as his own personal struggles and triumphs on and off the field. Throughout the book, Paige's love for the game of baseball shines through, and readers will be inspired by his passion and dedication to the sport. ""Maybe I'll Pitch Forever"" is a must-read for any baseball fan or anyone interested in the history of American sports and culture.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

by Al Ramos (Author), Eddie Navarro (Author), Joe Talaugon (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in the Santa Maria Valley highlights the unforgettable and standout teams, players, coaches, and others who graced the hallowed fields inside this celebrated region of central California. Since the early 20th century, baseball and softball diamonds have nurtured generations of teams and players in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Orcutt, Susquoc, and other surrounding communities. More than a mere game, baseball and softball were political instruments and critical prisms to better understand community history; the struggle for social, educational, and cultural equality; the untold contributions of women; the critical role and countless influences of documented and undocumented immigration; the numberless contributions of labor movements, especially among farm workers; economic autonomy; political self-determination; military and home front sacrifices; and an unmatched love for sports. In their own intransigent ways, softball and baseball confronted head-on uncompromising discrimination and the reactionary forces of xenophobia, promoting, instead, the unbroken spirit for human rights. These breathtaking photographs and heartfelt stories shed unparallel light to the elongated and elaborate history of ball in the Santa Maria Valley, challenging the often-neglected historical narrative of Mexican American baseball whose roots date back to at least 1870 in the United States. The amazing study of baseball and softball in any particular geographical area must be linked to other community, regional, state, and national networks. A magnifying glass approach clearly shows that baseball and softball have helped overlapped countless community teams that crisscrossed city limits, county borders and state boundaries. These local teams, due mainly to intercommunity marriages and cross-town military friendships, eventually established family networks, giving commencement to political and labor associations. In keeping with this well-established pledge, this book also includes two chapters on Ventura County and the South Bay, countless California communities, and over one hundred photos from several states outside California. The final chapter is entitled Field of Dreams (Campo de Suenos) highlighting the 9th inning (hopefully extra innings) of players, coaches, and their extended families being honored and paid tribute today for their remarkable legacies. Que Viva El Beisbol y Sofbol!

by Kevin B. O'Connell (Author)

This is one of the most complete baseball manuals available. Designed to speak to coaches, players and parents alike, the manual covers all aspects of the game, addressing all skills and tools. The information is delivered conversationally, and is derived from over 35 years of experience as a coach, instructor, trainer and player. The knowledge in these pages has helped to recently produce both a first round and second round pick, one currently playing at the MLB level, while the other is in AA and moving up rapidly. As the author, I have had the privilege of playing with and against dozens of players that have passed through the various levels associated with MLB, the opportunity to travel to various MLB academies in the Dominican Republic, and participate with teams at various levels in the most prestigious youth tournaments in the country. Whether a coach looking to improve his or her approach to teaching the game, a player looking to work on his or her own game, or a parent wishing to provide as much support as possible, this manual has what you want.

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Susan C. Luevano (Author), Luis F. Fernandez (Author)

Images of Baseball: Mexican American Baseball in Orange County celebrates the once-vibrant culture of baseball and softball teams from Placentia, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, San Juan Capistrano, and nearby towns. Baseball allowed men and women to showcase their athletic and leadership skills, engaged family members, and enabled community members to develop social and political networks. Players from the barrios and colonias of La Fabrica, Campo Colorado, La Jolla, Logan, Cypress Street, El Modena, and La Colonia Independencia, among others, affirmed their Mexican and American identities through their sport. Such legendary teams as the Placentia Merchants, the Juveniles of La Habra, the Lionettes de Orange, the Toreros of Westminster, and the Road Kings of Colonia 17th made weekends memorable. Players and their families helped create the economic backbone and wealth evident in Orange County today. This book sheds light on powerful images and stories of the Mexican American community."

by Richard A. Santillan (Author), Richard Pena (Author), Teresa M. Santillan (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in East Los Angeles highlights the unforgettable teams, players, and coaches who graced the hallowed fields of East Los Angeles between 1917 and 2016 and brought immense joy and honor to their neighborhoods. Off the field, these players and their families helped create the multibillion-dollar wealth that depended on their backbreaking labor. More than a game, baseball and softball were political instruments designed to promote and empower civil, political, cultural, and gender rights, confronting head-on the reactionary forces of prejudice, intolerance, sexism, and xenophobia. A century later, baseball and softball are more popular than ever in East Los Angeles. Dedicated coaches still produce gifted players and future community leaders. These breathtaking photographs and heartfelt stories shed unparalleled light to the long and rich history of baseball and softball in the largest Mexican American community in the United States.

by Stephanie Montgomery (Author), John Steven Gurney (Illustrator)

Created by Stephanie Montgomery, wife of MLB pitcher Mike Montgomery, 'Max & Ollie's Guide to Baseball' is a children's book for young baseball lovers, and soon-to-be baseball lovers! Join Max as he brings his best friend, Ollie the Aussie, to the ballpark for a day of fun! They'll learn the basic rules of the game, and why baseball is the best game of all.

A portion of the proceeds from every book sold go to charitable organizations supporting women and children via the Montgomery's family fund, Monty's Marvels.

The book is illustrated by John Steven Gurney - the author and illustrator of the graphic novel Fuzzy Baseball and the picture book Dinosaur Train. He has illustrated over 140 chapter books, including the A to Z Mysteries, the Bailey School Kids, and The Calendar Mysteries series. He has illustrated board games, advertising, posters, puzzles, and a shopping bag for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Play Ball!

by Jane Leavy (Author)

"Make Jane Commissioner... Leavy has a voice demanding to be heard--and Major League Baseball should listen."-- THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Author Biography

Jane Leavy is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Big Fella: Babe Ruth and the World He Created, The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood, Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy, and the comic novel Squeeze Play, which Entertainment Weekly called "the best novel ever written about baseball." She was a staff writer at The Washington Post from 1979 to 1988, first in the Sports section, then writing for the Style section. She covered baseball, tennis, and the Olympics. She has written for many publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, and The Los Angeles Times, and was anthologized in The Great American Sports Page: A Century of Classic Columns.

by Bill Redban (Author)

Discover The Inspirational Story of Baseball Superstar Madison Bumgarner!

• Youth and Family Life
• High School and Minor League Career
• Professional Career and Personal Life
• Legacy, Charitable Acts and much more!

by Paul O'Neill (Author), Burton Rocks (Author)

Paul O'Neill was the undisputed heart and soul of the four-time World Series-winning New York Yankees from 1993 to 2001. O'Neill epitomized the team's motto of hard work and good sportsmanship, traits instilled in him by his friend, confidant, lifelong model, and biggest fan: his dad, Chick O'Neill.

In Me and My Dad, O'Neill writes from the heart about the man who inspired in him a love for the game and a determination to always play his best. O'Neill remembers the highlights of his own amazing career: the Cincinnati Reds calling him up to the majors, his first World Series, being traded to the Yankees -- and taking part in their recent championship wins. He also reflects on his father's untimely death during the 1999 World Series and on the farewell tribute his fans gave him during his last game in Yankee Stadium.

by Matt Morse (Author), Brian M. Cain (Author)

In Mental Conditioning for Baseball, Brian Cain, the foremost authority on mental toughness on the diamond, takes you through the process of developing mental toughness in yourself, your players and your program as you learn how to truly play one pitch at a time.Matt Morse, former D1 baseball player and student of Brian Cain Peak Performance, brings his experiences in the mental game to Mental Conditioning for Baseball. He adds a tremendous perspective gained throughout his playing career, and offers simple strategies to maximize performance and master the mental side of the game.Join Cain and Morse as they train you to: Compete one pitch at a time and live in the present momentBecome a machine of consistency by implementing routines into what you do each dayBuild Championship Character and redefine who you are as a programEnhance your skill of Self-discipline and live a lifestyle of ExcellenceGain Emotional Control and become master of your mental gameImplement a step-by-step process to take you from where you are to where you want to b

by German Duran (Author), Paul Paul Reddick (Contribution by), Bobby Minor (Author)

WHAT'S KEEPING MY SON FROM HITTING THE BASEBALL THE WAY I KNOW HE'S CAPABLE OF?"

• The single biggest reason (for 97% of youth/HS hitters) your son rakes in the cage but struggles in games and how to fix it in five minutes...
• How trusting this one single approach will allow your son to "lock in" like you've never seen before ...
• The super-simple cue for consistent rhythm & timing regardless of whether the pitcher works from the stretch or windup...
• Why "early timing" is better than "late timing" 100% of the time & and how it's crucial to being able to adjust...
• Why "see the ball first" is horrible advice and what you really should be thinking...
• Why "setting your zone" according to the situation is critical to hitting success...

by Dave Cohen (Author), Steve Greenberg (Foreword by), Steven LeBow (Preface by)

As "America's favorite pastime," perhaps no sport has chronicled the rise of an immigrant nation like baseball. From German-American parents came Babe Ruth, Italian-Americans proudly point to Joe DiMaggio, and Jackie Robinson shattered the color barrier for African Americans that had kept them out of the game since the 1880s. Certainly, almost every Jewish baseball fan knows the names of Hall of Famers Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax, but Jews have played professional baseball in the United States since the earliest days of the sport. Indeed, over 160 Jews are known to have played professional baseball during the modern era, contributing significantly to the game on every level. 

But who, other than Koufax, is the only other Jewish pitcher to win the Cy Young Award?

 Which Jewish ballplayer's place in baseball history is assured, as he has the distinction of being the first major leaguer to play a game as a DH?

 In his landmark book Matzoh Balls and Baseballs, popular sportscaster Dave Cohen uncovers this hidden history and goes right to the source for answers, interviewing 17 former Jewish MLB players to hear, in their own words, what it was like to play in the Majors - the triumphs, frustrations, and everything in between.

 Foreword by Steve Greenberg. Interviewees include: Larry Yellen, Ron Blomberg, Elliott Maddox, Jim Gaudet, Richie Scheinblum, Joe Ginsberg, Ross Baumgarten, Mike Epstein, Ken Holtzman, Norm Sherry, Steve Stone, Steve Hertz, Don Taussig, Norm Miller, Barry Latman, Morris Savransky, and Al Rosen.

by Matt Morse (Author)

The Mental Game VIP program goes inside the greatest minds in the game of baseball and will teach you the strategies and philosophies to consistently play your best!

by Grace Guajardo Charles (Author), Gregory Lyndon Garrett (Author), Jorge Iber (Author)

Mexican American Baseball in the Alamo Region celebrates the game as it was played in the Tejano and Tejana communities throughout Texas. This regional focus explores the importance of the game at a time when Spanish-speaking people were demanding cultural acceptance and their political and civil rights in cities like San Antonio, Corpus Christi, New Braunfels, San Diego, Kingsville, and Pleasanton. All had thriving Mexican American communities that found comfort in the game and pride in their abilities on the field. On these pages are historical images and wonderful stories that are now immortalized, taking their rightful place in the annuals of the game. Viva Tejas, Viva Beisbol, y Viva los Peloteros!"

by Arthur P. Solomon (Author), Allyn I. Freeman (Author)

There are many sports-related books about what happens on the playing field, but few are written about the equally interesting stories of what happens on the business side.

Why acquire a professional sports team? What goes into the branding, marketing and entertainment that make some teams successful, and others not? What are the challenges that managers and staff face? Are there valuable lessons from the major and minor leagues for university, high school and other amateur sports programs? How do sports teams generate a profit?

While the examples are drawn from the business of baseball, the lessons are applicable to other sports and many retail businesses.

Front Jacket

Whether curious fans or aspiring executives, readers will welcome this hands-on guide to building and managing a successful minor league baseball club. With stories and examples, Arthur Solomon shares his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to take us behind the scenes of the real world of club ownership and management, where he has been so successful.

Author Biography

Arthur P. Solomon has been a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a partner on Wall Street, a real estate developer and the owner of two minor league baseball teams which have been awarded the Larry MacPhail and Bob Freitas awards. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Allyn I. Freeman is an experienced writer for television and author of numerous books about business, entrepreneurship and sports. He lives in New York City.

by Robert K. Fitts (Author)

In the spring of 1964, the Nankai Hawks of Japan's Pacific League sent nineteen-year-old Masanori Murakami to the Class A Fresno Giants to improve his skills. To nearly everyone's surprise, Murakami, known as Mashi, dominated the American hitters. With the San Francisco Giants caught in a close pennant race and desperate for a left-handed reliever, Masanori was called up to join the big league club, becoming the first Japanese player in the Major Leagues.

Featuring pinpoint control, a devastating curveball, and a friendly smile, Mashi became the Giants' top lefty reliever and one of the team's most popular players--as well as a national hero in Japan. Not surprisingly, the Giants offered him a contract for the 1965 season. Murakami signed, announcing that he would be thrilled to stay in San Francisco. There was just one problem: the Nankai Hawks still owned his contract.

The dispute over Murakami's contract would ignite an international incident that ultimately prevented other Japanese players from joining the Majors for thirty years. Mashi is the story of an unlikely hero who gets caught up in an American and Japanese baseball dispute and is forced to choose between his dreams in the United States and his duty in Japan.

Author Biography

Robert K. Fitts is the author of Banzai Babe Ruth: Baseball, Espionage, and Assassination during the 1934 Tour of Japan (Nebraska, 2012), winner of the Society of American Baseball Research's 2013 Seymour Medal for the best baseball book, and Wally Yonamine: The Man Who Changed Baseball (Nebraska, 2008).

by Francisco E. Balderrama (Author), Richard A. Santillan (Author), Samuel O. Regalado (Foreword by)

Images of Baseball: Mexican American Baseball in Los Angeles celebrates the flourishing culture of the great pastime in East Los Angeles and other communities where a strong sense of Mexican identity and pride was fostered in a sporting atmosphere of both fierce athleticism and social celebration. From 1900, with the establishment of the Mexican immigrant community, to the rise of Fernandomania in the 1980s, baseball diamonds in greater Los Angeles were both proving grounds for youth as they entered their educations and careers, and the foundation for the talented Forty-Sixty Club, comprised of players of at least 40, and often over 60, years of age. These evocative photographs look back on the great Mexican American teams and players of the 20th century, including the famous Chorizeros the proclaimed Yankees of East L.A. "

by Thad Mumau (Author)

The majesty and magic of 1960s major league baseball created a legion of lifelong fans. The decade began with epic blasts from Bill Mazeroski and Ted Williams and ended with the Mets' amazin' championship. In between came Maris and Mays and Koufax and Gibson and Aaron and Robinson and much, much more.

1960s baseball was momentous at every turn--from incredible pennant races, to great World Series, to home run records, to extraordinary pitching. Threaded throughout was a siege of freshness. New stars, new teams, new rules, and new ways of playing changed the game forever.

No fewer than 54 Hall of Famers played in the '60s--more than any other decade--many of whom are among the greatest legends in the history of the game. And nearly every season featured a down-to-the-wire pennant race.

In MAZ TO YAZ TO AMAZIN', Thad Mumau captures the on-the-field tremors from Opening Day until Game 7, from Stan Musial to Dick Allen, from the Yankees' collapse to the Red Sox's Impossible Dream. His intimate and informed account is part romance for a simpler game, part historical report of a decade of unparalleled feats, part roll call of the fascinating and fabulous ballplayers who filled the dugouts through the decade.

Chapters alternate between a recap of each season and a review of the decade's most significant events--including the biggest trades, expansion, changes in strategy, the impact of African American and Hispanic players--plus exclusive interviews with two of the greatest players of all time, Tom Seaver and Roberto Clemente!

MAZ TO YAZ TO AMAZIN' has statistics and stories about more than 400 players, ample photos, and portraits and funny anecdotes about classic 1960s figures like Smokey Burgess, Rocky Colavito, Moe Drabowsky, Mickey Lolich, Joe Pepitone, the Alou Brothers, Vada Pinson, Paul Blair, and on and on.

Whether you have Manny Mota's lifetime stats memorized or think Blue Moon Odom is a craft beer, MAZ TO YAZ TO AMAZIN' is THE go-to source for everything 1960s baseball!

by Douglas M. Branson (Author)

The decades between the late 1960s counterculture and the advent of steroid use in the late 1980s bought tumult to Major League Baseball. Dock Ellis (Pirates, Yankees) and Dick Allen (Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, White Sox) epitomized the era with recreational drug use (Ellis), labor strife (Allen), and the questioning of authority. Both men were Black Power advocates at a time when the movement was growing in baseball. In the 1970s and 1980s, Marvin Miller and the Major League Baseball Players Association fought numerous, mostly victorious battles with MLB and team owners. This book chronicles a turbulent period in baseball, and in American life, that led directly to the performance-enhancing drug era and the dramatically changed nature of the game.

Author Biography

Douglas M. Branson is the Sell Chair in Law (emeritus) at the University of Pittsburgh and the author of more than 20 books.