Sports Illustrated: Great Baseball Writing

by Sports Illustrated

This collection of writing by world-class writers including Frank Deford, Peter Gammons and Tom Verducci brings together the stories of football's greatest heroes and villains, legendary quests and pennant races.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction, Essays

560 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2005

Reviews

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not predisposed to be a five-star fan of baseball writing. Most of it could be replaced by just watching the game or reading the back of a player's baseball card.

This was different. The selections were excellent, and the sheer variety of them kept engaging the novelty of the reading experience. Different eras, different voices, from the reverent to the iconoclastic. Might have been a little more enjoyable had they been in chronological order, but I highly recommend the book.

[Mark Wilkerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite the comprehensive read....A little heavy on the "steroids in baseball" story, the "Stan Musial was really under-rated/a really good guy," and, not shockingly given the east-coast bias the sports world possesses, the "The Yankees are really good" perspective.

The best stories here cover the underdogs, the misfits, the freaks, and the characters that have thrived in baseball; profiles of people and teams like The Macon High School Ironmen, Tim Lincecum, owner Bill Veeck, the 1960s New York Mets, Japanese-American Fibber Hirayama, The Negro League, and Vin Scully really liven up this selection of "Great Baseball Writing."

[Nick Holguin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have not finished this book but I honestly don't care and I might never finish it. Each chapter is a article from the long running Sports Illustrated magazine, so each chapter has its own self contained story. I read through these chapters one after the other at first but then I would just flip through, see the date and what it was about and read what I want. Because of this book I got to hear the great Negro League player Buck O'Neil tell a dozen or so of his famous stories, read a wild poem about the 112 below average 3rd basemen that the Mets had employed in 36 years, and an article from 1964 about the young upstart announcer for the Dodgers, Vin Scully. While many things in this world change every day, these articles show that baseball is constant

[John Deardurff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love baseball—like, really love baseball—this book is a treasure trove. Sports Illustrated: Great Baseball Writing is packed with some of the best storytelling the sport has ever inspired. From legendary profiles to behind-the-scenes moments, it’s like flipping through the greatest hits of America’s pastime.

What I appreciated most was how it captures the heart and soul of the game—not just the stats and scores, but the personalities, the drama, and the magic that makes baseball so timeless. Whether you're into the old-school legends or the modern-day heroes, there's something here for everyone.

[Scott Breslove · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little compilation, full of interesting stories. Some funny, some thought provoking, mostly all good. A little baseball distraction without real baseball to watch.

[Brig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely fantastic. I finished and could legitimately have started reading from the beginning.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't need to be 560 pages long, but gives a rich overview of the game from statistics to clowns, owners, aging stars, stadiums, radio broadcasters, and memorable series. It's a good one to flip through if you're looking to get excited for a new season, or just learn more about the history and intricacies of baseball. Most of the more recent entries feature better (and easier to follow) writing, but the older ones give a cool perspective in some cases.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously I have finally found the perfect book for when you are taking a poop. This thing may finally replace my "Fantasy Football 2005 Draft Hints Magazine" as my go to bathroom reading. Seriously this book may never make it out of the bathroom. Pick it up...well, not my copy, let's just say it's contaminated.

[Kevin J. Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an outstanding compilation, although not every article was excellent. To his eternal credit editor Rob Fleder says as much in his Introduction. But the goal here was to capture the essence of the game and its history, not simply re-publish the best articles, and in that the book was a success. And some of the pieces were truly outstanding.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like any other anthology, some of the writings were better than others. This is no surprise. What was a surprise was how good most of it was. When I think of Sports Illustrated I think of a weekly mag with hack writers pandering to sportsminded college jocks. What I got instead was high minded writers with a love of baseball waxing poetic. I highly recommend this book.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection.

[Ray Charbonneau · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's SI. Very readable.

[D.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! But I would've appreciated fewer pieces on the Yankees and weirdo sexist racists.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great snapshots of player/era.

[Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational, emotional, enlightening.