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Baseball Imposters: the dark side of fandom
For over 40 years, author Rob Sheinkopf has collected stories of grown men who falsely claim to have played Major League Baseball. In BASEBALL IMPOSTERS, Sheinkopf explores what author W.P. Kinsella called "The Eddie Scissons Syndrome," inspired by a character in his novel Shoeless Joe, the story behind the movie Field of Dreams. Though the syndrome is named after a fictional character, it is disturbingly real and widespread.
Drawing upon real-life examples, Sheinkopf recounts these stories, as he says, “changing names to protect the guilty...” with a mix of humor, contempt, and compassion for the families who all too often only uncover the truth when trying to verify facts for obituaries, biographies, or personal histories.
His fascination with this practice of deception involving baseball goes back to 1985, when he completed a master's thesis based on interviews with 53 former Major League players who retired before free agency. His research focused on how athletes prepared for life after baseball during a time when very few professional baseball retirees were millionaires, and most were not financially secure enough to just stop working, forcing them to seriously plan for second careers.
Among those "former major leaguers" whom Sheinkopf interviewed was a high-profile local businessman who later proved to be an imposter—someone whose false representation of his past was both puzzling and unsettling. This discovery of patient zero sparked Sheinkopf's curiosity about why individuals engage in such deception, leading to over four decades of research revealing that baseball imposters are all too common, and most people are unaware of how widespread this phenomenon is.
These stories will surprise, amuse, and in some cases, remind readers of deceptions told to them by their colleagues, teachers, neighbors, or even family members... stories that, upon closer inspection, reveal such deception.
BASEBALL IMPOSTERS offers a compelling, entertaining, and eye-opening look into a peculiar and persistent phenomenon that extends beyond baseball into the human experience.
Drawing upon real-life examples, Sheinkopf recounts these stories, as he says, “changing names to protect the guilty...” with a mix of humor, contempt, and compassion for the families who all too often only uncover the truth when trying to verify facts for obituaries, biographies, or personal histories.
His fascination with this practice of deception involving baseball goes back to 1985, when he completed a master's thesis based on interviews with 53 former Major League players who retired before free agency. His research focused on how athletes prepared for life after baseball during a time when very few professional baseball retirees were millionaires, and most were not financially secure enough to just stop working, forcing them to seriously plan for second careers.
Among those "former major leaguers" whom Sheinkopf interviewed was a high-profile local businessman who later proved to be an imposter—someone whose false representation of his past was both puzzling and unsettling. This discovery of patient zero sparked Sheinkopf's curiosity about why individuals engage in such deception, leading to over four decades of research revealing that baseball imposters are all too common, and most people are unaware of how widespread this phenomenon is.
These stories will surprise, amuse, and in some cases, remind readers of deceptions told to them by their colleagues, teachers, neighbors, or even family members... stories that, upon closer inspection, reveal such deception.
BASEBALL IMPOSTERS offers a compelling, entertaining, and eye-opening look into a peculiar and persistent phenomenon that extends beyond baseball into the human experience.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
About the author
Rob Sheinkopf
2 books22 followersRob Sheinkopf is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and has presented his research over many years to SABR and to the Sport Literature Association (SLA), to NINE-the history and culture of baseball, numerous civic, book and social clubs and to the Cooperstown Symposium at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Rob is the author and editor of “Hey Mom, wanna have a catch?”, an anthology of baseball stories honoring parents who encourage or simply put up with their child’s love for and obsession with our National Pastime. These stories are an emotional trip down memory lane that reminds us of a parent who bought us our first glove, or took us to our first game, and for the lucky ones, who played catch with us in our backyard, and the conversation that naturally comes with simply tossing a ball back and forth.
Rob is also the author of BASEBALL IMPOSTERS, the dark side of fandom, based upon his research and writing about grown men who falsely pass themselves off as former major league baseball players.
Both of those books are available wherever great books are sold online and in some of the remaining bookstores still open for business. Signed copies are available on the author's website (RobSheinkopf-Author.com), where he also collects and curates stories submitted by readers who tell amazing baseball imposter stories of their own.
Growing up on minor league baseball (the Syracuse Chiefs), and after a 40 year career in higher education, Rob retired and moved to San Francisco where he found his dream job as a Luxury Suites Concierge for the Giants. Keeping a diary of his first year’s daily activities, he wrote and presented an academic paper, "My (first) Year in the Big Leagues" at the international conference of the Sport Literature Association in Limoges, France. Unfortunately, the global pandemic abruptly ended Rob's promising baseball (concierging) career.
Rob and his wife, Lisa, provide a loving home for their dog, Bochy, in Las Vegas as well as in Ponte Vedra, Florida, dividing their time between the two at various times of the year to be with their 5-year-old granddaughter, Molly, and her mom and dad.
Rob never played major league baseball, but over the years, he has known a lot of guys who claim they have.
Rob is the author and editor of “Hey Mom, wanna have a catch?”, an anthology of baseball stories honoring parents who encourage or simply put up with their child’s love for and obsession with our National Pastime. These stories are an emotional trip down memory lane that reminds us of a parent who bought us our first glove, or took us to our first game, and for the lucky ones, who played catch with us in our backyard, and the conversation that naturally comes with simply tossing a ball back and forth.
Rob is also the author of BASEBALL IMPOSTERS, the dark side of fandom, based upon his research and writing about grown men who falsely pass themselves off as former major league baseball players.
Both of those books are available wherever great books are sold online and in some of the remaining bookstores still open for business. Signed copies are available on the author's website (RobSheinkopf-Author.com), where he also collects and curates stories submitted by readers who tell amazing baseball imposter stories of their own.
Growing up on minor league baseball (the Syracuse Chiefs), and after a 40 year career in higher education, Rob retired and moved to San Francisco where he found his dream job as a Luxury Suites Concierge for the Giants. Keeping a diary of his first year’s daily activities, he wrote and presented an academic paper, "My (first) Year in the Big Leagues" at the international conference of the Sport Literature Association in Limoges, France. Unfortunately, the global pandemic abruptly ended Rob's promising baseball (concierging) career.
Rob and his wife, Lisa, provide a loving home for their dog, Bochy, in Las Vegas as well as in Ponte Vedra, Florida, dividing their time between the two at various times of the year to be with their 5-year-old granddaughter, Molly, and her mom and dad.
Rob never played major league baseball, but over the years, he has known a lot of guys who claim they have.
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May 25, 2026Rob Sheinkopf’s Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom is a fascinating look at a strange phenomenon: men who falsely claim to have been major league baseball players. Sheinkopf’s research and experiences reveal that this is far more common than I would have thought. The author details interactions he has had with these individuals, how he figured out they were lying, and the various ways the aftermath played out.
Baseball is arguably the most thoroughly documented professional sport, making it relatively easy to confirm whether someone actually played in the major leagues. The challenge, however, is first recognizing that the chiropractor, car dealer, or college coach may be fabricating the story. Sheinkopf explains various “tells” and gives advice on how to upend the fiction without using one of the widely-available baseball encyclopedias.
Sheinkopf is ruthless in his portrayal of baseball imposters, but he is far kinder to what are called phantom players. These are the men who were assigned to major league rosters but never had opportunities to appear in games. Therefore, they do not show up in the statistics or baseball encyclopedias. Again, there are a surprising number of these cases, and the Baseball Hall of Fame has research devoted to those in this niche. Sheinkopf says that phantom players are far less likely to discuss their near-misses than the imposters who claim a professional career that never existed.
For baseball fans, Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom is definitely worthwhile. Although the primary focus is on careers that never happened, the motivations of the baseball imposters and the lengths they go to in order to embellish their fake careers shed light on the quirky ways that fandom can affect people.
Baseball is arguably the most thoroughly documented professional sport, making it relatively easy to confirm whether someone actually played in the major leagues. The challenge, however, is first recognizing that the chiropractor, car dealer, or college coach may be fabricating the story. Sheinkopf explains various “tells” and gives advice on how to upend the fiction without using one of the widely-available baseball encyclopedias.
Sheinkopf is ruthless in his portrayal of baseball imposters, but he is far kinder to what are called phantom players. These are the men who were assigned to major league rosters but never had opportunities to appear in games. Therefore, they do not show up in the statistics or baseball encyclopedias. Again, there are a surprising number of these cases, and the Baseball Hall of Fame has research devoted to those in this niche. Sheinkopf says that phantom players are far less likely to discuss their near-misses than the imposters who claim a professional career that never existed.
For baseball fans, Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom is definitely worthwhile. Although the primary focus is on careers that never happened, the motivations of the baseball imposters and the lengths they go to in order to embellish their fake careers shed light on the quirky ways that fandom can affect people.
January 22, 2026
Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom was an almost unbelievable collection of various characters posing as former MLB players. This book was an entertaining read and without giving away some of the more bizarre segments, truly unique. The posturing of men faking a career in America's pastime is apparently far more common than I would have ever thought. I suppose all of us who dreamed of making it to the top of a sport want so much to revel in past glory but to manufacture a false narrative is upsetting to me, as it is to the author. This book is a culmination of decades of research and the "hunting down" of the truth behind claims of stardom. Author Sheinkopf retells these in a highly humorous and readable fashion that it is such a page turner. Covering tracks of falsehood is all a part of being a baseball imposter and the finality of being exposed an expected outcome with modern data and the MLB Handbook. But inevitably, some still try. I highly encourage you to read Baseball Imposters. It will amaze you.
February 1, 2026
I'm not a big sports fan, but that's not needed to find this book intriguing! I'm shocked that there have been enough cases of this baseball imposter syndrome to have a whole book (and fire hazard file cabinet) full of stories and notes related to Eddie Scissons Syndrome, or ESS. I guess I shouldn't be surprised in the time when AI runs rampant and it seems like everyone is out to impress everyone else.
The introduction had me on BaseballReference.com looking up the one person I know who claimed to have played for the Yankees. I was grateful that the sweet man who used to attend the adult day center where I worked indeed has a listing on that page, with the death date and burial location matching what I know to be true.
Rob is a gifted writer, presenting all this information in an enjoyable way. Props for using the word "research" which means not only compiling information, but basing new conclusions with the found information. People use the word so flippantly, never actually "researching" anything but just reading about something and regurgitating facts that other people have already established.
I digress. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I could have chosen any other sports book, you're right Rob. But I chose yours because it's what sounds interesting to me!
Please note: I entered this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, but that has no influence on my review. I've won lots of books, but this flew to the top of my TBR pile thanks to the personal note from the author inside.
The introduction had me on BaseballReference.com looking up the one person I know who claimed to have played for the Yankees. I was grateful that the sweet man who used to attend the adult day center where I worked indeed has a listing on that page, with the death date and burial location matching what I know to be true.
Rob is a gifted writer, presenting all this information in an enjoyable way. Props for using the word "research" which means not only compiling information, but basing new conclusions with the found information. People use the word so flippantly, never actually "researching" anything but just reading about something and regurgitating facts that other people have already established.
I digress. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I could have chosen any other sports book, you're right Rob. But I chose yours because it's what sounds interesting to me!
Please note: I entered this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, but that has no influence on my review. I've won lots of books, but this flew to the top of my TBR pile thanks to the personal note from the author inside.
July 5, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this title in a Goodreads giveaway. The author took an interesting dive into a narrow scope of deceit in society. While not surprised at all at his research and findings, I need to give the author credit for his dogged determination to discover the lies being fed. At times the author seemed to expect the indecency in people and not really link this to the extent of exaggeration and braggadocio in all areas of our society. At times I felt bad for the author with the his automatic distrust of people engaging with him in regard to his obvious love of the game. I enjoyed this quick read, but did not gain any insight into this behavior.
December 23, 2025
When you think you've explored the fascinating corners of the baseball world, Rob reveals a new, previously unoccupied space. It's a collection of characters who "could've gone pro" but just didn't for some reason (spoiler: they suck at baseball and enjoy lying), but they decide to tell people they went pro anyway. I desperately wish to know the true identities of the "stolen valor" characters in this book, but understand why they cannot be revealed.
Mr. Sheinkopf is a gifted storyteller and writer, and I was elated to spend an afternoon with this book. I will be lending it to all my baseball amigos, addicts, and sickos so they too can read about these faux-professionals and ne'er do wells.
Mr. Sheinkopf is a gifted storyteller and writer, and I was elated to spend an afternoon with this book. I will be lending it to all my baseball amigos, addicts, and sickos so they too can read about these faux-professionals and ne'er do wells.
July 4, 2026
I opened and read "Baseball Imposters" this morning and finished it this afternoon. It is rare for me to start and finish a book on the same day, but this one I couldn't put down—for example, I kept turning pages just to see what would happen next. The unique subject matter and the engaging writing by Rob Sheinkopf grab your attention at the start and don't let go. I would highly recommend this book not only to baseball fans but also to readers of any genre.
November 26, 2025
Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom by Rob Sheinkopf
What would it take for someone to lie about an accomplishment that could easily be proven to be a lie? Apparently, very little. High profile politicians have stolen military valor by lying about their nonexistent war records. Well-known business executives have padded their resumes with academic degrees they never earned. But who would think of claiming they played professional baseball, that they even made it to the major leagues, when records can be easily accessed to prove their claim is false? And why would they do it? In this book, we learn about a bunch of seemingly normal guys who have lied about being former professional baseball players. These fakers are unmasked by author Rob Sheinkopf in his insightful and entertaining book, Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom. Covering nearly a life’s worth of painstaking research, Sheinkopf lays out how these pretenders have spun webs of deceit that eventually entrap them. These stories are told with respect for America’s national pastime and for those who actually did make it to the major leagues The author tells these stories about the imposters with a sense of humor, sometimes with anger and contempt, but often with compassion for the liars and their families. Sheinkopf delves into the reasons these men faked their lives, tells us how to spot these prevaricators, and even suggests how we can avoid being physically harmed if we personally confront the liar. This book was fun to read. It held my attention from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it.
Carl Patton, Atlanta, November 2025
What would it take for someone to lie about an accomplishment that could easily be proven to be a lie? Apparently, very little. High profile politicians have stolen military valor by lying about their nonexistent war records. Well-known business executives have padded their resumes with academic degrees they never earned. But who would think of claiming they played professional baseball, that they even made it to the major leagues, when records can be easily accessed to prove their claim is false? And why would they do it? In this book, we learn about a bunch of seemingly normal guys who have lied about being former professional baseball players. These fakers are unmasked by author Rob Sheinkopf in his insightful and entertaining book, Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom. Covering nearly a life’s worth of painstaking research, Sheinkopf lays out how these pretenders have spun webs of deceit that eventually entrap them. These stories are told with respect for America’s national pastime and for those who actually did make it to the major leagues The author tells these stories about the imposters with a sense of humor, sometimes with anger and contempt, but often with compassion for the liars and their families. Sheinkopf delves into the reasons these men faked their lives, tells us how to spot these prevaricators, and even suggests how we can avoid being physically harmed if we personally confront the liar. This book was fun to read. It held my attention from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it.
Carl Patton, Atlanta, November 2025
January 30, 2026
Most baseball books are about those who played. This one is about those who didn't—liars who claimed to have played Major League Baseball.
The stories in the book are pretty audacious and incredible, especially when considering the documentation that exists for pro players. Rob has been tracking down imposters since the 1980s and had run-ins with a handful of them.
If you're interested in quirky baseball books, definitely check out "Baseball Imposters!"
The stories in the book are pretty audacious and incredible, especially when considering the documentation that exists for pro players. Rob has been tracking down imposters since the 1980s and had run-ins with a handful of them.
If you're interested in quirky baseball books, definitely check out "Baseball Imposters!"
July 24, 2026
Stolen Valor
I probably would have enjoyed this book more if he hadn't compared ESS to people who say they were in wars, real Stolen Valor, who weren't. That was a bit of a reach and put a bad taste in my mouth early on. Yeah, these people are ridiculous, but they're not really harming anybody. It's not the same for the people who claim they're a real big leaguer. That's stealing a real player's name. That is not cool. It was an easy read and somewhat interesting.
I probably would have enjoyed this book more if he hadn't compared ESS to people who say they were in wars, real Stolen Valor, who weren't. That was a bit of a reach and put a bad taste in my mouth early on. Yeah, these people are ridiculous, but they're not really harming anybody. It's not the same for the people who claim they're a real big leaguer. That's stealing a real player's name. That is not cool. It was an easy read and somewhat interesting.
April 7, 2026
Rob Sheinkopf’s Baseball Imposters: The Dark Side of Fandom is a fascinating and meticulously crafted exploration of deception, identity, and the cultural mythology surrounding professional sports. What initially appears to be a collection of unusual anecdotes about individuals falsely claiming Major League Baseball experience evolves into a far more layered and intellectually engaging study of human behavior.
Sheinkopf approaches his subject with the discipline of a researcher and the sensitivity of a seasoned storyteller. Drawing from decades of interviews and firsthand investigations, he constructs a narrative that is both credible and compelling. The so-called “Eddie Kinsella Syndrome” a term rooted in the fictional allure of baseball mythology, serves as a conceptual framework, but the true strength of the book lies in its real-world application. These are not isolated incidents; rather, they reflect a recurring psychological pattern that challenges our assumptions about truth, memory, and self-representation.
One of the book’s most commendable qualities is its restraint. Sheinkopf avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a balanced portrayal that neither ridicules nor excuses the individuals involved. By altering names and presenting cases with discretion, he maintains ethical integrity while still delivering impactful narratives. This approach allows readers to engage with the material thoughtfully, rather than dismissively.
Structurally, the book is well-organized, with each account contributing to a broader thematic arc. The pacing is deliberate, giving readers time to absorb both the factual details and the underlying implications. The writing itself is clear, precise, and accessible, making complex psychological and sociological ideas understandable without oversimplification.
Beyond its immediate subject matter, Baseball Imposters raises broader questions about the nature of identity in a culture that often equates personal worth with achievement and recognition. It invites readers to consider how easily narratives can be constructed and believed when they align with collective fantasies.
In sum, this is a thoughtful, well-researched, and quietly provocative work that transcends its niche topic. It will appeal not only to baseball enthusiasts but also to readers interested in psychology, sociology, and the intricacies of human behavior.
Sheinkopf approaches his subject with the discipline of a researcher and the sensitivity of a seasoned storyteller. Drawing from decades of interviews and firsthand investigations, he constructs a narrative that is both credible and compelling. The so-called “Eddie Kinsella Syndrome” a term rooted in the fictional allure of baseball mythology, serves as a conceptual framework, but the true strength of the book lies in its real-world application. These are not isolated incidents; rather, they reflect a recurring psychological pattern that challenges our assumptions about truth, memory, and self-representation.
One of the book’s most commendable qualities is its restraint. Sheinkopf avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a balanced portrayal that neither ridicules nor excuses the individuals involved. By altering names and presenting cases with discretion, he maintains ethical integrity while still delivering impactful narratives. This approach allows readers to engage with the material thoughtfully, rather than dismissively.
Structurally, the book is well-organized, with each account contributing to a broader thematic arc. The pacing is deliberate, giving readers time to absorb both the factual details and the underlying implications. The writing itself is clear, precise, and accessible, making complex psychological and sociological ideas understandable without oversimplification.
Beyond its immediate subject matter, Baseball Imposters raises broader questions about the nature of identity in a culture that often equates personal worth with achievement and recognition. It invites readers to consider how easily narratives can be constructed and believed when they align with collective fantasies.
In sum, this is a thoughtful, well-researched, and quietly provocative work that transcends its niche topic. It will appeal not only to baseball enthusiasts but also to readers interested in psychology, sociology, and the intricacies of human behavior.
February 4, 2026
Baseball Imposters is a fascinating and surprisingly compassionate exploration of deception within the world of baseball. Rob Sheinkopf blends humor, skepticism, and careful research to examine why some individuals fabricate careers in Major League Baseball—and how those stories often unravel.
What makes this book especially compelling is its human angle. Rather than simply exposing falsehoods, Sheinkopf considers the emotional and social forces behind them, making the stories both entertaining and unsettling. Eye-opening, well-researched, and thought-provoking, this is a must-read for baseball fans and anyone interested in the psychology of identity and truth.
What makes this book especially compelling is its human angle. Rather than simply exposing falsehoods, Sheinkopf considers the emotional and social forces behind them, making the stories both entertaining and unsettling. Eye-opening, well-researched, and thought-provoking, this is a must-read for baseball fans and anyone interested in the psychology of identity and truth.
September 16, 2026
Interesting topic but not a lot of substance. For someone who has spent years studying this topic I would expect more depth. Would’ve appreciated more case studies but very interesting topic
May 16, 2026
This book is about a study and collection of stories about people who lie about being pro baseball players. I never knew this existed until this book. I often hear people talk about being pro players now I want to check out their stories. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews