Just Play Ball

by Joe Garagiola

Our fathers remember baseball the way it should be. Colorful characters who played for the love of the game, fresh cut grass, rosin bags, and pine tar remind them what the game is all about. Baseball legend Joe Garagiola's new book, Just Play Ball, is an insightful look at what is right with America' s pastime.

Genres: Baseball, Sports

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2007

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2011, I subscribed to MLB TV because I thought Vin Scully's career was winding down, and I didn't want to regret missing a last chance to listen to the greatest voice in baseball. Vin lasted several seasons more, and so did my subscription. Alas, another regret: That whole time, I had no idea that Joe Garagiola — who, with his partner Tony Kubek, was the voice of the Saturday afternoons of my boyhood — was also winding down his broadcast career as the play-by-play voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Garagiola's enthusiasm for the game never dimmed, and it shines through here. Only in one late chapter does he ever give in to a nostalgia that suggests the game was better during the era he grew up in as both a fan and a player. By and large, Garagiola loved the game he was watching right now, whether as a broadcaster or a fan in the paid seats, and always found something fascinating to watch and study even in its "slow moments."

Particularly moving is the chapter he centers on two other great baseball men: the legendary Branch Rickey and former commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti.

Not the best baseball book I've read but a great collection of stories and memories. And really nice to hear Joe's voice again.

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

good mixture of Joe's experiences in baseball, observances, stories he'd heard, essentially ending with potentially what might go through the minds of those on the field during a game. Joe has his own different sense of humor.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book but legit, It’s actually INSIDE BASEBALL. Almost overly detailed, which is normally my thing. I appreciate a tangent, a bonus story, inane specifics. But even this was thick for me. If you love baseball, you will find the book educational and interesting.

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay stories. Too much old guy reminiscing. His earlier books are the ones to read.

[Stephanie Griffin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Thobbit1217 Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the sports fan in your fmily!!!!!!!