The Baseball Book Club discussion

Hi everyone, new member of the group here. Looking to trade book suggestions. I'm really into 19th Century base ball. So, I am looking for suggestions, and can make them as well.

Glad to be apart of the group!

It's not 19th century, but there is a lot of good early 20th century stuff in the book that I am currently reading, The Glory of Their Times ( I am really enjoying this book). I also recently read a fictional book with lots of tie ins to early 20th century baseball and Christy Mathewson called The Celebrant that I found interesting. You might like them too.

Just finished reading The Glory of Their Times: The Story of the Early Days of Baseball Told by the Men Who Played It. A great book for any baseball fan. Check out my review if you are interested.

If you haven't come across it yet, "A Game of Inches" by Peter Morris is a fascinating look at the evolution of the game from the early days. Apparently there's going to be a second volume - it's great stuff. It's laid out in a somewhat encyclopedic format, but does not read as dry as that.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a new baseball book for the club to read? There was a biography of Roberto Clemente published in 2006 that I have been meaning to read, if that sounds interesting to anyone else.... What do you think?

Everyone: I have begun reading the book " 59 in 84: Old Hoss Radbourn, Barehanded baseball and the Greatest Season a Pitcher Ever Had" by Edward Achorn. Simply fascinating look into early base ball.

How bout that for a suggestion?

I think the Clemente book is a good idea. I'll put that up as the next book. After that one I think we'll go for something more about the early days of baseball.

I am currently reading "The Extra 2%", a book about the turnaround of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise. So far it's somewhat similar to "Moneyball", but with more emphasis on the financial aspects of the business of baseball. I will let you know more when I finish.....

The Batter's Out (Baseball Training Manual): How to Play Defense: For Parents, Coaches, and Kids

Charles wrote: "The Batter's Out (Baseball Training Manual): How to Play Defense: For Parents, Coaches, and Kids"

This sounds like a good book for someone who is going to help coach their son's Little League team, but probably not right for the Baseball Book Club.

He wants us to read it because he wrote it, Jim.

Something I will take a look at down the line if I coach little league.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Definitely self promotion.

I want to recommend the book I just finished. "The House That Ruth Built", by Robert Weintraub. I liked the book and think that a lot of other baseball fans would too. Check out my review if you are interested.... I gave it four stars and I am not a Yankee fan. That alone should tell you a lot!

I am a Yankee fan (sorry, raised that way) and I have just finished 3 books about Yankee players, "The Last Boy," Mickey Mantle and the End of American Childhood," "American Icon: The Fall of Roger Clemens and the Rise of Steroids in America's Pastime," and "Thurman: The Life and Death of a Yankee Captain." Notice that the first two contain the term "American" - because Mantle represented something about America of the 50's and 60's and Clemons of the 90's and early part of this century. Both bios cover the lives of iconic players who lead lives that were much different from the way they were presented to the public. Fascinating and important reads, particularly the Clemens book.

How about "Moneyball:The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" By Michael M. Lewis? The movie comes out September 23, 2011. It's starring: Brad Pitt as the Oakland Athletics' General Manager-Billy Beane.

Diana wrote: "How about "Moneyball:The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" By Michael M. Lewis? The movie comes out September 23, 2011. It's starring: Brad Pitt as the Oakland Athletics' General Manager-Billy Beane."

I read "Moneyball" a few years ago and liked it a lot. I would be willing to read it again. Whenever I see Kevin Youkilis (of the Red Sox) at bat, I think of this book.

Dan Barry's Bottom of the 33rd has been my favorite baseball book this year. Great story, perfect pace and tone.

This sounds like a good one! ( Especially after the 19 inning Phillies/Reds game the other day. First time in 11 years for a position player to be the winning pitcher.) I would be interested in this book.

Jamie wrote: "Dan Barry's Bottom of the 33rd has been my favorite baseball book this year. Great story, perfect pace and tone."

That sounds like a good one !!!

Hello anyone,

Are we going to start reading a new book soon?

Diana wrote: "Hello anyone,

Are we going to start reading a new book soon?"

I am currently reading "Bottom of the 33rd" and enjoying it.

Diana wrote: "Hello anyone,

Are we going to start reading a new book soon?"


i just started:



and recently finished



both have a similar format in that they don't try to be definitive AtoZ bios, the authors have chosen key moments & events to relate.

The End of Baseball by Peter Schilling Jr. was next on my list. I've heard good things about it. Have any of you read it? After that I have the Mickey Mantle book.

i got this one last Christmas & read it for Spring training. while winning the 'longest title' award, it also has great photos for what one would think is an obscure bit of baseball. i've been to a few hundred minor league games in texas and i'd never heard of this team. they are part of the lore of how popular baseball was in the 40s & 50s.

nowadays an intermittent minor league club plays in alpine along w/a college team. this book inspired me hope to make it out there one day and see a game.

The next baseball book I plan on reading is 60' 6'' and Other Distances from Home It's about Mose YellowHorse's professional Baseball career. I borrowed this one from my daughter.

Darrin wrote: "Hi everyone, new member of the group here. Looking to trade book suggestions. I'm really into 19th Century base ball. So, I am looking for suggestions, and can make them as well.

..."

Darrin, i see you started thread w/19th century in mind. well
as you see it took another life, but here's i novel i found good
and since it takes place in the 19th century, sometimes, you
might find it extra appealing

a current day sportswriter (somehow) goes back in time
and covers/plays w/the original cincinnati reds. the author
goes to pains to recreate the way ball was played back then
so you might like that angle.

Finished reading BOTTOM OF THE 33RD a few days ago. Here is my review.

This book is a wonder! It is an insightful look into professional baseball’s longest game and just about everyone who had some part in it, who they are, what brought them here on this historic night, and what became of them. The game began on a Holy Saturday night and spilled over to Easter morning, appropriate timing because the story though true seems unbelievable.

The game stayed in progress so long that it became equal parts inspiration and desperation, much like some of the player’s careers. This game and the players involved in it are both tossed coins that have yet to land… questions without answers. There is a parallel here for many of the “Triple A” players who devoted their lives to baseball, now just one step away from the major leagues, so close it could happen today or maybe never. The teams represent a broad spectrum of possibility, two of the players are future Hall of Famers, Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs, but for many this would be the pinnacle of their climb through the ranks of baseball. Likewise, the game seemed like it could be won at any time, but for inning after inning there was no resolution only opportunity.

If you want to recreate that edge of your seat feeling that you get sometimes watching a baseball game, read this book.

sounds like an interesting read. a lot of
characters & innings! seems like there's something memorable about continuing to watch an extra inning ballgame. if you can make it one more
out, one more inning, you've accomplished something more than those who have dropped out, you persevere with the marathon except with a marathon, they know where the finish line is.

Darrin wrote: "Hi everyone, new member of the group here. Looking to trade book suggestions. I'm really into 19th Century base ball. So, I am looking for suggestions, and can make them as well.

Glad to be..."

Carls right If I Never Get Back is a good book. Even though its early 20th century The Mickey Rawlings Series(mystery)by Troy Soos are good.

I have shared my experience of traveling to every major league baseball stadium in a book titled "Adventures of a Baseball Fan" now published and available. It chronicles the journey to over 70 games in 36 MLB parks and even a couple spring training parks. Feed back has been good so if you are interested check it out on the website www.adventuresofabaseballfan.com.

I just finished my new Red Sox novel "Out For Buckner" and I think you guys will love the road adventure and lust for the game:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VIWUWY

Josh-- I understand you are excited about your new book, and I might have just ignored one post, but you've now posted three times in the group about your book, including starting a new thread... It's a bit shameless, especially since you hadn't posted anything in the group before. This group is not here to be anyone's promotional tool.

carl wrote: "Darrin wrote: "Hi everyone, new member of the group here. Looking to trade book suggestions. I'm really into 19th Century base ball. So, I am looking for suggestions, and can make them as well. ..."

This one of my favorite all time books, not just baseball books. It will stay with you for years.

With spring season looming I've got set to start reading The Long Season plus I have Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game on my bookshelf as well. Looking forward to this new season even though my teams are in rebuilding modes (White Sox and Padres).

between Christmas and Valentine's I've got a good batting order
to start the season, decisions, decisions:

At the end of this month, Dirk Hayhurst's followup book--Out of my League--ships.

I absolutely loved his first book
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/73...

Looks like a good top of the order...now who is going to hit 5th through 9th? :-)

i'm glad you asked. GR wasn't cooperating earlier, here's
the middle of the order:

and this pair i picked sometime during a holiday book
buying urge. that makes 10, guess i'm using a DH.

Read the review at New York Journal of Books:
http://nyjournalofbooks.com/review/ba...

Batting order for this baseball season thus far:

Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy
Wait Till Next Year
Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero
Willie Mays: The Life, The Legend

a good lead off matt. linda suggested it after i read Leavy's Mantle book, so it's on my
list also, just not in my starting lineup as yet.


Matt wrote: "Batting order for this baseball season thus far:

Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy
Wait Till Next Year
Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero..."

Has anyone read Calico Joe by Grisham? Is it worth the $13.00? Please let me know your opinions.

A novel set at the dawn of professional baseball, Darryl Brock's If I Never Get Back: A Novel is a wonderful book for any baseball fan.

I currently reading David Carkeet's The Greatest Slump of All Time. So far, a terrific book laced with dry wit and humor.

Diana S wrote: "The next baseball book I plan on reading is 60' 6'' and Other Distances from Home It's about Mose YellowHorse's professional Baseball career. I borr..."

Wondering what you thought of the Mose Yellow Horse book. I was disappointed.

Darrin wrote: "Hi everyone, new member of the group here. Looking to trade book suggestions. I'm really into 19th Century base ball. So, I am looking for suggestions, and can make them as well.

Glad to be a..."

A Clever Base-Ballist: The Life and Times of John Montgomery Ward

The Crooked Pitch: The Curveball in American Baseball History

Has anyone read "The Pitch That Killed" by Mike Sowell? It was referred to briefly in "A Pitch For Justice," which is a fictional account that centers mostly on a team of prosecutors.

The account of what happened when Carl Mays hit Ray Chapman with a "bean ball" during the pennant race of 1920 is told with a sense of clarity and immediacy that makes me feel very close to the events that happened.

It's a very thoroughly researched account of something that affected a lot of people's lives, and it makes me wonder if there's a ripple effect that may be influencing the way some teams may feel about others today.

"A gripping story, well told."

Lisa wrote: "Has anyone read "The Pitch That Killed" by Mike Sowell? It was referred to briefly in "A Pitch For Justice," which is a fictional account that centers mostly on a team of prosecutors.

The account..."
Hey there Lisa, I haven't read it, but I learned from Ken Burns' "Baseball" how that incident changed the game, in case it wasn't covered in the book. Before the fatal beaning, the same ball would remain in play all day, even after it became dark with dirt (and tobacco juice, which pitchers were free to apply to the ball before the spitter was banned). After the incident, umpires were required to replace soiled balls so that batters would better be able to see the incoming missile -- which increased safety and offense alike! But can you believe that batters didn't start wearing batting helmets until the 1960's! Jon

Jon wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Has anyone read "The Pitch That Killed" by Mike Sowell? It was referred to briefly in "A Pitch For Justice," which is a fictional account that centers mostly on a team of prosecutors. ..."

Just finished reading it. Carl Mays fully believed the beaning of Ray Chapman was an accident on his part. He felt the ball should have been taken out of play for just the reasons you named and blamed the umpire for what happened. Unfortunately, the ball was lost so its condition could not be verified one way or the other.

I haven't yet seen Ken Burn's documentary, but according to this book: "In 1956, the National League made their (helmets) use mandatory. Before the 1958 season, the American League teams voted seven to one to follow suit." "... in March 1958, AL president Will Harridge notified his umpires that all players were required to wear the protective headgear."

Lisa wrote: "Jon wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Has anyone read "The Pitch That Killed" by Mike Sowell? It was referred to briefly in "A Pitch For Justice," which is a fictional account that centers mostly on a team of p..."

Hi Lisa, so it was the late '50's when batting helmets came into play; interesting, thanks. In the late '60's, after Dodgers catcher Tom Haller was injured on a back-swing, catchers began wearing helmets, at first fashioned from batting helmets with the bill sawed off. ... I wonder if Mays was being honest in saying that; he would say that either way, most likely; and in the Burns program, he was described as a real mean (shut yer mouth) who loved throwing at batters.