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Tales from the Chicago White Sox Dugout: A Collection of the Greatest White Sox Stories Ever Told (Tales from the Team)
by Ron Kittle Bob LoganThe 1983 American League West champion Chicago White Sox will forever be remembered by their trademark slogan "Winning Ugly." One of the stars of that colorful bunch that rocked old Comiskey Park was an unlikely hero, a twenty-five-year-old rookie from Northwest Indiana. Ron Kittle led the 1983 White Sox with 35 home runs, 100 RBIs, and Rookie of the Year honors. Now Kittle shares the adventures, struggles and triumphs of his incredible journey. A one-of-a-kind collection of stories, anecdotes, and humor, this newly-updated edition ofTales from the Chicago White Sox Dugout opens a window into the life of more than just one Sox legend. Kittle shares insights about manager Tony La Russa, catcher Carlton Fisk, outfielder Harold Baines, Cy Young winner LaMarr Hoyt, and a host of others. Peppered with stories from on and off the field, Tales from the Chicago White Sox Dugout catalogs more than just stats and facts; Kittle shares inspiring stories of overcoming the physical pain he dealt with every day, as well as his dedication to raising funds for charity, adventures in the dugout, and so much more.
So You Think You're a Cleveland Indians Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards (So You Think You're a Fan?)
by Joseph WanchoSo You Think You're a Cleveland Indians Fan? tests and expands your knowledge of Indians baseball. Rather than merely posing questions and providing answers, this book will give you the details behind each--stories that bring to life players and managers, games and seasons. This book is divided into multiple parts, with progressively more difficult questions in each new section. Along the way, you'll learn more about the great Indians players and managers of the past and present, from Nap Lajoie to Tris Speaker, Cy Young, Bob Feller, Lou Boudreau, Bob Lemon, Rocky Colavito, Gaylord Perry, Sandy Alomar Jr., Omar Vizquel, Jim Thome, Corey Kluber, and so many more. The many questions that this book answers include: Who was the only Indians player to be named MVP of the All-Star Game? Who is the only pitcher in team history to win at least 30 games in a season? Which Cleveland Indians player led the team in home runs during the 1960s? In 1987, the Indians had two pitchers on their staff who were later enshrined into the Hall of Fame. Who were they? This book makes the perfect gift for any fan of the Tribe!
Being Ted Williams: Growing Up with a Baseball Idol
by Dick Enberg Tom ClavinAugust 30, 2018 marks the 100th birthday of the former Boston Red Sox outfielder and baseball legend. In Being Ted Williams, esteemed sportscaster Dick Enberg offers a series of personal anecdotes that loosely follow Ted's life from his childhood in San Diego, to his fun teenage years playing in the Pacific Coast League, his glorious yet frustrating Red Sox career, his heroic actions as a fighter pilot in two wars (as John Glenn's favorite wing-man), and his post-career years leading to his heart-rending appearance at age eighty at the 1999 All-Star Game. Though other books have recounted Williams's career, none have done so through the eyes of someone like Enberg, who followed Ted's career as just a young boy, trying to emulate his classic swing, then as a broadcaster, and finally as a friend, when the two men could enjoy numerous get-togethers until Ted's passing in 2002. Enberg also weaves in personal stories and commentary on what it means to be a hero from other legendary sports figures, such as Bobby Knight, Vin Scully, Bill Walton, and many more. Being Ted Williams makes the perfect gift for the baseball fan looking for a unique perspective on one of the sport's greatest legends through the lens of one of the best broadcasters in the game's history.
Winning Ugly: A Visual History of the Most Bizarre Baseball Uniforms Ever Worn
by Todd RadomBaseball, our national pastime. Every fan has memories of their team’s incredible victories and anguishing defeats. We remember the home runs, the walk-off wins, and the moments that will last a lifetime. We also remember those things which we wish we could forget: the errors, the mental mistakes . . . and the ugly uniforms.In an ode to those eyesores, Todd Radom has collected and chronicled some of the swing-and-misses we’ve ever seen on the baseball diamond. Remember when the Chicago White Sox thought wearing shorts in 1977 was a good idea? How about when the Baltimore Orioles wore their all-orange jerseys in 1971? Do you remember the 1999 “Turn Ahead the Clock” campaign? Or the most recent all-camo jerseys of San Diego Padres?Yes, there is much to talk about when it comes to the odd uniform decisions teams have made over the years. But just like there’s love out there for French bulldogs or Christmas sweaters, ugly uniforms hold a warm place in the heart of all baseball fans.Sure they didn’t affect wins and losses (unless you mention Chris Sale), but a fan’s love and ire goes well beyond the current standings. So whether your team appears in Ugly Baseball Uniforms or not, fans of the sport will enjoy reliving the moments most teams would like to forget.
Incredible Baseball Trivia: More Than 200 Hardball Questions for the Thinking Fan
by David NemecMatch wits with the father of baseball trivia, David Nemec, a ten-time national champion as he presents more than 200 baseball stumpers that are artfully designed to test the depth of the reader’s knowledge about the game since 1871 including: • Who is the most recent major leaguer to compile 100 or more hits, 20 or more complete games, and 20 or more decisions in the same season? No, the answer is not who you think! • Who is the only pitcher to hurl a minimum of 5,000 career innings and surrender fewer hits per 9 innings than Walter Johnson? • What team had a record of 52–62 when the strike shut down the 1994 season but was on track to qualify for postseason play with the lowest winning percentage ever by a division or league first-place finisher? Every era of baseball history is represented from Cap Anson to Mike Trout, Cy Young to Clayton Kershaw, Ty Cobb to Jose Altuve, Babe Ruth to Giancarlo Stanton.Incredible Baseball Trivia is the ultimate test for knowledgeable baseball fans!
Aaron Judge: The Incredible Story of the New York Yankees' Home Run–Hitting Phenom
by Buster Olney David FischerAt 6-foot-7 and 285 pounds, Aaron Judge emerged as the biggest story in baseball in 2017 with his monstrous home runs and record-breaking ability. A three-sport athlete in high school and a Division I ballplayer at Fresno State, the Californian was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round in 2013 and made it to the majors by August 2016. Homering in his first major league at-bat and starting in right field straight out of spring training in 2017, he gave Yankees fans hope for the future, along with "Baby Bombers" teammates such as Gary Sanchez.After a rough start in which he batted below .200 and struck out in over 40 percent of his plate appearances after joining the Yankees, Judge turned things around and helped get his team off to a fast start in 2017 with 10 homers in April alone, tying the rookie record for the month. He then broke the legendary Joe DiMaggio’s team record for most round trippers by the All-Star break with 30, including one that measured at 495 feet. His mounting popularity enabled him to receive more All-Star votes than any American League player and to the creation of the "Judge's Chambers" section located in the right-field stands of Yankee Stadium. Judge's momentum next led to him winning the 2017 Home Run Derby where he smashed a total of 47, four of which traveled more than 500 feet. It's no wonder that baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has said that Judge is a player "who can become the face of the game." In Aaron Judge: The Incredible Story of the New York Yankees' Home Run-Hitting Phenom, David Fischer brings the exciting story of the Yankees' newest superstar to life.
The Baseball Maniac's Almanac: The Absolutely, Positively, and Without Question Greatest Book of Facts, Figures, and Astonishing Lists Ever Compiled (Baseball Maniac's Almanac: Absolutely, Positively And Without Ser.)
by Bert Randolph Sugar Samelson KenAn addictive read that is sure to spark conversation wherever baseball is spoken, this updated edition of The Baseball Maniac’s Almanac is part reference, part trivia, part brain teaser, and absolutely the most unusual and thorough compendium of baseball stats and facts ever assembled—all verified for accuracy by the Baseball Hall of Fame. In its pages, renowned sportswriter Bert Randolph Sugar presents thousands of fascinating lists, tables, data, and stimulating facts. Inside, you’ll find:Highest batting averages not to win batting titlesHome-run leaders by state of birthPlayers on last-place teams leading the league in RBIs, by seasonMost triples by position, seasonWinners of two “legs” of triple crown since last winnerOldest pitchers with losing record, leading league in ERACareer pitching leaders under six feet tallManagers replaced wile team was in first placeHall of Famers whose sons played in the majorsPlayers with palindromic surnamesAnd so much more! Not just a collection of facts or records, this is a book of glorious fun that will astound even the most bookish baseball fan. Read up and amaze your friends!
A Season to Forget: The Story of the 1988 Baltimore Orioles
by Ron SnyderBetween 1966 and 1983, the Baltimore Orioles were considered the best team in baseball. During that span, the team won three World Series, advanced to three others, and competed for a playoff spot just about every season. The Orioles were a model franchise thanks to its “Orioles Way” approach to building a franchise through a strong farm system. Future Hall of Famers like Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken Jr., and Eddie Murray made their ways through the ranks and helped put consistent winners on the field. But five years after Ripken caught the final out to clinch the Orioles World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, the franchise was in disarray. From not understanding how to utilize free agency to having their once famed farm system dry up of talent, the once-proud franchise was spiraling downward. Heading into the 1988 season, the Orioles expected to struggle after a 95-loss season the year before. Not even the return of famed manager Earl Weaver in 1985 and 1986 was enough to turn the team around. The Orioles attempted to revamp their roster in 1988 with 14 new players on the roster compared to the year before. The team opened that season 0–21, shattering the record for futility to start a season by eight games. They consistently found different ways to lose each night to the point that President Ronald Regan sent a message of support to the lovable losers from Charm City. Religious leaders and mental health professionals even offered to help the team find that elusive first win. In the same vein as Jimmy Breslin’s Can’t Anyone Here Play This Game? on the 1962 New York Mets, author Ron Snyder discusses just how did a once model franchise devolved into a team with the distinction of having the worst start of any team in MLB history. A Season to Forget takes an in-depth look at the lead up to that season, a game-by-game breakdown of the streak, and the toll it took on those who lived through it.
When the Braves Ruled the Diamond: Fourteen Flags over Atlanta
by Dan SchlossbergFrom 1991 through 2005, the Atlanta Braves did something no pro sports team can match, finishing in first place for fourteen consecutive seasons. <P><P>During that stretch, the Braves paired powerful pitching with potent hitting that produced under pressure. Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox won with veteran teams, young teams, slugging teams, and several times with teams that emphasized speed and defense. His teams captured on hundred wins in six different seasons. <P><P>In When the Braves Ruled the Diamond, now newly updated to include a discussion of the team's latest Hall of Fame inductees, former AP sportswriter Dan Schlossberg covers the record-breaking era that transformed Atlanta from the Bad-News Braves to America's Team. <P><P>With separate chapters on Cox, fabled pitching coach Leo Mazzone, and Hall of Fame pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, this book also highlights the contributions of Andres Galarraga, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Brian Jordan, Javy Lopez, Terry Pendleton, and many more Braves stars. <P><P>It features year-by-year summaries, Opening Day lineups, and even oddball anecdotes that explain why the fourteen-year streak may never be duplicated. It is the perfect gift for fans of baseball history as well as fans of the Atlanta Braves!
A Tribe Reborn: How the Cleveland Indians of the ?90s Went from Cellar Dwellers to Playoff Contenders
by George Christian Pappas Hank PetersFor almost fifty years, the Cleveland Indians were a joke. They had won the 1948 World Series with one of the greatest teams of all time, but had not been to the playoffs since 1954 (losing to the New York Giants in the World Series). Even the Major League movies poked fun at their inadequacy. That all changed in the 1990s, when the Indians became one of the most dominant teams of the decade.A Tribe Reborn tells the story of a failing franchise, from “The Mistake by the Lake” to “The Curse of Rocky Colavito,” and how a laughingstock team that was on the verge of relocating changed its ways to become a dominant franchise. With the building of the state-of-the-art Jacobs Field (which the Indians sold out a record 455 consecutive games, from 1995–2001) to changes in how their scouting, front office, and locker room were run, the team that nobody cared about became front-page news across the country. With interviews from Jim Thome, Omar Vizquel, Mike Hargrove, John Hart, and many more, A Tribe Reborn is a fantastic look inside how a losing franchise changed its ways to become a perennial powerhouse. While the Indians of the ’90s never won a World Series (appearing twice in 1995 and 1997), they are still remembered for their hard play, amazing talent, and rabid fan base.
Tales from the Minnesota Twins Dugout: A Collection of the Greatest Twins Stories Ever Told (Tales from the Team #1)
by Kent HrbekImagine a story in which a young man grows up so close to a major-league ballpark that he can see the stadium lights from his front yard. He pretends to be the team’s star during neighborhood ball games and fantasizes about one day playing for his hometown team. Stop imagining. Kent Hrbek made those childhood dreams come true. In this newly revised edition of Tales From the Minnesota Twins Dugout, the Twins superstar himself relives his journey from homegrown dreamer to international superstar. Along the way, he recounts all the unforgettable moments from on the field and in the locker room that make the Twins one of baseball’s most beloved franchises. Hrbek played fourteen seasons for the franchise, helping the club win two World Series titles. His jersey has been retired by the Twins, hanging alongside the likes of Tony Oliva, the hitter he emulated as a child. It is a fairytale story. But it’s only one part of this newly revised edition of Tales From the Minnesota Twins Dugout. Within these pages, readers will find the story of players’ hopes, realities, and unforgettable moments. Enjoy the humorous tales of pranks pulled by Hrbek and his zany teammates, taste the victory as the Twins take home two World Series titles. Savor the story of the hometown hero who remains to this day fiercely loyal to his Twins. A must-have for any Minnesota fan. Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Tales from the Seattle Mariners Dugout: A Collection of the Greatest Mariners Stories Ever Told (Tales from the Team #1)
by Kirby ArnoldLarry Andersen, Richie Zisk, and Joe Simpson made sure that everywhere bewildered manager Rene Lachemann went during the 1982 season, some Jell-O was sure to follow-from his hotel bathroom sink, tub, and toilet (filled to the brim) to a postgame can of beer. Jay Buhner, one of the stars in the Seattle Mariners’ 1995 "Refuse to Lose” season, maintained the team's proud, prank-filled history well into the ’90s with his "blurping”-vomiting on command.It’s a good thing Mariners players had senses of humor, because for many years the play on the field wasn't going to keep their spirits high, as the team lost a combined 202 games over their first two seasons. Twelve consecutive losing campaigns later, they finally posted a winning record in 1991. Four years later, they won their first division title and then their first playoff series.This reissue of Tales from the Seattle Mariners Dugout, now newly revised, chronicles Seattle's rise from a hopeless and hapless franchise in the 1970s and ’80s to a proud team in the 1990s that went on to capture three division championships and earn four playoff appearances. It’s a must-read walk down memory lane for every fan of the team.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports-books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Wrigley Field Year by Year: A Century at the Friendly Confines
by Sam PathyMore than just a lavishly illustrated and highly readable book, Wrigley Field Year by Year, originally published in 2014 and updated through the 2018 season, is the result of a quarter century of meticulous research. Written by a baseball historian and recognized authority on the “Friendly Confines,” this is the first book to detail each year of the storied park’s existence. The book covers not only the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Federal League baseball teams in detail, it touches on the Chicago Bears football team, basketball, hockey, high school sports, track and field, and political rallies. It references activities and changes throughout the park and in its neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. In addition to pertinent Cubs statistics, the author’s year-by-year coverage includes:A “game of the year”A description of unusual and interesting happenings in the ballparkA quote from the year that best captures its essenceSupplementing the year-by-year approach are nine chapters that divide Wrigley Field’s rich history into nine “innings” along with informative appendixes that will delight every Cubs fan, from the casual to the obsessed. The book’s easy-to-use format and wealth of information make it a resource that readers will turn to again and again.
Shohei Ohtani: The Amazing Story of Baseball's Two-Way Japanese Superstar
by Jay ParisRarely does anyone use the term “two-way” in regard to a baseball player. Yet the Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani, at the young age of twenty-three, has become the epitome of the term, drawing comparisons to Babe Ruth by baseball pundits everywhere. After being drafted by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Japan Pacific League with the number-one pick in 2012, the eighteen-year-old Ohtani struggled with the bat during his rookie season. However, he had a breakout year in 2014, posting a 2.61 ERA in 24 starts and 179 strikeouts (as well as 10 home runs). By 2017, all thirty Major League Baseball teams had heard about the Japanese phenom and expressed interest in signing him. Ultimately, the Angels offered him the opportunity to compete as a two-way player and the chance to accomplish his professional goals. After a quiet spring training, Ohtani broke out in the first two weeks of the 2018 regular season, becoming just the 14th pitcher in major-league history to strike out 12 batters in one of his first two starts. He also homered in three consecutive games during that stretch. Shohei Ohtani: The Amazing Story of Baseball’s Two-Way Japanese Superstar tells the story of the player from rural Japan who became a two-way star not seen in America since Babe Ruth. With highlights of his best games on the mound and at bat from each month of his rookie season and anecdotes of his life in America, this is the one book that every fan will want.
Red Sox vs. Yankees: Hometown Experts Analyze, Debate, and Illuminate Baseball's Ultimate Rivalry (Classic Sports Rivalries #1)
by Bill Nowlin David FischerTeddy Ballgame or the Great Bambino? Nomar or Jeter? Clemens or Clemens? For more than 115 years, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have been battling it out on the diamond, playing each other over 2,000 times. This heated rivalry has stood the test of time, as one team’s triumph usually means the other’s dismay. While the teams battle on the field, the fans and cities take the rivalry just as seriously. But who’s the best? Which team’s players have the edge? Which team’s squad would reign supreme? If you ask a New Yorker, you’ll get an obvious answer; same with a Bostonian. But what happens when two men from opposite sides of the track sit down to discuss who is the best?Red Sox vs. Yankees pairs baseball historians Bill Nowlin (Red Sox) and David Fischer (Yankees) to discuss who each team’s best position player was and which super team would win in a head-to-head series. Obviously, they won’t easily agree. Obviously, there will be cheap shots and venom spewed back and forth. But in the end, we will have two teams: one of the greatest players and one of each squad’s best year. You can guess that Nowlin will say that the Sox will win, while Fischer is confident that the Yanks will be victorious. But it’s not that easy. Thanks to the help of Action! PC Baseball, we will have a simulation to find out which team would win in a head-to-head battle. Will the All-Star Yankees take the series? Will the Red Sox pummel the best the Bronx has to offer? There’s only one way to find out.
Incredible Baseball Stats: The Coolest, Strangest Stats and Facts in Baseball History
by Kevin Reavy Ryan SpaederAs America's pastime since the mid-1800s, baseball offers the sights, sounds, and even smells that are deeply entrenched in our culture. But for some, the experience can be less sensory. Some, such as Ryan Spaeder and Kevin Reavy, live for baseball statistics. Stats give the game historical context and measurables for past, present, and predictive analysis.Incredible Baseball Stats, newly updated, helps tell unique baseball stories, showcasing extraordinary stats and facts in baseball history, through the 2018 season. For example, in 2015, the Nationals’ Bryce Harper broke out in a major way. He batted .330/.460/.649 with 42 home runs en route to his first MVP Award. It was his fourth MLB season, but he was still younger than NL Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant. He became the youngest player to lead the league in both on-base percentage and homers in the same season since Ty Cobb in 1909. The authors have scoured the records for untold tales and looked at familiar ones with new statistical insights, to create Incredible Baseball Stats, a perfect book for baseball fans from coast to coast.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports-books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
The Boston Red Sox Killer B's: Baseball's Best Outfield
by Jim Prime Bill NowlinLearn about the 2018 World Series-winning Red Sox outfield! Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Mookie Betts, three superb outfielders who are known collectively as the "Killer B's," have set Major League Baseball abuzz. Most notably, they made up the Red Sox World Series-winning outfield in 2018, a season in which Betts was voted the American League MVP and received a Gold Glove, Bradley earned ALCS MVP accolades and also a Gold Glove, and Benintendi featured one of the smoothest swings since Ted Williams to complement his defensive prowess. In The Boston Red Sox Killer B's, veteran authors Jim Prime and Bill Nowlin team up once again to cover the young careers of all three players, with special emphasis on the 2018 season. Along the way, Prime and Nowlin incorporate on- and off-field stories and interviews with teammates to offer fans a better understanding of how this trio has transformed into New England folk heroes and how they have developed a chemistry unmatched by any other outfield around the league. This book serves as the perfect gift for any Red Sox fan!
A Fan's Guide to Baseball Analytics: Why WAR, WHIP, wOBA, and Other Advanced Sabermetrics Are Essential to Understanding Modern Baseball
by Anthony CastrovinceBroken up into sections (pitching, fielding, hitting), this authoritative yet fun and easy guide will help readers young and old fully understand and comprehend the statistics that are the present and future of our national pastime. We all know what a .300 hitter looks like. The same with a 20-game winner. Those numbers are ingrained in our brains. But do they mean as much as we think? Do we feel the same way when we hear a batter has a .390 wOBA? How about a pitcher with a 1.2 WHIP? These statistics are the future of modern baseball, and no fan should be in the dark about how these metrics apply to the game.In the last twenty years, an avalanche of analytics has taken over the way the game is played, managed, and assessed, but the statistics that drive the sport (metrics like wRC+, FIP, and WAR, just to name a few) read like alphabet soup to a large number of fans who still think batting average, RBIs, and wins are the best barometers for baseball players.In A Fan&’s Guide to Baseball Analytics, MLB.com reporter and columnist Anthony Castrovince has taken on the role as explainer to help such fans understand why the old stats don&’t always add up. Readers will also learn where these modern stats came from, what they convey, and how to use them to evaluate players of the present, past, and future. For instance, what if we told you that when Joe DiMaggio had his famous 56-game hitting streak in 1941, helping him win the AL MVP, that there was, perhaps, someone more deserving? In fact, the great Ted Williams actually had a higher fWAR, bWAR, wRC+, OPS, OPS+, ISO, RC . . . well, you get the picture. So, streak or no streak, Williams should have been league MVP.An introductory course on sabermetrics, A Fan&’s Guide to Baseball Analytics is an easily digestible resource that readers can keep turning back to when they see a modern metric referenced in today&’s baseball coverage.
The Negro Baseball Leagues: Tales of Umpiring Legendary Players, Breaking Barriers, and Making American History
by Byron Motley Bob MotleyCelebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues with updates and additions throughout! The Kansas City Monarchs, the Chicago American Giants, the St. Louis Stars, the Birmingham Black Barons, the Homestead Grays, and the Indianapolis Clowns; for over fifty years, they were the Yankees, Cardinals, and Red Sox of black baseball in America. And for over a decade beginning in the late 1940s, umpire Bob Motley called balls and strikes for many of their games, working alongside such legends as Satchel Paige, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Willie Mays. Today, Motley is the only living arbiter from the Negro Leagues. His personal account of the Negro Leagues is a revealing, humorous, and unforgettable memoir celebrating a long-lost league and a remarkable group of baseball players. In this brand new 100-year anniversary edition of Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants, and Stars, Motley and his son Byron share the characters, adventures, and challenges faced by these amazing men as they enthusiastically embraced America&’s pastime and made it their own. Filled with stories of talented heroes, small miracles, and downright fun, this unique memoir is a must-read for any baseball fan.
Mount Rushmore of the New York Mets: The Best Players by Decade to Wear the Orange and Blue
by Brett TopelMount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of Keystone, South Dakota, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. The face of the mountain features 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It depicts four of the greatest men our country has ever known. In recent years, it has become fashionable for sports fans to select the Mount Rushmore of their franchise&’s history. For some franchise&’s, which have been around for 100+ years, it can be a daunting task. Even for younger franchises, such as the New York Mets, picking a Mount Rushmore can be a challenge. Mostly because fans always seem to favor players that they have seen play—leading older and younger fans to differ on who belongs carved on that fictional mountain in Queens. In 2015, Major League Baseball announced its decision for each team&’s Mount Rushmore. For the Mets, voters chose Keith Hernandez, Mike Piazza, Tom Seaver, and David Wright. No one would argue that Tom Seaver is on the franchise&’s Mount Rushmore. He was, after all, &“The Franchise.&” Some might even argue that the Mets&’ Mount Rushmore is Tom Seaver four times! However, that not-withstanding, when it comes to rounding out the other three players, did MLB get it right?? Thankfully, Mount Rushmore of the New York Mets tackles such a question. Covering the team by decade, author Brett Topel share the best players from the team&’s almost sixty-year history. From Jerry Koosman and Ed Kranepool, Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, to Edgardo Alfonzo and Jose Reyes, each decade is covered, reliving the highs and lows of the Metropolitans. So whether you remember the Miracle Mets, the Amazin&’ run of 1986, or the almost of the 2000s, Mount Rushmore of the New York Mets breaks down the fan favorites who earned their prominence in the Polo Grounds, Shea Stadium, and Citi Field.
The New Book of Baseball Trivia: More than 500 Questions for Avid Fans
by Wayne StewartA comprehensive trivia book that enables readers to compete as they answer questions!In The New Book of Baseball Trivia, experienced baseball author Wayne Stewart includes 500 fun and engaging questions and answers on everyone's favorite former and active players and coaches. Readers are awarded a single, double, triple, or homer based on the difficulty level of the question, with the goal to score as many runs as possible by the end of the book. They are kept on their toes by answers head-scratchers such as:Which team became the first one ever to have three of its players hit 40+ homers in a season?Who was the shortest man ever to appear in a big-league game?Which two brothers combined for more lifetime home runs than any other brother act?When Shane Bieber won the 2020 Cy Young Award, he became the fifth Cleveland Indian to capture that honor. Name three of the other four men to accomplish this.Which two men bashed more home runs while teammates than any other teammate combo?And many more! This book makes the perfect gift for the baseball-loving fan!
Baseball's Memorable Misses: An Unabashed Look at the Game's Craziest Zeroes
by Dan SchlossbergBaseball books span the spectrum from the All-Stars to the has-beens but invariably overlook the endless string of things that could have happened but didn't. Baseball&’s Memorable Misses fills that void, pointing out little-known facts perfect for both rabid and casual fans. Who knew that Willie Mays never won an RBI crown or that Stan Musial hit the most home runs in one day but never led his league in a season? Nolan Ryan had zero Cy Young Awards despite owning records for strikeouts and no-hitters. Roger Clemens, on the other hand, had a record seven Cy Youngs and two 20-strikeout games but zero no-hitters.There were also zero no-hitters by Greg Maddux, who has more wins than any living pitcher. Players took zeroes and sometimes double-zeroes as uniform numbers. Veteran baseball writer Dan Schlossberg delves into the previously-unknown world of baseball zeroes, exploring everything from Christy Mathewson's zero runs allowed in the 1905 World Series to the three perfect games pitched in Yankee Stadium. This book also reveals that there were zero no-hitters pitched by Pirates at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field even though visiting pitchers did not fall victim to that hex. There have been zero players who hit five home runs in one game but two who have hit five in one day. This is a book of Almost But Not Quite (ABNQ for short) but also a book that suggests baseball's second century can be almost as intriguing as its first. With the help of author Doug Lyons, who wrote the foreword, and celebrated baseball cartoonist Ronnie Joyner, this is also a utilitarian volume, perfect for the living room coffee table or even the bathroom. Like the game itself, Baseball&’s Memorable Misses is fun--and perfect for rain delays in season or off-season enjoyment.
The Baseball Maniac's Almanac: The Absolutely, Positively, and Without Question Greatest Book of Facts, Figures, and Astonishing Lists Ever Compiled
by Bert Randolph SugarPart reference, part trivia, part brain teaser, and absolutely the most unusual and thorough compendium of baseball stats and facts ever assembled—all verified for accuracy by the Baseball Hall of Fame. First created by legendary sportswriter Bert Randolph Sugar, and now updated, here are thousands of fascinating lists, tables, data, and stimulating facts. Inside, you&’ll find all of the big name baseball heroes like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Ernie Banks, Pete Rose, Denny McLain, Ty Cobb, and a lot of information that will be new to even the most devoted fans: Highest batting averages not to win batting titles Home-run leaders by state of birth Players on last-place teams leading the league in RBIs, by season Most triples by position, season Winners of two &“legs&” of triple crown since last winner Oldest pitchers with losing record, leading league in ERA Career pitching leaders under six feet tall Managers replaced wile team was in first place Hall of Famers whose sons played in the majors Players with palindromic surnames And so much more! Not just a collection of facts or records, this is a book of glorious fun that will astound even the most bookish baseball fan. Read up and amaze your friends!
The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults
by Mark BauerleinFrom Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults Back in 2008, Mark Bauerlein was a voice crying in the wilderness. As experts greeted the new generation of &“Digital Natives&” with extravagant hopes for their high-tech future, he pegged them as the &“Dumbest Generation.&” Today, their future doesn&’t look so bright, and their present is pretty grim. The twenty-somethings who spent their childhoods staring into a screen are lonely and purposeless, unfulfilled at work and at home. Many of them are even suicidal. The Dumbest Generation Grows Up is an urgently needed update on the Millennials, explaining their not-so-quiet desperation and, more important, the threat that their ignorance poses to the rest of us. Lacking skills, knowledge, religion, and a cultural frame of reference, Millennials are anxiously looking for something to fill the void. Their mentors have failed them. Unfortunately, they have turned to politics to plug the hole in their souls. Knowing nothing about history, they are convinced that it is merely a catalogue of oppression, inequality, and hatred. Why, they wonder, has the human race not ended all this injustice before now? And from the depths of their ignorance rises the answer: Because they are the first ones to care! All that is needed is to tear down our inherited civilization and replace it with their utopian aspirations. For a generation unacquainted with the constraints of human nature, anything seems possible. Having diagnosed the malady before most people realized the patient was sick, Mark Bauerlein surveys the psychological and social wreckage and warns that we cannot afford to do this to another generation.
1, 2, 3, Nosh With Me
by Micah Siva Joshua SivaCulture and education are deliciously interwoven in this playful exploration of Jewish delicacies for young readers."The perfect book to jumpstart children's interest in these traditional foods as they reinforce their counting skills." —Faith Kramer, best-selling author of 52 Shabbats: Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen Buckwheat the Sheepadoodle needs help preparing his holiday meal! One by one, young readers are guided through ten delicious foods of Jewish holidays, family gatherings, and Shabbat dinners. Both appetizing and educational, 1, 2, 3 Nosh With Me helps young children learn about basic numbers as well as traditional Jewish cuisine. And if all the counting makes your little one hungry, use the bonus recipe for Simple Challah included to make your own tasty loaf! MORE PRAISE FOR 1, 2, 3 NOSH WITH ME &“From the tactile cover to the challah recipe, and all the fun foods in between, my family and I loved this book!&” —Rachel Teichman, author of B is for Bagel and D is for Donut &“The illustrations opened up conversations about some of our favorite Jewish foods and traditions and my daughters had so much fun counting along with each page!&” —Ariel Stein, founder of Ariel Loves and Jewish educator