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The Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball
More than any other sport, baseball has developed a niche in the American psyche. Researchers spend years on detailed statistical analyses of minute parts of the game, while others wax poetic about its players and plays. Many trace the beginnings of the civil rights movement to the Major Leagues' decision to integrate, and the words and phrases of the game (for example, pinch-hitter and out in left field) have become common in our everyday language.
From Aaron, Hank onward, all of what might be called the cultural aspects of baseball are covered (as opposed to the number-rich statistical information so widely available elsewhere). Biographical sketches of all Hall of Fame players, owners, executives and umpires, as well as many of the sportswriters and broadcasters who have won the Spink and Frick awards, join entries for teams, owners, commissioners and league presidents. Advertising, Agents, Drafts, Illegal Substances, Tripleheaders, and Youngest Players are among the thousands of subjects. |
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"The worst part of being an addict is that you lie all the time." - Dwight Gooden
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| Author's Description |
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The largest (850,000 words) non-statistical compilation of serious baseball history (airline travel, All-Star Games, ballparks, broadcasters, Hall of Famers, home runs, injuries, illness, international baseball, leagues, Native Americans, racism, radio, television, youth baseball...) and not-so-serious (automobiles, birds, curfews, food, haircuts, marriage, mascots, movies, nicknames, practical jokes, sexual escapades, songs, stunts, superstitions...) ever written. One-hundred twenty photographs, some never published before; something for the serious baseball fan and the casual reader. Thousands of quotes, humorous and serious - many from the 19th century and rarely seen. Eight years of research and writing! A must for anyone interested in the rich history, colorful writing and culture of baseball.
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| Commercial Reviews |
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ARBA
- "fills a huge gap in the reference literature concerning the sport of baseball...succeeds brilliantly...this is one of the most comprehensive, enjoyable, and useful narrative reference works on the game ever published. The coverage is truly exhaustive and the writing is highly informative. If one is planning on purchasing only one nonstatistical reference book about baseball this year, it should be this one"
Library Journal
- "a true encyclopedia.... An entertaining, anecdotal, and informative reference recommended for all libraries"
Booklist / RBB
- "an exhaustive compendium"
Choice
- "the range of subjects is astonishing...useful and entertaining... Recommended"
College & Research Libraries
- "no bland recitation of batting averages.... Even people who are not particularly keen on sports will enjoy browsing in this homage to American pop culture.... A steal at $75"
Rettig on Reference
- "[a] wide ranging compendium of baseball history and lore...anyone who loves the game will delight in endless browsing in the encyclopedia's pages"
The Sporting News
- "a marvelous book"
VOYA
- "astonishing.... [Readers] will be fascinated by what the author has uncovered...the author's beguiling voice resonates throughout"
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Baseball Book Shelf: The Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball
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