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The Biographical Encyclopedia
Baseball fans rejoice! Baseball: The Biographical Encyclopedia is here with information about the men behind the magic numbers 755, 70, 56, 1.12, and 4,256.
All the big names — Aaron to Zisk — are included in this treasure trove, as are some lesser-known figures such as D.L. Adams (who has a pretty strong claim as "the father of baseball"), Bill Klem ("the Babe Ruth of umpires"), Branch Rickey (who signed Jackie Robinson to the major leagues), and Charles "Victory" Faust (the New York Giants' good luck charm and occasional pitcher, with no wins, losses, saves, walks, or strikeouts, and an ERA of 4.50, in two innings pitched).
Each entry includes cumulative statistics, dates and places of birth and death, and a picture of the subject. An excellent addition to any baseball fan's library. |
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"This book is not just for people who love baseball, but also for people who love good stories." - Author Matthew Silverman
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Baseball: The Biographical Encyclopedia
is the standard reference to the stars and superstars of the national pastime. This mammoth volume covers 2,000 players from Hank Aaron to Richie Zisk, providing quick access to the stories behind the sport's most notable careers. Produced by the editors of Total Baseball, this book includes all the numbers but goes beyond them to reveal the highlights and lowlights of the game's key contributors. Each entry includes personal data such as birth and death dates and sites, major league debut dates, and physical specs. With the inclusion of extensive career statistics and thumbnail biographies for each of the 2,000 entries, Baseball: The Biographical Encyclopedia is a cornerstone for any baseball fan's collection.
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| Commercial Reviews |
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Newsday: "In 6 3/4 pounds of book for $49.95 -cheap -there are the endless delights of Frankie Baumholtz, who was MVP of the 1941 basketball NIT and later played centerfield for the Cubs between statuesque Hank Sauer and Ralph Kiner. Their words of encouragement were, he said, 'You take it.' "
The Village Voice: "I don't want to overstate the case, but it's possible that the last time so much essential information was gathered in one volume was The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."
USA Today Baseball Weekly: "But what really gives this massive reference source its fizz are many of the other selections - executives, broadcasters, one-shot-wonders and cultural pioneers who made contributions to the game's history. For a book intended primarily as a reference guide, much of the writing surpasses standard academic exposition."
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| Customer Reviews |
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 Without a doubt the most complete baseball reference book ever produced - over 2,000 bios and photos which depict not only players but umpires, managers and front office executives as well. This book is the perfect companion piece to more statistical oriented books such as the "Baseball Encyclopedia."
This is a great volume of little stories about all of the important ballplayers and many ballplayers who deserve more recognition. The scope of this book is incredible and exhaustive in the sheer number of ballplayers that they cover. I would have enjoyed reading more about what some of these men did after their careers were over to give the book fuller coverage of their lives (not just their baseball lives). However, this is a great book and I cannot put it down.
Overall, the book marks a substantial improvement over previous efforts, and is priced quite reasonably. It would be a valuable addition to a serious fan's library, and would give a more casual fan hours of enjoyment.
Another excellent offering from Total Sports. Between this book and Total Baseball, you will have at your fingertips far more about baseball history than any one person could possibly remember.
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Baseball Book Shelf: Baseball : The Biographical Encyclopedia
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