Professional Baseball Players Should Read This Book and Appreciate the Way Baseball Is Now Thanks to Marvin Miller
341858
Let me first of all say that my four star rating is based on my interest level.  It is most certainly worth a five star rating as author Robert Burk did a marvelous job in telling the story of Marvin Miller's battles with baseball's establishment.  Part 1, which consists of the first 96 pages, relates Mr. Miller's life prior to his taking the role of the MLBPA.  Included in the remainder of the book are the various baseball commissioners and owners that were involved in baseball during Miller's time at the helm of the players' association.  Some players were reluctant to turn their union over to him instead of Judge Robert Cannon of Milwaukee who they were familiar with.  Oddly enough when owners would tell their players they wouldn't want Miller as their representative this warning led the players to realize that Miller was the man they wanted.

I have followed baseball since the early 1950s so I lived through the Miller years which initially saw the owners and general managers shamelessly take advantage of the players due to the reserve clause which bound a player to one team unless he was released, traded, or sold.  To take on the job of gaining equal rights for the players took an individual wore big shoes and, fortunately, Marvin Miller had the big feet for the job.

Some of the noted individuals in this book include Bowie Kuhn, Ray Grebey, Peter Ueberroth, Walter O'Malley, Bill Veeck, Robin Roberts, Jim Bunning, Donald Fehr, Curt Flood, Arthur Goldberg, Andy Messersmith, Dave McNally, and several others who were prominent during this time period.  Jim Bunning states his two proudest moments in baseball were the perfect game he pitched as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies on Fathers' Day against the New York Mets and his role in promoting the interests of the players in the union.  Robin Roberts was actively involved from its inception as well.

Included as well are attempts to induct Marvin Miller into Baseball's Hall of Fame.  Whether you like him or not it is an embarrassment that he has not been elected since he has been one of the game's most influential individuals.  Bowie Kuhn and Walter O'Malley are in and Marvin Miller is out.  It also is an embarrassment that many of today's multimillionaire baseball players have no idea, or in some cases no interest, in knowing who is behind their being responsible for signing the huge contracts that have them and their generations after them financially set for life.

One may well argue that Miller's position against drug testing for players has been detrimental since players who played "honestly" were at a distinct disadvantage going against those who were cheating and this led to artificial statistics in a game where statistics are hallowed.

This is a book for professional baseball players to read and appreciate where their wealth initially came from.  It is also for the fan who wants to relive those days when baseball's nabobs went up against a man who fought and freed baseball players from the indentured servitude they played under.
1041265
Jason Kendall spent 15 years in the majors donning the "tools of ignorance." For the uninitiated, that term is ironic. You need intelligence and toughness to play the position. To play at a high level for as long as Kendall did is admirable. In this book Kendall provides numerous insights about the game and how to play it correctly. What makes this book different from other baseball accounts is how detailed Kendall gets when discussing the game within the game. You will come away after reading this book with a much greater appreciation for what really goes on when baseball is played at the highest skill level by the world's best players. Now that I finished reading it I cannot wait for the season to begin. I will be watching each game much differently than I ever have. For baseball lovers, or those just learning about the game, this book a must-read.
980996
So you think you know baseball? Read this and you'll know otherwise. In these times of statistical analysis going far beyond such baseball-card reliables as home runs, RBI and ERA, this aptly titled and well-researched book digs deeper, probing the "performance-enhancing qualities" of some players that invariably mean more wins and pennants. The author, who obviously knows (and loves) the game, lists many of the qualities in the acronym "teamship." These human dynamics are not only defined but effectively illustrated and amplified in the narratives of games and seasons of such teams as the Cardinals, Reds, Braves, Giants, Rays and Yankees. The author outlines how what he calls the "clubhouse cocktail" of professionalism, grit, chemistry and character pay off. A notable cast of players, managers and executives gives the details and insights. Thanks to "Intangiball," I now see games in a more enlightened way, and with greater appreciation. You will, too.
1985868
A very handy, readable, and re-readable work, though be careful to note that the subtitle is "A Personal Ranking Of The Best Players in Baseball History", so it's got that *subjective* element.
He lists Babe Ruth (pause) third, though he names him the best left-handed hitter in BB history and the third best left-handed pitcher in BB history. So that means he believes that his Number One, Willie Mays, was such an extraordinary outfielder and baseruner that the guy who might have been the best pitcher and hitter in more than season (!) is pushed back two spots as a result. So it seems that Allen is looking at the "total" athlete, the player who can do the most things well. Or great. Yes, Mays only fell 55 short of the Babe's Home Run mark - but remember, Yankee Stadium was 490 feet in center during most of his playing days.
And talking Yankees, Mantle at number 20? There were years he was the most powerful hitter from two sides of the plate and the fastest runner in the game. Whew!..... Sandy Koufax at 22?
Yes, it is "personal" and it is engaging. The bio.(s) are short and well-written.
934309
The Physics of Baseball is a great book that should be read by any baseball fan who wants to understand the reasons behind why certain things in the game happen as they do.  Robert Adair, a professor at Yale, informatively discusses nearly every aspect of the game through a scientific view.  Adair uses models, graphs, and equations to further explain the content of the book.  The average person will probably not completely understand every detail about the physics of the game, but will grasp the general concepts with ease.  If you do have a good understanding of physics, then you will comprehend everything in the book without a problem.  The book is really intended to be read by people interested in baseball, not physics.  After reading the book you come away with a greater appreciation for the game and its players.  Baseball players really have to understand the concepts of the game and be very gifted to play baseball.  Scientifically, it seems quite improbable that a batter will successfully come in contact with a ball at such high speeds, but in reality the best major leaguers do it about a third of the time.  Baseball players really know what they are doing when playing the sport.  For example, a pitcher has to able to know how to make baseballs curve and change directions in certain ways.
 Adair provides reasoning to what baseballs do in motion.  If you have always been absolutely puzzled on how a curveball curves, then you will find the answers in this book.  You will also understand the great impact outside factors have daily on the game.  In a windy stadium, your batted ball might land 30 feet shorter than its normal length.  Have you ever wondered why coaches teach you to hit the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat?  Adair explains how vibration and softness relate to this idea.  Adair discusses wooden vs. aluminum bats, judging fly balls, and running the bases.  Did you know that there is a specific limit to the distance that a batted ball can travel?  You can learn this distance and the reasons behind it in the book.  Adair talks about the slider, screwball, and fastball in describing the scientific reasons for how they act.  You will learn the different swing motions that certain hitters use in order to hit a line-drive or home-run.  Did you know that the contact between the baseball and bat last about 1/1000th of a second?  Adair also ties in some controversies of the day, such as the corked bat.  Adair surprisingly explains why the corked bat is commonly misconceived and its actual effect on a baseball. In the book, Adair even leaves some technical notes at the end of each chapter for the more scientifically advanced people.  The book is an interesting read for anyone curious about the reasons for why things in the game act as they do and anyone looking for a fulfilling, quick read.
4245639
I HAD PREVIOUSLY READ THE BOOK.  THE AUDIO VERSION ADDED TO MY ENJOYMENT AND FASCINATION OF HE PLAYERS FROM THAT ERA. THE PERSONAL INTERVIEWS REVEALED THE PASSION THESE MEN HAD FOR THE GAME OF BASEBALL. I  HAVE SHARED AND PURCHASED ADDITIONAL COPIES FOR SOME OF MY BASEBALL FRIENDS. A GREAT READ AND BETTER LISTEN.

JIM MARTZ
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SOUT RETIRED
565719
Just a Minor Perspective is the story of (recently released) Phillies organizational pitcher, Eric Pettis and his first season as a professional baseball player. A lot of baseball fans often wonder about life in the minors and who's there.  Of course, we know all about the guys in the big leagues. Many biographies are written from that perspective, but few are written about the minors. These are the guys that sacrifice so much for the game that they love just for that chance to make it to the major league level. It's not every day that a guy going through these struggles lets you in on his life.
  In Eric's book, you feel as if you are going through the season with him.  Through his adjustments and his up and downs, you find yourself rooting for him every step of the way. He does a great job pulling you in and describing his life well enough to feel as if you lived it with him or watched every game from the stands.  While it is a quick read, it is a well written book with details and humor to make it very enjoyable. I cannot wait for more writings from him and to follow him through the rest of his baseball journey.  Eric you've made a fan for life!
1339212
This is a fantastic book for any baseball fan looking to understand the true culture of big league baseball and what separates "franchise players" from the others.  More than likely you will know these men from their play on the field, but what you may miss is the men they were in the clubhouse and in their communities.  Clay Sigg does a wonderful job of brining out the core reasons these men and their teams never found a reason to split.  Further, Sigg explores the similarities in these players and details why they ultimately became city and franchise icons.  It's more than baseball that has made these men legends...  It's character, loyalty and their willingness to compete that separates them from the thousands of men who have also played big league baseball.  This is a great book if you are looking to understand the game of baseball on a deeper level and appreciate what it takes to be a true team player.  Highly Recommended!!!
2103127
If I were to separate books about baseball (or almost any team sport) into 4 categories, they would be:
1) player (or someone else involved) biography
2) history of a team
3) statistical analysis
4) "how to" manual

I don't play ball anymore, so the 4th category doesn't hold much interest to me anymore. The other 3 do - and "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" is a fantastic blend of the other three categories.

This mathematics major (albeit long removed from college) appreciates the emphasis on statistics, and on the explanation of those statistics so that even the math neophyte, or someone long removed from college, can understand the concepts.  (The author does not delve into more complex statistical theory.)

The biography fan appreciates the personal looks at some of the players on the Oakland A's baseball team - and of its management - and of some of the folks who took statistical analysis to the next level.  And the book itself unfolds a year in the life of the Oakland A's.

One of the baseball insiders I know - OK, the only baseball insider I know even a little bit - told me that he did not believe the underlying assumptios that Moneyball makes on how to build a professional baseball game on a budget.  Having read the book, I can see his point on one hand - but on the other, I fear he totally missed the boat.  The point of Moneyball, as I saw it, is <i>**not**</i> "do it this way".  Rather it is, "Question conventional wisdom".  If you're doing something because "everyone in baseball knows ...", PROVE IT!!  Study the historic results.  And see if the numbers play themselves out as you expect.  If so, great.  If not, then have the courage to challenge the assumptions and go in another direction.  Billy Beane, the GM who serves as the anchor for Moneyball, found his approach and had great regular season - but not playoff - success.  Perhaps you will find an approach even more effective than that Beane came up with.

For my money, this is the best book on basebally that I've ever read.
533837
This is a fantastic book for anyone who is interested in the inner workings of a baseball team, particularly at the Independent League level.  As expected, I really enjoyed Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller's take on baseball strategy and their hopes to use analytics.  But I found myself really intrigued by the characters making up the team as well.  A really great effort, and one you will be sure to enjoy if you love baseball.
430578
Steve Stone has spent most of his life envolved in the game of baseball. He spent 10 years as a Major League pitcher, winning the American League Cy Young Award while with the Baltimore Orioles in 1980. After his playing career Stone became even more famous for his broadcasting partnership with Harry Caray on WGN's Chicago Cubs coverage. Stone is considered to have one of the best baseball minds in the business, and he shares his insights in the book "Said In Stone: Your Game, My Way".
The book contains chapters on every position on a baseball diamond. For each position Stone goes into detail on what is required for success. In each chapter Stone points out things that even long-time baseball fans would overlook or take for granted. Humorous stories from Stone's playing career are also included, usually to prove a point that Stone is trying to make. There are also chapters on Managing, The Front Office, The Commissioner, and The Future of the Sport.
The wealth of inside knowledge that is in this book, and the ability of the author to explain it in a manner that fans can understand, shows why Stone is one of the best baseball broadcasters working today. This is not a "Moneyball" or stat-obsessed book. It is written by someone who has been around the game for forty years, and who has actually played it. It's kind of a shame that Steve Stone is not in charge of a Major League team. But true baseball fans who want a real informative look at their favorite sport will be glad to be able to listen to Stone on TV, and they will be twice as glad to read this book.
2568780
Bob Costas has carved out a niche in the American sports society as the ultimate baseball fan, so when I saw his book "Fair Ball: A Fan's Case for Baseball," I immediately knew it would be worth reading. It didn't let me down.
Despite being a member of the media, Costas definitely has the credentials and the subjective mindset to write this book. During his time working with NBC and HBO, Costas has proven himself intelligent, unbiased and knowledgeable about the game of baseball. This book is an extension of that.
Costas wrote the book as a response to a pervasive feeling found amongst baseball fans that the game is about to crumble, due to the amazing amounts of money being spent and the inability of small-market teams to compete financially with their large-market peers.
Costas points out the basic problems with the structure of the collective-bargaining agreement between the players and the team owners, as well as the problems that have developed with the lack of revenue sharing.
Costas takes fair look at those problems and proposes several solutions on how to even the disparity that is found in the game. The ideas that Costas offers are logical and if followed would be the start to leveling the playing field. They're not perfect ideas, but they're a start.
This book is only for the hardcore baseball fans at heart, not the avid Yankees or Braves fan, but the avid baseball fan. It's for the guy who will stay up all night to watch the Padres play the Expos, simply because it's baseball. You have to already have an understanding of what the game has been through in the past decade in order to understand this book.
This book is easy reading, despite its sometime complex subject matter, and will give you a deeper, better grasp of what's going on in the great American pastime.
2532680
New York baseball, and baseball in general, was at it's peak in the 1950'a and 1960's. I am not, really, a Yankee fan but, this book caught the magnatism and excitement of the sport. I, ashamedly, never had the opportunity to see Mantle play, even though he came to Cincinnati during the 1961 Series. More, the pity.

Mantle could do it all. Unfortunately, as with several athletes of note, some of his abilites were cut short through injuries and, shall we say, the sauce. Willie, Mickey and the Duke have been imortalized in song. And for good reason. How I would have like to have grown up in New York and had three teams for which to root. My first year following the game was during Mickey's Triple Crown season of 1956.

I really enjoyed the chapters in the book that were centered around the specific dates, especially the Chuck Stobbs gopher ball and the hunt for the owner. While vacationing in Sarasota a few years back, I read an article/interview with the immortal Stobbs, his residence being Sarasota. It was quite interesting.

The delving into Mantle's family life was all to sad and revealing. I am glad that Ms. Levey wanted/needed to write about it. It portrays the entire scope of the man.

I had, also, read the biography that Levey had written on Sandy Koufax. Obviously, since I, thoroughly enjoyed that book, I was intrigued by the Mantle book. The mere fact that Doris Kearns Goodwin recommended the Mantle book was icing on the cake, since Kearns-Goodwin is the most knowlegeable individual on the Brooklyn Dodgers and Abe Lincoln. At least she was able to grow up with, possibly the three teams.

I am overjoyed to rate "The Last Boy" a FIVE STAR book. And I look forward to more of Ms. Levey's writings.

Thanks for the ride.
1929655
If you have ever stepped one foot inside Yankee Stadium, you absolutely have to read this book.  In fact, if you have any interest at all in the game of baseball, you gotta read this book.  Matt McGough took us behind the scenes.  He gave us an ALL ACCESS pass, allowing us to understand what it was like to work side by side with the greatest athletes in the world. The book read like he was sitting on a barstool right next to me and telling me what happened!!

Several characters struck me as heros in this book.  A few obvious ones, Mattingly (you'd know he's a class act without reading the book!!) and Jim Abbott to name two.  But the one hero that emerges in an unexpected way, at least to me anyway is Matt's father.  Matt's father was someone who always gave him great advise.  In the beginning, when he was a wide-eyed 16 year old with no idea what he was getting himself into, right down the the end of the book when he had morphed into a savvy veteran, knowing the ropes, wheeling and dealing his way in and out of trouble, Matt's father was there for him.

The only person I know that did not enjoy this book is my wife.  She just got tired of hearing me roaring with laughter and reading to her aloud the truly outrageous parts!!!!

You gotta read this book!!
922732
If you eat sleep and breath baseball you have to read Rex Barney's Thank Youuuuuuuu

If you are from outside Baltimore you might not get the title. AS the PA announcer for the Orioles Rex Barney could conclude all of his announcements to the crowd by saying Thank Youuuuuuu in a long drawn out way. It was a great catchphrase. So that's what he named his book.

But Rex had been a baseball guy long before he sat behind the microphone at Memorial Stadium. He was a hard throwing pitcher in the Brooklyn Dodgers system in his younger days. He has great stories about getting instruction from Branch Rickey and meeting Jackie Robinson. He talks about how things were different back in those days, in ways you wouldn't guess, like how he got an old dirty Dodgers hat when he first came up to the majors and was told he had to earn a new one.

He just tells some great baseball stories from another era, and does so with a great perspective as a relatively unknown insider.

It's one of the best baseball books I've ever read.
2455925
I love learning obscure, interesting and strange facts about just about everything including baseball.  So it is no surprise that I really liked this book.  Professor Coffin has a great approach to baseball - it's a game he clearly loves, and he knows alot about its history.  I am only sorry the book covers baseball from its beginnings only up to about 1970 when it was first published.  I suppose someone else will have to write a book about the last forty years of baseball folklore and stories about the game.  But it seems that the older players were more colorful anyway, and the way America related to baseball will never be as wonderful as it once was, even though the game is still our national past time.  Thanks for bringing this book back into print!
2953768
This was a well written book on a topic too few people really understand.  Dr. Fero and Dr. Herman artfully explain the art of leadership and not only how it pertains to baseball but how it can pertain to anyone in any situation.  Many people assume leadership only comes from the top down but as the Dr's show through their interviews with some of baseball's top managers leadership is shown all over the organization.
  The book explains that we must first lead ourselves before we can lead others.  We must lead by example and earn respect as your followers will be more likely to trust in you because they want to not because they have to.  They go on to explain that a leader must know his people, have lines of communication with them develop a relationship with them.  A good leader needs to set a a team's objectives, make them clear to the team and let the followers now the plan of action.  The leader needs to allow for personal goals of the team members all while keeping the overall focus on the prize, which is not always easy to do given the money and personalities in professional ports today.  Finally the authors demonstrate the value of cohesion and teamwork and how the culture of an organization can make or break a team.  This is something sports fans have seen many times when the team with all the talent can't win it all.
  This is a book that people looking to learn about leadership will enjoy as well as baseball fans in general who enjoy good baseball stories.  I like my concepts presented to me simply and without too much extra fluff and this book certainly delivers.  I highly recommend this book and look forward to the authors tackling another sport in the future.