Tales from First Base

Tales from First Base
Author: Brad Engel
Publisher: U of Nebraska Press
Total Pages: 152
Release: 2013-03-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1597978450

When a batter races toward first base and fielders scramble to make a tough play, anything can happen. Tales from First Base is a humorous and insightful look at the players, coaches, and umpires who have spent time along those first ninety feet of the base path. Brad Engel and Wayne Stewart check out some of the funniest players and most amusing incidents from this corner of the diamond, such as the time Larry Walker and opposing cornerman Mark Grace traced out, in the dirt around the bag, a running conversation with each other. And then there was Dick Stuart, a fielder who wasn't exactly known for catching baseballs. But, he once caught a bounding bat that had slipped out of the hands of a hitter and later in his career received a standing ovation from a Pittsburgh crowd when he caught a hot dog wrapper on the fly. Readers will also learn about the first-sackers' roles in some of the most famous plays of all time, such as the blown call that cost Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game on June 2, 2010. When umpire Jim Joyce later apologized to Galarraga, the player graciously accepted the apology, stating, Nobody's perfect. Packed with exclusive interviews with popular players at all positions—including fan favorites Hank Aaron, Jeff Bagwell, Curtis Granderson, Adam LaRoche, and Joe Carter—this book will appeal to newcomers to the game and die-hard fans alike.

Bases Loaded

Bases Loaded
Author: Kirk Radomski
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 272
Release: 2009
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9781594630569

Part campaign memoir, part manifesto—from the new rising star of the Republican Party Mike Huckabee’s run for the Republican presidential nomination was truly amazing. But beyond the headlines, few understand his transformation from a long-shot Evangelical candidate into a viable contender. Huckabee now presents the inside story of his low-budget, grassroots campaign. He treated middle-class and working-class voters with respect and spoke to their concerns about the economy, society, and the way our country is run. They responded nationwide with great passion, volunteering and making small donations, transforming his campaign into a true movement. His fans included not only Evangelical Christians, but also others who felt he was the only Republican who really shared their values. This book will remind the four million Huckabee voters that their support and hard work were not in vain. It will also be fun to read, full of unreported anecdotes from the campaign trail. Huckabee also lays out his optimistic vision for America’s future. He explains how the Republican Party can unify its factions and win over middle-class and working-class voters. No matter what happens on election day 2008, Huckabee’s fans will be looking to him for leadership as their movement rolls on.

Off Base

Off Base
Author: Rickey Henderson
Publisher: HarperPrism
Total Pages: 324
Release: 1993
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9780061090981

The flamboyant, controversial base-stealer for the Oakland A's offers a no-holds-barred account of his notorious career. From his boyhood in Oakland to his relationships with Billy Martin, Jose Canseco, Reggie Jackson, and others, to his feelings about racism and rising players' salaries, Henderson tells all in a candid, revealing memoir. 8-page photo insert.

Ball Tales

Ball Tales
Author: Michelle Nolan
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 289
Release: 2014-11-26
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 0786458305

This history of American sports fiction traces depictions of baseball, basketball and football in works for all age levels from early dime novels through the 1960s. Chapters cover dime novel heroes Frank and Dick Merriwell; the explosion of sports novels before World War II and its influence on the authors who later wrote for baby boom readers; how sports novels persisted during the Great Depression; the rise and decline of sports pulps; why sports comics failed; postwar heroes Chip Hilton and Bronc Burnett; the lack of sports fiction for females; Duane Decker's Blue Sox books; and the classic John R. Tunis novels. Appendices list sports pulp titles and comic books featuring sports fiction.

ZANE GREY Ultimate Collection: Historical Novels, Western Classics, Adventure Tales & Baseball Stories (60+ Titles in One Volume)

ZANE GREY Ultimate Collection: Historical Novels, Western Classics, Adventure Tales & Baseball Stories (60+ Titles in One Volume)
Author: Zane Grey
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 12148
Release: 2024-01-09
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

In Zane Grey's Ultimate Collection, readers will find a treasure trove of historical novels, western classics, adventure tales, and baseball stories all compiled into one comprehensive volume. Grey's literary style is characterized by vivid descriptions of the American West, engaging dialogue, and thrilling plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of the rugged frontier, Grey's stories offer a unique blend of action, romance, and exploration, making them a must-read for fans of the genre. This collection showcases Grey's versatility as a writer, with each story offering a new and exciting adventure for readers to embark on. Zane Grey's deep connection to the American West and his love for the outdoors heavily influenced his writing. As an avid outdoorsman and angler, Grey drew inspiration from his own experiences to create unforgettable characters and settings that resonate with readers to this day. His passion for storytelling shines through in each tale, capturing the spirit of the Wild West and bringing it to life for modern audiences. I highly recommend Zane Grey's Ultimate Collection to readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction, gripping westerns, and thrilling adventure stories. With over 60 titles to choose from, this compilation offers hours of entertainment and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of American literature.

Tales from the Cincinnati Reds Dugout

Tales from the Cincinnati Reds Dugout
Author: Tom Browning
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 295
Release: 2017-03-14
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1683580567

In Tales from the Cincinnati Reds Dugout, fans can join former pitcher Tom Browning for legendary tales of festivity (the 1990 World Series championship), immortality (a perfect game in 1988), and a bit of eccentricity (life with owner Marge Schott). He tries to answer a variety of questions that fans have been asking for years: What was his reaction to the lifetime suspension of his manager and friend Pete Rose? How did a ragtag group of Cincinnati ballplayers topple the mighty Oakland A's in the 1990 Fall Classic? Was that really Tom on a Sheffield Avenue rooftop—in uniform—during a 1993 Reds-Cubs game at Wrigley Field? Browning also offers stories and anecdotes about some of the biggest names in Reds history, including Pete Rose, Tony Perez, Marge Schott, Lou Piniella, Eric Davis, Dave Parker, Buddy Bell, Barry Larkin, Joe Nuxhall, Mario Soto, and Jose Rijo. He devotes an entire chapter to his perfect game, considered to be one of the greatest moments in club history. Tales from the Cincinnati Reds Dugout is a must-have for any Reds fan.

Bob Chandler's Tales from the San Diego Padres Dugout

Bob Chandler's Tales from the San Diego Padres Dugout
Author: Bob Chandler
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 238
Release: 2012-05-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1613213077

Since they burst onto the scene in 1968, the San Diego Padres have taken fans on a roller coaster ride of ups, downs, and unforgettable moments. In Tales from the San Diego Padres Dugout, longtime Padres announcer Bob Chandler shares his memories of the team with Bill Swank in an easy-to-read recap of the team’s colorful past.

Tales from the Dodgers Dugout

Tales from the Dodgers Dugout
Author: Carl Erskine
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 269
Release: 2017-03-28
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1683580354

To baseball fans of today, the name “Dodgers” is synonymous with Hollywood, the warm California sun, and names like Tommy Lasorda, Kirk Gibson, Steve Garvey, and Orel Hershiser. The Dodgers mean much more than that to fans of baseball history, however. Namely, these fans remember the famed “Boys of Summer,” otherwise known as the Brooklyn Dodgers, a team that included some of the most storied players in baseball history, such as Hall of Famers Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese, and Jackie Robinson. Although they eventually moved out west, the Brooklyn Dodgers provided some of the greatest moments the game has ever seen and some of the greatest personalities to ever take the field. Carl Erskine, another member of that legendary team, relates memories about his days with the Dodgers in a book full of true stories and revealing anecdotes. The result is Tales from the Dodgers Dugout, first published in 2004 and newly updated to provide a delightfully interesting trip through the world of baseball in the 1950s. Among Erskine’s many tales are his dealings with immortal team official Branch Rickey, his view from the Dodgers bench during Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series, and his firsthand experiences when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and became the first black player in Major League Baseball history. During his frequent speaking engagements, people often ask Erskine if all of his stories are true. His standard response has been, “Yes, I couldn’t possibly make them up the way they actually happened.” Now fans can read all of those great stories in Tales from the Dodgers Dugout.

Amazing Tales from the Boston Red Sox Dugout

Amazing Tales from the Boston Red Sox Dugout
Author: Jim Prime
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 383
Release: 2017-06-06
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1683580648

Calling all BoSox fans! In this one-of-a-kind compendium of anecdotes from players, managers, and beat writers, Jim Prime and Bill Nowlin capture all the magic and passion of Boston Red Sox baseball. Amazing Tales from the Boston Red Sox Dugout is a colorful journey through the history of the franchise. Included are the best memories and stories in the players’ and managers’ own words, as found in Prime and Nowlin’s Tales from the Boston Red Sox Dugout and More Tales from the Boston Red Sox Dugout. Within these pages, fans will chafe at the rivalries, cheer the wins, and challenge the losses both on the road and at home. From the earliest days of a promising young pitcher named Babe Ruth, through the glory years of Foxx, Williams, and Yastrzemiski, to the championship era of superstars such as Martinez and Ortiz, the Red Sox epitomize all that is grand about the grand old game. Featured players and managers include Wade Boggs, Joe Cronin, Bobby Doerr, Carlton Fisk, Dustin Pedrioa, Jim Rice, Jason Varitek, and many other Red Sox legends. This massive collection captures the story and glory of Red Sox baseball both on the field and off. Without a doubt, this tantalizing offering from Prime and Nowlin will provide hours of entertainment for Red Sox and baseball fans alike.

Red Devil Tales: A Son's Journey to Discover His Father's Legacy

Red Devil Tales: A Son's Journey to Discover His Father's Legacy
Author: Ronald Sexton
Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
Total Pages: 348
Release: 2017-02-17
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 163338389X

Ronald Sexton was only five years old when his father retired from coaching. He remembered very little of his dad’s life as one of North Carolina’s outstanding high school basketball coaches in the 1950s. Years after his father’s passing and after attending his father’s induction ceremony into Lenoir County’s Sports Hall of Fame, Ronald was determined to learn more about his father’s legacy as a basketball coach. He traveled from Louisiana to e