Baseball Books

Book SynopsisChronicling the Brewers from the Suds Series of 1982 to the 2011 National League Central title and from Bambi’s Bombers of the late '70s to Harvey’s Wallbangers of the early '80s, Bill Schroeder, a longtime Brewers color commentator and former Brewers catcher, provides insight into the Brewers inner sanctum as only he can. Read about what goes on in the equipment and training rooms, how batting practice can be chaotic, what it’s like to travel with the team, and off-the-wall anecdotes like the time Steve Sparks injured his shoulder trying to rip a phone book in half after listening to a motivational speaker.

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Book SynopsisJim Palmer was just 20 years old when he became the youngest pitcher ever to throw a World Series shutout, helping lead the Baltimore Orioles to their first-ever championship, in 1966. Two years later, Palmer’s budding career almost ended due to arm problems. Yet, he mounted an inspiring comeback and reached the pinnacle of his profession, becoming the winningest pitcher of the 1970s and the only hurler to win a World Series game in three different decades. With three World Series rings, three Cy Young Awards and six All-Star selections to his name, an exemplary record as a spokesperson for charities and corporations, and his long tenure as a TV baseball analyst, Palmer is an authority on what it takes to succeed on and off of the field. Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer and co-author Alan Maimon take readers inside the clubhouse, broadcast booth, and corporate world to tell the story of a one-of-a-kind career that serves as a how-to guide on succeeding in the workplace. Interspersed with memorable stories from his illustrious career with the Orioles, this book includes baseball wisdom and life-lessons learned from the one-of-a-kind Earl Weaver as well as colorful anecdotes about O’s teammates like Cal Ripken, Jr and Rick Dempsey, and broadcast partners Howard Cosell and Al Michaels.

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Book SynopsisOne of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Tom Glavine delivered the defining moment of the Atlanta Braves’ 1990s dynasty. Glavine took the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium mound for Game 6 of the 1995 World Series and allowed just one hit as the Braves won 1–0 to clinch Atlanta’s first, and only, World Series title. Glavine captured the World Series MVP trophy and the hearts of Braves fans forever. In Inside Pitch, the left-hander tells the story that led up to this moment of glory and countless others in a Hall of Fame career that spanned 22 seasons. Glavine provides an in-depth look at the Braves’ glory years, including his friends and fellow Cy Young Award winners Greg Maddux and John Smoltz and manager Bobby Cox. Glavine also shares memories of teammates from Deion Sanders to Chipper Jones and of playing for owner Ted Turner. He also tells his own story from growing up in a working-class family, pushing himself to succeed and his decision to turn down a chance to play pro hockey, opting for baseball instead. He describes his 300th win, his election to baseball’s Hall of Fame, and his later seasons with the New York Mets before returning to close out his career with the Braves. Fans of the Braves, and of baseball, will love Glavine's book. It is filled with all the drama and inspiration that make the game America’s passion.

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Book SynopsisHall of Famer and Chicago icon Frank Thomas shares his passion for grilling and cooking with baseball fans everywhere for the first time. Grilling is perhaps as essential and synonymous with American culture as baseball itself, and Frank Thomas is ready to share all of his home run recipes. Whether you’re looking for barbecue basics or grilling greatness, these sizzling steaks, slow-cooked smoked ribs, and mouthwatering burgers are sure to please every palate, from healthy fare to hearty indulgences. Beautiful full-color photographs and easy to follow instructions set you up for culinary success alongside legendary former White Sox player Frank Thomas.

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Book Synopsis2018 Casey Award for Best Baseball Book Finalist The legendary achievements of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig are undeniable hallmarks of baseball history. Much has been written about the two men as teammates, but Ruth and Gehrig's relationship away from the field is rarely, if ever, explored. In Gehrig and the Babe, Tony Castro portrays Ruth and Gehrig for what they were: American icons who were remarkably different men. For the first time, readers will learn about a friendship driven apart, an enduring feud which wove its way in and out of their Yankees glory years and chilled their interactions until July 4, 1939—Lou Gehrig Day at Yankee Stadium—when Gehrig’s famous farewell address thawed out their stone silence.

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Book SynopsisCulled from 50 years’ worth of columns from one of the country’s most popular sportswriters, It Happens Every Spring stands as a remarkable and evocative anthology that is guaranteed to delight baseball fans of all ages. Former New York Times columnist Ira Berkow captures the spirit of America's pasttime in this collection of opinions, stories, and observations from his long and distinguished career. From memories of Ted Williams and Satchel Paige to reflections on Jackie Robinson, Barry Bonds, and the soul of the beloved game, this work combines Berkow’s eye for detail with the comedy and drama revealed by the subjects themselves, bringing to life some of the most famous baseball personalities from the last half century.

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Book SynopsisOn October 12, 2011, Theo Epstein became the new Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations, flipping a switch on the lovable-loser franchise and initiating a plan to accomplish in Chicago what he'd succeeded in as general manager of the Boston Red Sox: ending a World Series drought. It would require a complete team tear-down and turnover, a new farm system foundation of young talent which Epstein and Cubs GM Jed Hoyer gradually added to with gutsy trades and timely signings. After years of rebuilding, Epstein's crystalline vision has been unquestionably realized in the form of one of the most exciting and talented teams in baseball, led by heavyweights like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant as well as visionaries like manager Joe Maddon. In The Plan, David Kaplan of CSN Chicago and ESPN Radio goes behind the scenes with the Cubs and their front office, walking the steps of their captivating rise to becoming 2016 World Series champions. Featuring exclusive interviews with Epstein, owner Tom Ricketts, and other team insiders, this is the definitive account of a new era on the North Side.

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Book SynopsisEvery New York Yankees fan has a bucket list of activities to take part in at some point in their lives. But even the most die-hard fans haven't done everything there is to experience in and around the Bronx. From visiting Stan's Sports Bar to sitting in the bleachers for the roll call, author Mark Feinsand provides ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can't-miss activities near Yankee Stadium. But not every experience requires a trip to New York; long-distance Yankees fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're attending every home game or supporting the Yanks from afar, there's something for every fan to do in The New York Yankees Fans' Bucket List.

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Book SynopsisThe Baltimore Orioles are one of baseball’s most historic franchises. Through the words of the players, via multiple interviews conducted with current and past Orioles, readers will meet the players, coaches, and management and share in their moments of greatness and defeat. Dempsey recounts moments from the 1983 World Series championship, the rise of Cal Ripken Jr., and the current team under Buck Showalter. Orioles fans will not want to be without this book.

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Book SynopsisWith more than 500 career home runs, an infectious personality, and three World Series championships, David Ortiz has established his position as the greatest Red Sox player of this generation. But Ortiz’ story did not start with postseason heroics and towering blasts into the Fenway Park bleachers. Ortiz struggled to find his power stroke in parts of six seasons with the Minnesota Twins, who released him after the 2002 season. Then Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein signed Ortiz in 2003 and the 27 year old soon became known as Big Papi, setting career highs with 31 home runs and 101 RBIs. The next season, the Red Sox won the franchise’s first World Series championship in 86 years. Ortiz hit .409 in the postseason, twice driving in the game-winning runs as the Red Sox overcame a 3-0 deficit to top the Yankees in the ALCS. Big Papi hit a franchise-record 54 home runs in 2006 and led the team to a second World Series title in 2007. Ortiz continued his assault on American League pitching into his late-30s. At age 37, he hit .688 in the 2013 World Series to earn MVP honors as the Red Sox topped the Cardinals. Following a 2015 season in which he hit 37 home runs at age 39, Ortiz announced that the 2016 season would be his last. Ortiz’ unforgettable career is chronicled in this new, must-have keepsake book from the Boston Globe. Big Papi: The Legend & Legacy of David Ortiz features 128 pages of award-winning reporting, vivid storytelling, dramatic photographs, and statistics capturing the unforgettable moments from Big Papi’s arrival in Boston to his farewell tour in 2016. This one of a kind career retrospective is the perfect souvenir for any Red Sox Fan.

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Book SynopsisWith their 2015 World Series championship, the Kansas City Royals claimed their spot among baseball's top current franchises. Through the words of the players, via multiple interviews conducted with current and past Royals, readers will meet the players, coaches, and management and share in their moments of greatness and defeat. Montgomery recounts moments with George Brett, Willie Wilson, and Mike Sweeney as well as the current squad under Ned Yost, including Eric Hosmer and Alex Gordon. Kansas City fans will not want to be without this book.

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Book SynopsisThe San Francisco Giants are one of baseball’s most storied franchises. Through the words of the players, via multiple interviews conducted with current and past Giants, readers will meet the players, coaches, and management and share in their moments of greatness and defeat. Haft recounts stories from this decorated Giants dynasty, which earned World Series rings in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Giants fans will not want to be without this book.

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Book SynopsisWith 14 All-Star appearances, 13 Gold Gloves, a Most Valuable Player Award, and, of course, a World Series ring, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has more than earned his spot in Cooperstown as one of the best Major League catchers of all time. In They Call Me Pudge, Rodriguez tells the story of his unforgettable baseball journey, from signing his first professional contract as a 16 year-old in Puerto Rico, to his years in Texas, Detroit, and beyond, to the World Series stage in Miami, and behind the doors of the Texas Rangers front office. Rodriguez's accomplishments, his teammates, and his biggest challenges all receive time in the spotlight in this refreshing memoir of a life and Hall-of-Fame career.

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Book SynopsisFor more than a decade, Tim Raines patrolled left field for the nascent Montreal Expos, igniting the powder keg of what would become one of the most innovative, entertaining, and talented teams of the modern era. Raines, nicknamed “Rock,” hit and stole his way into the hearts of baseball fans across North America. The seven-time all-star tore through the Expos record books before moving on to the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Florida Marlins, ultimately earning three World Series rings. And now Raines sit on the cusp of entering Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. But it wasn’t always easy playing for the upstart Montreal Expos or being Tim Raines. Raines' performance dipped in 1982, and at the end of the season, Raines entered treatment for substance abuse for cocaine addiction. To avoid leaving the drug in his locker, Raines would carry it in his hip pocket, and would slide headfirst when stealing bases. He used cocaine before games, in his car, after games, and on some occasions between innings in the clubhouse. Raines would later testify at the infamous Pittsburgh drug trials, in September 1985, and would ultimately resume his career at a high level and once again become one of baseball’s brightest stars, on and off the field. This memoir entails the life and playing career of one of the sport’s all-time greatest leaders and personalities, an honest, raw, and compelling tale of triumph and redemption.

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Book SynopsisEvery New York Mets fan has a bucket list of activities to take part in at some point in their lives. But even the most die-hard fans haven't done everything there is to experience in and around New York. From singing "Meet the Mets" to running the old Shea Stadium bases, author Matthew Cerrone provides ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can't-miss activities near Citi Field. But not every experience requires a trip to Queens; long-distance Mets fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're attending every home game or supporting the Mets from afar, there's something for every fan to do in The New York Mets Fans' Bucket List.

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Book SynopsisFor more than 100 years the Chicago Cubs have been the “Lovable Losers,” best known for their futility and popularity. But that all changed in 2016, when Joe Maddon’s squad won the World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians in an extra-inning Game 7 which will go down in history as one of the greatest games ever played. The colorful characters and great players who won the Word Series and fill Cubs history are captured in this book, brilliantly illustrated by Mark Anderson and thoughtfully capsulized by former Wall Street Journal columnist Frederick C. Klein.It is the perfect book for parents wanting to introduce their children to the Cubs—or for fans of any age who dream of visiting the “Friendly Confines” without ever leaving home.

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Book SynopsisCurse broken. For the first time since 1908, the Chicago Cubs are champions of the baseball world! Following a dominant regular season and a thrilling playoff performance, the Cubs captured their long-anticipated World Series title in dramatic fashion and fulfilled the dreams of generations of Cubs faithful. From Kris Bryant's MVP-caliber heroics to the team's dramatic comeback in Cleveland, Fly the W: The Chicago Cubs' Historic 2016 Championship Season is packed with vivid, insightful stories from the Daily Herald as well as dynamic photographs of the Cubs' entire star-studded roster. Relive each key moment of this brilliant year with nearly 100 full-color images printed on museum-quality paper, including exclusive photography from the Cubs' championship celebration. Also featuring in-depth profiles of Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, and other favorites, this commemorative coffee table book takes fans on an unforgettable journey and is an essential keepsake for all Cubs aficionados.

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Book SynopsisDuring three consecutive 100-loss seasons, Houston Astros management asked fans to be patient, promising them there was a plan in place that would result in success. That patience was rewarded with the ultimate prize in 2017, as the Astros knocked off the Los Angeles Dodgers in thrilling fashion to claim the first World Series crown in team history. During the regular season they ran away with the American League West, winning the division by a massive 21 games. Anchored by a dynamic offense and boosted by the late-season acquisition of a resurgent Justin Verlander, this historic team would not be denied on their way to the long-awaited title. Packed with superb coverage and vivid color photography from the Houston Chronicle, Astros Strong: Houston's Historic 2017 Championship Season guides fans through the Astros' entire amazing journey – from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and resiliency of the Houston community, to the Astros' quick work of the powerful Red Sox in the ALDS; from their hard-fought ALCS win over the young Yankees, all the way through their incredible World Series triumph over the dominant Dodgers. This commemorative edition also includes feature stories on Astros stars Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and other fan favorites, and is a must-have keepsake for Astros fans of all generations.

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Book SynopsisCon 14 apariciones All-Star, 13 Guantes de Oro, un Premio de Jugador MÁs Valioso, y, por supuesto, un anillo de la Serie Mundial, IvÁn “Pudge” RodrÍguez ha ganado mÁs que su lugar en el SalÓn de la Fama como uno de los mejores receptores de las Ligas Mayores de todos los tiempos. En Me Dicen Pudge, RodrÍguez cuenta la historia de su inolvidable viaje de bÉisbol, desde la firma de su primer contrato profesional como un jugador de 16 aÑos en Puerto Rico, pasando por sus aÑos en Texas, Detroit, y mÁs allÁ, hasta la etapa de la Serie Mundial en Miami, y detrÁs de las puertas de la oficina de los Texas Rangers. Los logros de RodrÍguez, sus compaÑeros de equipo, y sus mayores desafÍos reciben tiempo en el centro de atenciÓn en esta memoria original de una vida y carrera en el SalÓn de la Fama. With 14 All-Star appearances, 13 Gold Gloves, a Most Valuable Player Award, and, of course, a World Series ring, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has more than earned his spot in Cooperstown as one of the best Major League catchers of all time. In They Call Me Pudge, Rodriguez tells the story of his unforgettable baseball journey, from signing his first professional contract as a 16 year-old in Puerto Rico, to his years in Texas, Detroit, and beyond, to the World Series stage in Miami, and behind the doors of the Texas Rangers front office. Rodriguez's accomplishments, his teammates, and his biggest challenges all receive time in the spotlight in this refreshing memoir of a life and Hall-of-Fame career.

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Book SynopsisWith its three-hour-long contests, 162-game seasons, and countless measurable variables, baseball is a sport which lends itself to self-reflection and obsessive analysis. It's a thinking game. It's also a shifting game. Nowhere is this more evident than in the statistical revolution which has swept through the pastime in recent years, bringing metrics like WAR, OPS, and BABIP into front offices and living rooms alike. So what's on the horizon for a game that is constantly evolving? Positioned at the crossroads of sabermetrics and cognitive science, The Shift alters the trajectory of both traditional and analytics-based baseball thought. With a background in clinical psychology as well as experience in major league front offices, Baseball Prospectus' Russell Carleton illuminates advanced statistics and challenges cultural assumptions, demonstrating along the way that data and logic need not be at odds with the human elements of baseball—in fact, they're inextricably intertwined. Covering topics ranging from infield shifts to paradigm shifts, Carleton writes with verve, honesty, and an engaging style, inviting all those who love the game to examine it deeply and maybe a little differently. Data becomes digestible; intangibles are rendered not only accessible, but quantifiable. Casual fans and statheads alike will not want to miss this compelling meditation on what makes baseball tick.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Sports and Fitness Best Seller The Boston Red Sox are one of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball, with nine World Series championships and countless greats who have donned the Sox uniform. In If These Walls Could Talk: Boston Red Sox, former player and longtime broadcaster Jerry Remy provides insight into the team's inner sanctum as only he can. Readers will gain the perspective of players, coaches, and personnel in moments of greatness as well as defeat, making for a keepsake no fan will want to miss.

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Book SynopsisThe Big 50: Boston Red Sox is an amazing, full-color look at the 50 men and moments that made the Sox the Sox. Experienced sportswriter Evan Drellich recounts the living history of the Red Sox, counting down from No. 50 to No. 1. Learn about and revisit the team's remarkable stories, from Ted Williams to David Ortiz, to the roller coaster that was the 2004 playoffs, to the team’s subsequent World Series championships and current stars like Mookie Betts.

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Book SynopsisAfter a productive off-season highlighted by adding new manager Alex Cora and slugger J.D. Martinez, the Boston Red Sox had high expectations for the 2018 campaign. They met those lofty goals in dominant fashion by winning the 2018 World Series, the first for the organization since 2013 and amazingly, their fourth title since ending the 86 year drought in 2004. During the regular season they ran away with the American League East, winning the division by eight games and setting a franchise record with 108 wins. Anchored by a powerhouse offense led by MVP candidate Mookie Betts, and boosted by the mid-season acquisition of hurler Nathan Eovaldi, this historic team would not be denied on their way to the title.Packed with expert analysis and vivid color photography, The Rest is History guides fans through Boston’s 2018 journey, from the record-setting regular season, to the quick dispatching of the hated Yankees in the ALDS; from their amazing four straight wins over the defending champion Astros in the ALCS, all the way through their World Series triumph over the Dodgers. This commemorative edition also includes feature stories on stars Betts, Chris Sale, Andrew Benintendi, and other fan favorites, and is a must-have keepsake for Red Sox fans for generations to come.

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Book SynopsisAfter 55 years of waiting, Houston Astros fans were hungry for World Series glory. After three consecutive 100-loss seasons, some tantalizing tastes of playoff success, and a devastating hurricane that united a community, their patience was rewarded in dramatic, exuberant fashion. In Liftoff!, Houston Chronicle writer Brian T. Smith expertly retraces the team's magical 2017 championship season as well as the moves and moments that made it all possible—the hiring of general manager Jeff Luhnow in 2011, drafting Carlos Correa with the first overall pick, the meteoric rise of Jose Altuve, the trade that brought ace Justin Verlander to Houston, and more. Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters both on the field and in the front office, this is the story of how the Astros went from empty seats to packed stadiums and, at long last, earned history.

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Book SynopsisThe man on the mic for countless memorable moments from Larry Walker, Todd Helton, Nolan Arenado, and more, Drew Goodman has lived and breathed Rockies baseball as the team's longtime television broadcaster. In If These Walls Could Talk: Colorado Rockies, Goodman provides insight into the Rockies' inner sanctum as only he can. Featuring conversations with players past and present as well as off-the-wall anecdotes, this indispensable volume is your ticket to mile high history.

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Book SynopsisDon't bunt in a blowout. Don't pimp your home runs. Act like you've been here before. In Unwritten: Bat Flips, the Fun Police, and Baseball's New Future, national baseball writer Danny Knobler dives deep beyond the brushbacks and brawls to examine shifting attitudes towards Major League Baseball's once-sacred player codes. What emerges in the process is a much larger story, one of a more youthful, more exuberant, more diverse game in the midst of a fascinating culture clash. Featuring countless interviews with some of baseball's biggest names, including current and former major-league players, coaches, scouts, and journalists, Unwritten is a revealing, thoroughly of-the-moment portrait of a sport grappling with the loaded question of what it means to play the game the right way. Fans will not want to miss these varied, inside perspectives on America's pastime marching into the future.

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Book SynopsisAn important resource for umpires, coaches, leagues, and serious fans of Major League Baseball (MLB), this handbook lists the dos and don’ts of the national pastime. Fully up-to-date, this book contains the official and sanctioned MLB rules and their interpretations per the Playing Rules Committee, the sole group that determines baseball’s regulations.

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Book SynopsisThe Chicago Cubs are one of the most historic teams in Major League Baseball, and their World Series championship in 2016 will forever remain one of baseball's iconic triumphs. In If These Walls Could Talk: Chicago Cubs, Jon Greenberg of The Athletic Chicago provides insight into the team's inner sanctum as only he can. Readers will gain the perspective of players, coaches, and personnel from this modern era in moments of greatness as well as defeat, making for a keepsake no fan will want to miss.

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Book SynopsisDavey Johnson is best known for managing the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, and Baltimore Orioles—and taking all three clubs to their respective league championship series during his time at the helm. When teams needed to improve, they hired Johnson, and he delivered, memorably leading the Mets to the 1986 World Series title. Yet even as he raised the bar of their success, all three clubs parted ways with Johnson, a pattern that puzzles him to this day. A self-termed "army brat," Johnson kept moving, managing the Los Angeles Dodgers then the Washington Nationals before announcing his retirement in 2013. But managing baseball has been just one part of Johnson's fascinating life. A true Renaissance man, Johnson has also found incredible success as a land investor, pilot, scratch golfer, scuba diving teacher, and mathematician, pioneering the use of sabermetrics in the big leagues. Now, Johnson finally takes the time to meditate on his wild and remarkable journey, with reflections on not only his All-Star playing days and years of managerial success in New York, Cincinnati, and Baltimore, but on his entire career.

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Book SynopsisWith his irreverant personality, laid-back approach, and penchant for the unexpected, Joe Maddon is a singular presence among Major League Baseball managers. Whether he's bringing clowns and live bear cubs to spring training or leading the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series victory in 108 years, Maddon is always one to watch. In Try Not to Suck, ESPN's Jesse Rogers and MLB.com's Bill Chastain fully explore Maddon's life and career, delving behind the scenes and dissecting that mystique which makes Maddon so popular with players and analysts alike. Packed with insight, anecdotes, and little-known facts, this is the definitive account of the curse-breaker and trailblazer at the helm of the Cubs' new era.

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Book SynopsisThe Washington Nationals entered the 2019 season with high hopes but an uncertain identity under second-year manager Dave Martinez. Gone was Bryce Harper. Still around were dominant starting pitchers in Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, star third baseman Anthony Rendon, talented young outfielders Juan Soto and Victor Robles – and the specter of past playoff disappointments. A slow start dragged down by bullpen collapses saw the team 12 games below .500 and 10 games out of first place entering Memorial Day weekend. And then began a turnaround for the ages. Behind bedrock pitching from Strasburg and offseason acquisition Patrick Corbin, clutching hitting from Howie Kendrick and midseason signing Gerardo Parra, the Nationals played the final 112 games of the regular season as well as any team in baseball to capture a wild-card berth. Along the way, they discovered the camaraderie and joy that would propel them to a wild-card victory over Milwaukee, an upset of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division round, a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series and, finally, a World Series victory over the Houston Astros. In Fight to the Finish, relive the Nationals’ run through the images and words of The Washington Post photographers and reporters who followed the team every step of the way.

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Book SynopsisPatience, persistence, and the most unlikely of circumstances vaulted Edgar Martinez from a poor neighborhood in Dorado, Puerto Rico to the spotlight in Seattle, where he spent the entirety of his 18-year major league career with the Mariners. At last, his path is destined for one last stop: the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.Long before he cemented his status as one of the finest players of his generation, Martinez honed his batting skills by hitting rocks in his backyard and swinging for hours at individual raindrops during storms. Loyal and strong-willed from a young age, he made the difficult decision at only 11 to remain behind with his grandparents while his family relocated to New York, attending school and then working multiple jobs until a chance Mariners try-out at age 20 changed everything.In this illuminating, highly personal autobiography, Martinez shares these stories and more with candor, characteristic humility, and surprising wit. Highlights include the memorable 1995 and 2001 seasons, experiences playing with stars like Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., and Alex Rodriguez, and life after retirement as a family man, social advocate, and Mariners hitting coach. Martinez even offers practical insight into the mental side of baseball and his training regimen, detailing how he taught himself to see the ball better than so many before and after him.Interwoven with Martinez’s own words throughout are those of his teammates, coaches, and contemporaries, contributing a distinctive oral history element to this saga of a remarkable career.

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Book SynopsisSince their inception in 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the most dynamic franchises in all of baseball. As an award-winning, longtime Jays columnist, Bob Elliott has witnessed more than his share of that history up close and personal. In If These Walls Could Talk: Toronto Blue Jays, Elliott provides insight into the Jays' inner sanctum as only he can. Readers will gain the perspective of players, coaches, and front office executives in times of greatness as well as defeat, making for a keepsake no fan will want to miss.

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Book SynopsisThe Big 50: Chicago Cubs is an extensive and dynamic look at the 50 top moments and figures that make the Cubs the Cubs Longtime MLB scribe Carrie Muskat recounts the living history of the team. Learn about and revisit the remarkable stories, featuring greats like Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Ron Santo, Anthony Rizzo, and more. With dozens of interviews compiled over years of intimate access to the team, this is the perfect primer for new Cubs fans and an essential addition to a seasoned fan’s collection. The Big 50 series take a deep dive into the fifty best figures and historical moments that make a team. Other Big 50 titles on Chicago sports include: The Big 50: Chicago Bears The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks

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Book SynopsisThe Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber recounts the living history of the team, counting down from No. 50 to No. 1. Learn about and revisit the remarkable stories, featuring greats like Mike Schmidt, Chase Utley, Roy Halladay, and Bryce Harper.

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Book SynopsisLongtime columnist Peter Botte recounts the living history of the team, counting down from No. 50 to No. 1. Learn about and revisit the remarkable stories, featuring greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Derek Jeter, and Aaron Judge.

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Book SynopsisDay in, day out, Mike Murphy has been a constant presence with the San Francisco Giants since the team moved west in 1958. The clubhouse at Oracle Park bears his name, and in the jubilant aftermath of the team's 2010 World Series victory, Buster Posey told Murphy, "We did it for you, we got your ring." If you know the Giants, you know "Murph." In From the Stick to the Cove, the beloved longtime clubhouse manager reflects on over six decades of incredible memories, from getting his start as a bat boy and first meeting his idol Willie Mays, to unexpected celebrity encounters, to his role as a father figure for more recent generations of Giants.

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Book SynopsisMike Puma of the New York Post provides insight into the team's inner sanctum as only he can The New York Mets are one of the most historic teams in Major League Baseball, with superstars over the years including Jacob deGrom, Mike Piazza, David Wright, and Tom Seaver. Aided by dozens of new, exclusive interviews, readers will gain the perspective of players, coaches, and personnel from Mets history in moments of greatness as well as defeat, making for a keepsake no fan will want to miss. Few fan bases display as much rabid devotion to their team as the New York Mets’, win or lose. That spirit is celebrated in this colorful collection of stories about the Lovable Losers. The If These Walls Could Talk series is a one-of-a-kind, insider’s look into the great moments, the lowlights, and everything in between in your team’s history. Other New York titles include: If These Walls Could Talk: New York Giants If These Walls Could Talk: New York Yankees If These Walls Could Talk: New York Jets

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Book SynopsisThe first book of its kind to fully integrate sabermetrics and scouting, the 2020 Minor League Baseball Analyst provides a distinctive brand of analysis for more than 1,000 minor league baseball players. Features include scouting reports for all players, batter skills ratings, pitch repertoires, performance trends, major league equivalents, and expected major league debuts. A complete sabermetric glossary is also included. This one-of-a-kind reference is ideally suited for baseball analysts and those who play in fantasy leagues with farm systems.

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Book SynopsisAnyone who knows Jay Horwitz knows he loves stories and has a wealth of them to share. As the beloved, longtime PR director for the New York Mets, he has witnessed and quietly shaped some of the most memorable moments in team history, becoming a trusted friend and mentor to generations of players, from Darryl Strawberry to Jacob deGrom. In this fascinating memoir, Horwitz tells the unlikely story of a childhood dream come true, offering an unparalleled insider's perspective on four dynamic and unpredictable decades of Mets baseball. Featuring reflections and anecdotes only Horwitz can tell, on subjects ranging from clubhouse hijinks to the chaotic New York media scene to navigating moments of greatness and defeat, Mr. Met is a remarkable behind-the-scenes ride that fans will not want to miss.

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Book SynopsisPatience, persistence, and the most unlikely of circumstances vaulted Edgar Martinez from a poor neighborhood in Dorado, Puerto Rico to the spotlight in Seattle, where he spent the entirety of his 18-year major league career with the Mariners. At last, his path is destined for one last stop: the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.Long before he cemented his status as one of the finest players of his generation, Martinez honed his batting skills by hitting rocks in his backyard and swinging for hours at individual raindrops during storms. Loyal and strong-willed from a young age, he made the difficult decision at only 11 to remain behind with his grandparents while his family relocated to New York, attending school and then working multiple jobs until a chance Mariners try-out at age 20 changed everything.In this illuminating, highly personal autobiography, Martinez shares these stories and more with candor, characteristic humility, and surprising wit. Highlights include the memorable 1995 and 2001 seasons, experiences playing with stars like Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., and Alex Rodriguez, and life after retirement as a family man, social advocate, and Mariners hitting coach. Martinez even offers practical insight into the mental side of baseball and his training regimen, detailing how he taught himself to see the ball better than so many before and after him.Interwoven with Martinez’s own words throughout are those of his teammates, coaches, and contemporaries, contributing a distinctive oral history element to this saga of a remarkable career.

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Book SynopsisThe Washington Nationals entered the 2019 season with high hopes but an uncertain identity under second-year manager Dave Martinez. Gone was Bryce Harper. Still around were dominant starting pitchers in Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, star third baseman Anthony Rendon, talented young outfielders Juan Soto and Victor Robles – and the specter of past playoff disappointments. A slow start dragged down by bullpen collapses saw the team 12 games below .500 and 10 games out of first place entering Memorial Day weekend. And then began a turnaround for the ages. Behind bedrock pitching from Strasburg and offseason acquisition Patrick Corbin, clutching hitting from Howie Kendrick and midseason signing Gerardo Parra, the Nationals played the final 112 games of the regular season as well as any team in baseball to capture a wild-card berth. Along the way, they discovered the camaraderie and joy that would propel them to a wild-card victory over Milwaukee, an upset of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division round, a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series and, finally, a World Series victory over the Houston Astros. In Fight to the Finish, relive the Nationals’ run through the images and words of The Washington Post photographers and reporters who followed the team every step of the way. This limited Collector’s Edition features additional photographs from the team’s exuberant celebration and championship parade.

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Book SynopsisThe Los Angeles Dodgers are your 2020 World Series champions! Having established themselves as perennial contenders, expectations heading into 2020 were sky high for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dave Roberts' squad embraced those expectations in a season like no other, winning the World Series for the first time since 1988. Anchored by stars like Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger, the Dodgers demonstrated relentless focus on the path to victory, claiming their 8th straight division title while adapting to new norms amid a global pandemic. Through insightful stories from the Los Angeles Daily News and dynamic photos, relive all the key moments and storylines, including dominant postseason performances against the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, the euphoric NLCS Game 7 victory over the Atlanta Braves and finally raising the trophy in Arlington after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays.This commemorative book also features in-depth profiles on popular figures like Kershaw, Betts, Bellinger, Corey Seager, A.J. Pollock and more.

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Book SynopsisRevised and updated, including the 2019 World Series!100 Things Nationals Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of the Washington Nationals. Whether you're a die-hard booster from the days of the Senators or a newer supporter of Max Scherzer and Juan Soto, these are the 100 things all fans need to know and do in their lifetime. It contains every essential piece of Nationals knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.

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Book SynopsisBoasting a mix of homegrown talent and All-Star signings, the 2009 Yankees were composed of the very best. With the previous season's failed playoff bid still as fresh as the paint job on the new Yankee Stadium, a 27th championship flag represented the singular objective of a squad that ultimately carved out a unique spot among the Yankees' pantheon of World Series teams. It was the last title for the "Core Four"—Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte—who would each retire over the course of the next five years. It was the lone title for Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, A.J. Burnett, and Nick Swisher, each of whom saw memorable peaks and valleys during their time in the Bronx. For CC Sabathia and Brett Gardner, it was their first championship, though the veterans were still in pinstripes as the latest generation of Yankees arrived for what they hope will be the next dynasty. Mission 27 is a thoroughly reported chronicle of an unforgettable season, packed with interviews with the full cast of key players, team executives, broadcasters, and more.

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Book SynopsisThe deeply personal story of a friendship between two teammates, and of a human bond which ultimately transcends the game itself. As back-to-back No. 1 draft picks for the New York Yankees, Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson made for an odd couple. One was a good-looking, gregarious kid from Atlanta who cheerfully talked anyone’s ear off at the slightest provocation; the other was a dumpy, grumpy dude from the Midwest rust belt who was about as fond of making idle chit-chat as he was of shaving. Despite the surface differences, the two men would form a close attachment as they ignited a youth movement with the 1970s Yankees. Now, over 40 years after Munson's shocking death in a plane crash at age 32, Blomberg opens up to author Dan Epstein about the beloved Yankees captain in an extraordinary memoir that reaches far beyond baseball.  By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Captain & Me shares tales of clubhouse hijinks during the infamous Bronx Zoo era, adventures on the road, and even rubbing shoulders with mobsters. Blomberg also offers a fascinating glimpse into baseball history, including the first-ever strike and lockout, the escalation of the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, and the start of full-scale free agency. This illuminating remembrance of Munson is filled with untold stories about his analytical-yet-hard-nosed approach to baseball, as well as his kindness and generosity off the field.

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