Description
Book SynopsisForget the steroid-addled, overpaid, and unmotivated players: America's pastime is still alive and well, and is still the heartfelt sport it's always been - in the Minor Leagues. And nowhere is this truer than in Kentucky, whose rich baseball history continues to play out in the four teams profiled in this book.
Trade Review"
Bluegrass Baseball performs a reality check for prospective players and owners in the minor leagues."—Dorothy Seymour Mills,
New York Journal of Books"With depth and sensitivity, Cengel details the grind faced by owners, players, trainers, groundskeepers, ushers, broadcasters, mascots and even local families who take in ball players as boarders in their homes. Life in the minors is devoid of chartered planes, fame and fortune, but these vivid, personal stories of ordinary people with a dedicated passion and drive for the game will serve as inspiration for all."—Kathleen Gerard, Shelf Awareness
"While
Bluegrass Baseball is centered in Kentucky, the experiences of the players and employees are universal. It provides excellent insight into just what the minor leagues mean to just about anyone involved in the game."—James Bailey,
Baseball America "From the front office scheming wacky promos to trainers shopping for the team to players struggling for a shot to The Show, this nitty-gritty account puts you in that minor-league clubhouse. So well done you’ll smell the bus fumes and hear that heckler over on the
Bluegrass Baseball third-base line."—Society for American Baseball Research
"This was a fascinating way to look at minor league life from all levels and all angles. . . . If you are a fan of baseball and especially like to see the human side of these players that get out there every night for our entertainment, I would surely recommend picking up
Bluegrass Baseball."—Daniel Shoptaw,
C70 at the Bat"
Bluegrass Baseball portrays its large cast of characters with honesty and journalistic skill. It is a fast and engaging read."—Jeffrey P. Beck,
AETHLON: The Journal of Sport Literature Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part 1. Lexington Legends: A Tale of Obsession
1: The Legend behind the Legends
2: The Man Who Would Be Alan
3: A Loyal Following
4: Past Legends and Future Stars
Part 2. Louisville Bats: A Lesson in Discontent
5: Great Expectations
6: Pitch Perfect
7: The Faithful
8: Diminishing Returns
9: The Star Who Almost Landed in Louisville
Part 3. Bowling Green Hot Rods: The Business of Baseball
10: America’s Other Pastime
11: The Startup Sprint
12: The Businessmen
13: Kings of the Road
Part 4. Florence Freedom: The Humble Life
14: Falling Down
15: Closer to Ordinary
16: Strike Two
17: A Long Way to Go
18: Back to Reality
Afterword
Notes
