The Baseball Book Club discussion

I'd like to use this space for us to get to know each other a little better. Most of the core group members know each other, but not everyone else does. I am looking forward to a future of baseball reading with everyone here.

I will start. My name is Brina Gonzalez. I am a stay at home mom of 4 amazing kids and a super volunteer at both their school and my synagogue. I have been a baseball fan since I was born during the we are family 1979 World Series and have been a Cubs fan since I could talk. Now I live in Cincinnati meaning I got lucky that I live in a city where the Cubs play 9 times a year and try to get to as many games as I can. Hoping for that long awaited championship (knock on wood) this year.

Ashley here! I'm a diehard Cleveland fan (strictly baseball; I don't much care about basketball and I despise the Browns), and have been ever since before I can remember. One of my earliest baseball memories is the Indians/Braves 1995 world series; the Braves fans' "tomahawk chop" soccer-chant-thing still scares the bejeezus out of me as a result. I try to keep an eye on the rest of the MLB standings but I often find myself so locked in on my team that I ignore what else is going on xD

Looking forward to getting back to a book club here! Aside from baseball, my interests include writing, history, languages, animals, and art.

My name as I sign each comment, is Mike Linn , Brooklyn ( not L.A. ) Dodger through & through. If they`re going to move back, they better hurry, I`m almost 70 now. Greatly looking forward to being a real book club again. See you all there
Mike Linn

Hi, I am Bob D'Angelo from Riverview, Fla. I'm a longtime sportswriter and have reviewed books for more than 20 years -- sports and otherwise. Baseball books are my favorite -- the first one I ever read was Paul Gallico's "Pride of the Yankees" -- and I really became hooked after reading Ball Four by Jim Bouton. It's ironic that for all my love of baseball books, the only one I have written and published concerns a college football player. Life is strange that way.

Bob wrote: "Hi, I am Bob D'Angelo from Riverview, Fla. I'm a longtime sportswriter and have reviewed books for more than 20 years -- sports and otherwise. Baseball books are my favorite -- the first one I ever..."
AND a war hero

That's true, Fergie was definitely a war hero.

My name is Lance and I am a diehard fan of all Minnesota teams, with the Twins being my favorite as baseball is my favorite game to watch and read about. Been a Twins fan since the days of Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew and Bert Blyleven when he was a rookie. I have a blog where I review books on all sports - baseball having the most books reviewed.

I also play golf when weather allows it go bowling when it doesn't. I am now living in the Hudson Valley region of New York, about halfway between NYC and Albany. I may not be in Minnesota any longer (born and raised there, resident until 1997 when I came out to NY) but I still care about the Twins.

My name is Doug. I'm 55 and I'm a baseballaholic.
I started out as a Twins fan when we lived in Florida near the Twins spring training site. Harmon Killebrew was, and is, my all-time hero.

I transitioned to the Big Red Machine when we moved to Kentucky--just in time to be spoiled for life thinking that's the way things would always be (championships and great players at every position). If I had only known what the rest of the baseball world was like I think I would have taken the time to enjoy it more.

I am an ophthalmologist by day and try to wring out one more summer on the softball field each year. In my spare time I try to write baseball books.

I'm Chip and I've been a baseball fan since childhood in the mid-1980s. As a child of non-fans, baseball first attached itself to me in the hallways of my elementary school where I traded baseball cards with several equally fanatical friends - many that I'm still connected to today through our mutual love of baseball. It was at that time, in Central N.J., that I aligned myself with the underdog Phillies while most of my classmates chose the more successful Mets or iconic Yankees. I still have fond memories of listening to the late, great Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn calling games deep into the night on my Walkman from beneath the warmth of my covers. Attending games at The Vet, an annual tradition, was the highlight of my summers.

While my Phillies fandom endures and is as strong as ever today, I now live outside of San Francisco where my sports allegiance now extends to the Oakland Athletics. I'm a partial season ticket holder and I take my two young daughters to as many games as we can manage. It was an Oakland game, in fact, that served as the catalyst for my first book, Diehards. Coco Crisp hit a walk-off winner to stave off elimination (for one day, at least) in the 2012 ALDS and the euphoria I experienced that night was unlike anything I've experienced in sports. I watched the Phillies win the 2008 World Series from an apartment in SF, but there was just something incredible about being nestled inside a ballpark for those magical postseason moments.

I mentioned my two daughters (five and 18-mos.) earlier - together with my wife of 10 years, we live about four miles from the Coliseum. I'm a communications executive when I'm not rearing kids, writing books and going to games!

Welcome to the group Chip. Although we are getting a bit crowded with Phillies/Richie Ashburn fans. I guess there's room for one more.

Welcome, Chip. Glad to have you here and happy to see that you are raising your girls as baseball fans. I have a way to go in getting my girls to enjoy sports. We are going to be reading Moneyball next month so as an As follower you should fit right in.

Brina wrote: "Welcome, Chip. Glad to have you here and happy to see that you are raising your girls as baseball fans. I have a way to go in getting my girls to enjoy sports. We are going to be reading Moneyball ..."

Great choice! I'll have to dust off my copy and give it another go.

Doug wrote: "Welcome to the group Chip. Although we are getting a bit crowded with Phillies/Richie Ashburn fans. I guess there's room for one more."

Ha! Thank you :)

Let me add my welcome as well since I went to my first Phillies game in 1951 and have been a lover of the game and the Phillies ever since. I've been on this thread for 4=years and I feel like they are family.

Thanks, Harold! 1951, I love it! You've experienced it all then - the pain of '64, the joy of '80, the frustrations of '94-'95 (lockout) and, of course, the joy again in '08!

2007 through 2011. I can remember my mother yelling out the window in 1950 that the Phillies won the pennant. I knew it was something to be happy about but I was too busy playing step-ball

Harold wrote: "2007 through 2011. I can remember my mother yelling out the window in 1950 that the Phillies won the pennant. I knew it was something to be happy about but I was too busy playing step-ball"

That's a great memory to hold onto after all these years. As a child, I was always aware that my team didn't win often, but it wasn't until 1993 that I actually realized what it felt like to root for a winner. Even then, it was so shocking, so unexpected that you just assumed the bottom would fall out - and it never did (Joe Carter series-winner aside). I cried the night they lost, but that season was a dream. Then, of course, it was right back to bottom again for a while.

Try not having a winner to root for, try being a Cubs fan. My son is 10 and so spoiled because when he was 1 & 2 and now 9 & 10, the Cubs actually are good. That is half his life. I keep telling him that this isn't normal. Well maybe it's the new normal just not what I am used to. As I say knock on wood.

Brina wrote: "Try not having a winner to root for, try being a Cubs fan. My son is 10 and so spoiled because when he was 1 & 2 and now 9 & 10, the Cubs actually are good. That is half his life. I keep telling hi..."

I know, you hate to get too far ahead of yourself with this current squad, but my goodness, they look awesome. There will be no finer place to be than that adorable little ballpark on the North Side if they see it through to the end! I'm pulling for them - it would be a beautiful story. For your sake: *knocks on wood* :)

I have a little Cubs story in my book, actually. I spoke with Fr. Jim Greanias, the Priest who blessed the Cubs bench back in the '08 playoffs. He's a great guy and a true, diehard Cubs fan - shared with me the story of his first game, which just so happened to be Holzman's no-no in 1969! Talk about another season that should have ended up differently for the Cubbies ...

Chip wrote: "Harold wrote: "2007 through 2011. I can remember my mother yelling out the window in 1950 that the Phillies won the pennant. I knew it was something to be happy about but I was too busy playing ste..."
I cried in 64 and my fraternity brothers busted my chops about it.

Welcome Chip...glad to have you aboard and I see you have acclimated yourself well with our group. I reviewed your book previously on my blog. When you mentioned you were an A's fan and saw the title I thought it sounded familiar. And I can certainly relate to your feelings about wondering if your favorite team will win. It was only 25 years ago, but given my team's woes for most of this decade, it sure feels like forever.

Lance wrote: "Welcome Chip...glad to have you aboard and I see you have acclimated yourself well with our group. I reviewed your book previously on my blog. When you mentioned you were an A's fan and saw the tit..."

Hey, Lance! Yes, I saw the review - grateful that you took the time to post. Really appreciated it!

Been another rough year for the Twins, that's for sure. Would love to see some of the kids work out - Buxton is loaded with potential, but hasn't quite put it together when they've had him up with the big club. Would love to see Mauer get a nice postseason run before all is said and done!

My name is Marc Robinson. I am a huge baseball fan who has a true interest in the other sports played around the world. As I type this, I have the South Africa/New Zealand Test cricket match on in the background.
I am a huge Pirates fan and, for some reason, have come to despise the Cubs. When not reading about baseball, I am usually watching games from some far off locales including Japan, Cuba, Korea, and others.
Along with following the game I am involved with vintage base ball, playing for the Clodbuster Base Ball Club of Dayton, OH.

Welcome, Marc. We are neighbors as I live in Cincinnati. We like all sports in our house but baseball is our favorite. You are (gulp) ok to despise my beloved Cubs especially after last night. It dates back to last year's wild card game when there was bad blood brewing. And it continued to the first series of this year. Personally, I will be happy when the season series is over without further incident.

Brina wrote: "Welcome, Marc. We are neighbors as I live in Cincinnati. We like all sports in our house but baseball is our favorite. You are (gulp) ok to despise my beloved Cubs especially after last night. It d..."
I used to really enjoy the Cubs, even in the few seasons that they were winning. It's just that I am not a fan of the new band wagoners that have been created. You know the type, the one's who have "suffered" for the last two seasons. I have many friends who have been Cubs fans for as long as I have known them, but I still can't get beyond the insufferable band wagon fans.
On a side note, one of my favorite moments was being able to attend this game...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXizF...

Then you should hear the jingle on the radio before each broadcast. I can assure you I am no bandwagon jumper. What I don't like isn't the nouveau "fans" but the tourists who make Wrigley a stop on their bucket list making it nearly impossible for Chicagoans to get tickets. My dad literally goes to the box office to get tickets after the rush of the first few days and he's lucky to get one of the few weekday games in April or September. Then at the game the tourists are either taking pictures or buying a new beer every inning or walking around. This year I went to an entire series of the Cubs in Cincinnati and it was a much more wholesome atmosphere for my kids and more enjoyable for me. Truthfully the ambience at Wrigley was almost better in the 80s during the lousy years because only real fans went. But my family wants this championship as much as anyone so I shouldn't say that. Sigh.

That's the price you pay for winning.

Hey all~

Been following but not commenting for a while now - just curious what kind of baseball chatter going on - the regs here know their stuff. I am a native Chicagoan - have rooted both teams at different times growing up but am now and have for some time a devoted Cubs fan. Early memories include games at Wrigley during the '69 debacle. I am rooting both Cubs AND Rangers and IF they as I think they might, both arrive at WS play this year - well I would be compelled to root the Cubs in a close 7-game epic series. (Maybe I hope only one gets there 'cause losing the WS hurts too much!) Anyway, here's to ya B-ball aficionado's!

SR

Hey everyone, I'm Mike Albrecht, Goodreads member for 4 years and baseball addict since I was 9 . I'll be 53 in December. I've collected anything Baseball for the last 40 years, including all Topps regular season baseball card sets from 1968 to the present and have over 600 baseball books that I've read. My love of reading can be traced back to April 8th 1974 when I watched Henry Aaron break the home run record. Right after that there was a book Fair at school with a paperback bio on him that I got my mom to buy for me. That was the first of the 600 and still going strong.

Hi all. I'm Jennifer, but you can call me Jenn for short. I've been what I guess you can call a casual fan of baseball since I was young. I still remember when my father would take my sister and I to the park and we would play wiffle ball with him (and how he tricked us by throwing the "weasel ball" that no one ever was able to hit). I've always been a New York Mets fan and my uncle took my sister and I to our first game in 1999. I became a more interested fan of baseball about three or four years ago when I was able to attend games and when my schedule lightened up a bit. I'll admit that I still have a lot to learn though.

A little about me: I've always loved reading since I was a kid. I'll read pretty much anything that seems interesting. I've mostly been reading YA literature lately because I work in a high school and need to keep up with age-appropriate literature.

Simon my nerves would be shot in a 7 game series. Sweep would be vindication. Glad that I am not the only Chicagoan in the group.

Brina wrote: "Simon my nerves would be shot in a 7 game series. Sweep would be vindication. Glad that I am not the only Chicagoan in the group."

Hi Brina~

I've particularly enjoyed your very enlightened baseball commentary AND Cubs loyalty! You are that rare breed of a baseball girl (no doubt the kind who kept a scorecard at games, eh?). We, I'm sure, were both at Wrigley same time, somewhere in our past - like maybe the night the lights went on? I was in Cubby Bear across street. Haha! Cool stuff all.

I'm rooting for the Rangers and Cleveland in the AL but I'd have to go with Cole Hamels in the championship. I want Hamels to be a Cy Young Winner. In NL I like LA(Phillies have 3 ex players) and the Cubs. For history's sake and Brina's sanity, I'll root for the Cubbies.

Simon I do know how to keep score and I taught my kids how too. Memorable Wrigley moments I was at? I took my grandmother to a game against the Cards in 98 that both Sosa and McGwire homered twice in. That was special because it was the last time I took her. First night game? My dad and I detest night games and I was a kid then so no I wasn't there.

Marc wrote: "My name is Marc Robinson. I am a huge baseball fan who has a true interest in the other sports played around the world. As I type this, I have the South Africa/New Zealand Test cricket match on in ..."

Welcome aboard Marc.
I'm residing in S. Korea, and watch a lot of Korean League and Japan League baseball, also love watching the international baseball tournaments, we also thanks to a number of Korean players in MLB, receive a fair amount of MLB on a daily basis, O's, Rangers, A's, Pirates, Cardinals, Mariners, it's been a pretty good summer for watching baseball in this part of the world.

Doubledf99.99 wrote: "Marc wrote: "My name is Marc Robinson. I am a huge baseball fan who has a true interest in the other sports played around the world. As I type this, I have the South Africa/New Zealand Test cricket..."
Jung Ho Kang has become one of my favorite Pirates. I follow the Lotte Giants on Youtube.

Howdy, I’m Carl. Just noticed this new thread.

I live in Central Texas/Austin, so for years have lived (gratefully) under the hegemony of the Houston Astros. Many friends and I, still think it’s an inter-league game when the Stros play anyone in the AL. We are still coming to grips that under this league organization, there will never be an all-Texas World Series, of which we were certain would happen any season now …

Until the last few, winning, years, the Rangers barely existed to the local media. As a baseball fan you couldn’t even get a game on the radio.

Through this GR group, I’ve learned that Mike Linn and I both attended the 1968 World Series game #6, Tigers-Cards, and that D99, a fellow Missourian at the time, listened to many Cards games on the radio at the same time, Harry Caray and Jack Buck.

Not to mention, have become aware of a lot of baseball books and various knowledge, So it has been a fun group.

I hated when Houston left the National League just as much as when the Brewers came over to the N.L.

Hello all, my name is Alex Decker. I live in Oklahoma, unfortunately so I am a nomadic baseball fan. I love baseball, but no home team. I'm a stay at home Dad and avid reader. I hope to be able to be more a part of the conversations in the coming months.

Welcome Alex, it's always great to talk to someone new.

Welcome, Alex. Glad you joined us. Interesting to get the perspective of a fan without a home team and that you still chose to be a fan without a true team to follow. Looking forward to seeing you in the group.

Occassionally Texas semi-humorously considers seceding, well it never came closer when that happened!


Mike wrote: "I hated when Houston left the National League just as much as when the Brewers came over to the N.L."

Hi all, my name is Asa. I'm from Ithaca, New York (best known for being the home of Cornell University). I teach physical education at a rural school in the finger Lakes region. I am a huge Mets fan but growing up my favorite player was Andy Van Slyke. My favorite baseball memory when I was a kid was riding on a bus with my Mom to Shea Stadium in the mid-1980's just as the Mets were taking over New York City. Another great memory happened just last season when I was able to meet my brother at Citi Field to watch the Mets beat the Dodgers 13-7 in their first playoff game in their "new" stadium. I really enjoy baseball books and have recently attempted to start a book club within a fantasy baseball league I play in. Our selections for this season were, One Shot at Forever, Shoeless Joe, Imperfect and 3 Nights in August. I'm looking forward to reading and discussing baseball books with all of you in this group.

Welcome Asa. Even if you are a Mets fan. Truthfully I don't dislike the true fans, just the team. I one time visited the Finger Lakes once on a family vacation and found it lovely. You will fit right in because we are reading Shoeless Joe next month. Looking forward to seeing you in the group.

Welcome to all who have joined in here, whether new or not so new to the group. Happy to have everyone here to talk baseball and boooks. The polls are open so be sure to vote for your choices of books for November .

I'm 90 pages into Shoeless Joe. I always prepare early.

Me too...but I am currently re-reading Moneyball. Don't trust my memory on a book I read years ago.

Finished Moneyball. Waiting for Mike's care package and then I'll read Shoeless Joe.

Hi all! Brina mentioned she was in a baseball book club, so since baseball is my second passion behind books, I had to check this out! My name is Stephanie and I'm an SF Giants fan, inheriting the bug from my grandfather. He lived long enough, at age 97, to see them win their first World Series. Just borrowed Shoeless Joe from my library and looking forward to participating in the discussions!