Sports & Recreation / Baseball Books

Michael Lewis, the noted author of LIAR'S POKER and THE NEW NEW THING, examines the financial philosophy that Billy Beane, GM for the Oakland Athletics, has made famous. MONEYBALL explores how the A's, a perennial favorite, can outplay teams that spend twice as much on players' salaries, and what the thinking is behind their success. The story of a team and their manager, and the strategies that enabled them to beat the system, make for a most enjoyable book, even for non-fans. A New York Times Notable Book for 2003.

In the finest tradition of baseball journalism, David Halberstam captures the drama and joy of the 1949 pennant race, which pitted the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox. Personalities include Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Yogi Berra, and Jerry Coleman. Halberstam evokes a different time, when baseball was broadcast on the radio and games were played in daylight.

Acclaimed historian Halberstam examines here the story of four friends and fellow ball players: Ted Williams, Dominic DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky, and Bobby Doerr. THE TEAMMATES tells of their friendship during their playing days with an eye to fine detail, and continues on through to their retired lives off the diamond.

Sports writer Buzz Bissinger (author of the bestselling FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) focuses on a three-game National League series in August 2003, between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Given complete access to the dugout, the clubhouse, and the field, Bissinger provides a fascinatingly detailed look not only at the games themselves in a series of thrilling play-by-plays, but also at the personalities involved. Starting with Cardinals manager Tony La Russa--the main character here--Bissinger branches out to include the entire diverse array of players and coaches involved, such as JD Drew, Garret Stephenson, Albert Pujols, and Kerry Robinson. For Cardinals and Cubs fans, or for anyone who loves baseball--or just a good read--THREE NIGHTS IN AUGUST is a gripping narrative that brings the national pastime to vibrant life.

Covering not just the All-American Girls Baseball League featured in "A League of Their Own", this book also tells the stories of earlier and later women's leagues.

The classic history of baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers by the preeminent writer on the sport.

In this revealing look at the life and career of baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author explores the ways in which fame helped and hurt the American hero. Cramer clearly admires DiMaggio's achievements as a player, but is forthcoming about the many, many stories which disclose the more human side of this American legend. A New York Times Notable Book for 2000.