The Rules of Baseball: An Anecdotal Look at the Rules of Baseball and How the Came to Be

by Nemec David

Fascinating in their origins, central to the history of the game and to how it is played today, the rules of baseball provide never-ending material for the arguments, anecdotes, and great moments that make baseball what it is.

In The Rules of Baseball, David Nemec relates the history of the rules, explores how the rules have changed and why, and relates some of the many memorable episodes in baseball in which the rules have played a central role: the famed "Pine Tar Game," the beaning of Ray Chapman, and many more.

The book is illustrated with over 50 black-and-white photographs of key moments in the evolution of baseball's rules. The Rules of Baseball will be required reading for anyone who wants to know the game well - and for the millions of fans who want to know it better.

Genres: Baseball, Sports

270 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Brian Schnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 for the baseball geek. This was a fun read, chock full of old timey baseball — pictures, stories, wild tales, language, crazy examples of baseball being baseball. Loved it.

Who knew you could have so much fun reading the stories behind the evolution of baseball’s rules?

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone curious about the background of the title subject, this book is a must-read. Author David Nemec goes through the MLB rulebook (not completely rule by rule, but close enough), providing some of the history behind the hows and whys of the way the game is played. He includes descriptions of controversies like the infamous Pine Tar Incident that led to specific changes in the rules. Where no one particular occurrence led directly to a rule, Nemec colors the black-and-white regulations with anecdotes illustrating how changes in the rules have led to changes in the game. Though probably not a starting place for absolute baseball beginners, this book provides even the casual fan with a solid grounding in baseball theory as well as a deeper understanding of the game’s nuances.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yogi said "In baseball, you don't know nothing." This book proves it. While accessible to even the casual baseball fan, those who love the game will find the historical guided tour through the rules of baseball enjoyable, educational and humorous. Great game, great book.

[Lonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

80% of the book was very interesting. I loved the layout of the book and how they showed the official rule in the margin and then gave a description about an incident that led to the rule. Not surprisingly I started falling asleep on the last chapter about statistics.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baseball! History! Huzzah! This book is a great resource since it also appends the complete official rules. Definitely worth adding to your library.

[JwW White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want to understand the infield fly rule, read this book. Simple to understand but helpful for understanding the game.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good stories in here about the ways that the rules of baseball have changed and been added to over the years.

[Peter Juzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrated portion of the book dealt with the historical origins of selected rules. Nonetheless, an interesting source of information regarding the rules of baseball.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon, Grottoes patron, July 2016, 5 stars:

Loved it.