Watching Baseball Smarter: A Professional Fan's Guide for Beginners, Semi-experts, and Deeply Serious Geeks

by Zack Hample, Barry Abrams (Reading)

This smart and funny fan's guide to baseball explains the ins and outs of pitching, hitting, running, and fielding, while offering insider trivia and anecdotes that will appeal to anyone--whether you're a major league couch potato, lifelong season ticket-holder, or a beginner. ● What is the difference between a slider and a curveball? ● At which stadium did The Wave first make an appearance? ● How do some hitters use iPods to improve their skills? ● Which positions are never played by lefties? ● Why do some players urinate on their hands? Combining the narrative voice and attitude of Michael Lewis with the compulsive brilliance of Schott's Miscellany, Watching Baseball Smarter will increase your understanding and enjoyment of the sport--no matter what your level of expertise.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction, History, Self Help, Reference, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

First published March 27, 2007

Reviews

[H (no longer expecting notifications) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s the deal: This book is like Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
For some of you it will be too technical; for others, it will not tell you anything that you didn’t already know. I can’t predict if you will like it.

I liked it a lot. I really appreciate how Hample (a master of baseball stats) didn’t assume anything about my knowledge except that I wanted to know more. I am not what Hample terms a “serious Geek.” I like to watch baseball (and I can’t tell you how many hundreds of games I’ve seen) and I like the drama and stories of baseball……..and this book has none of that. It, instead, has all the rules; all the techniques (pitching, batting, base-running, fielding, etc.); facts about statistics; and a valuable glossary of baseball slang.

Here is a typical entry concerning communication between the pitcher and the catcher:
“Unfortunately, the pitcher and catcher sometimes confuse themselves instead of the runner. When the pitcher isn't sure what he's supposed to throw, he requests the signs again. If the catcher gets crossed up, possibly getting handcuffed by a fastball or failing to drop to his knees in time to block a breaking ball in the dirt, he'll head to the mound to review the signs—and when he does, he'll leave his mask on or hold his glove in front of his face to prevent the other team from reading his lips.4 Then he might explain that the third series of signs he flashes, not the second, is the one in effect, and that if he swipes the dirt with his right hand, it means he's going to start over. And if he throws the ball back to the mound from his crouch, it means he wants the same pitch again no matter what signs he gives. And don't miss inside to this batter because he likes the ball in. And hurry up because I'm meeting a girl at the hotel bar at 11 and I plan on taking a shower beforehand. But don't stress out because you still have a three-run lead. And so on.”

I have baseball books on team history, world series, outstanding players, ballparks, greatest plays and teams. This book will remain on my shelves long after many of those are passed on to others. It is that useful and easy to locate what you want to know.

[Jay French · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book meanders through the world of baseball, dropping short anecdotes, statistics, opinions, and other items meant to make you say 'Gee whiz, I didn't know that". This is told with a light touch, mildly humorous throughout. It seems quite similar to a book on baseball I previously read that had been sold at a Hallmark card store. As a baseball fan, I knew or at least was passingly familiar with a large majority of the stories, like why stadiums are different, and why rules are the way they are. I was very surprised, given my audiobook source says that this book was from 2017, that the book dissed the concept of video call reviews, saying that will never happen, and waxed eloquently on the strategic use of multiple trips to the pitcher to waste time, etc. that have changed in pro baseball rules over the past few years. Ends up this book was first released in 2007, and some of the things that it says to make you a smarter baseball watcher are now totally incorrect. If you are a beginner, you won't know what is still correct and what isn't, and if you are a more casual but up-to-date fan, these just look like mistakes. It is a shame these new versions of the audiobook were released without updating the changes in baseball, or at least without a notice about the actual age of the content. I took stars off because of this, and because it wasn't really written for the "deeply serious geeks". Had this book been about a sport I know less about, like women's gymnastics, with the same odd details and snarky opinions, I probably would have ranked it higher as I liked the voice of the author.

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book says that it is aimed at people who know enough about baseball to know what a line-drive is, but not enough to know much more than that, and it pretty much delivers exactly what it claims. I enjoyed reading it - it was fast, full of fun little tid-bits and asides, and as a neophite baseball fan, I finally understood what a squeeze play is and not only what the infield fly rule is but why the rule exists.

That said, about 75% of the information in the book I had already picked up just by watching games over the past year, and there are long stretches where the book reads like its aimed at 8 year-olds. A few sections feel like filler. If parts seemed too simplistic for ME (and I still can't quite match every team to the correct league), then most ball fans don't need this.

[Jeffrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outdated

[Steven Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subtitle of this well crafted work: "A Professional Fan's Guide for Beginners, Semi-Experts, and Deeply Serious Geeks." For the first two categories, right on! Geeks are not going to learn a whole lot that they already do not know. That aside, though, this is a nice work.

Examples of what is in some of the chapters: Chapter 2 focuses on "Pitchers and Catchers." The first part of the chapter describes basic pitches (and how they are thrown)--fastball, curveball, slider, change-up, split-finger fastball, knuckleball, screwball, spitball (naughty, naughty!), eephus, and gyroball (does it even exist?). Each is described, with a bit of humor added here and there.

Chapter 5 explores "Fielding." There are brief descriptions of what each position has to do. As an old second baseman, I enjoyed reading about the basics of the double play and so on.

Chapter 6 examines "Stadiums" (but should this not be "Stadia," to use the proper Latin term?). One of the more enjoyable features is the description of some unique fields. Think Fenway Park or Wrigley Field. But why not talk about the cool stadium in Cleveland?

Chapter 9 takes a peek at "Random Stuff to Know." E.g., Why K for strikeout on scorecards? What about uniform numbers? The seventh inning stretch? And so on.

This book is a lot of fun. Even hard core baseball fans might enjoy it for its style, even though they may not learn a great deal that is new. For beginners and intermediate fans, though, this will be quite a pleasure!

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

While this book could be good for someone seeking an introduction to baseball culture, especially the unique language, its claim of a professional fan's guide for semi-experts, and deeply serious geeks does not hold up. Two things stand out for me: The Ray Chapman incident, the only player ever to have died from an on field accident. Mr. Hample only addresses the spitball issue, the much bigger story was the use of multiple baseballs following the tragedy. Until then, the use of a single baseball during the entire game was common, the ball was darkened so early in the game many players commented that it was only a matter of time before such an accident.

Second was the very casual explanation of the squeeze bunt. Only the suicide squeeze was discussed. No mention of a safety squeeze or a straight squeeze, he's only telling half the story. There were many other subjects I felt could have had better explanations. This book is not for the serious fan.

[Sterrett Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew: I loved this book! I like this book because it had things like how much time a hitter has to hit a 90+ mph fastball, witch a hitter has 0.40 seconds to decide if he is going to swing or not, and sometimes the has a lot of movement on it. Or when the infield fly rule doesn't count when there is not anyone on base. I think if you just started watching baseball, you should not read this book because you will be really confused on some of the words like slurve witch is a combintion of a slider and a curveball. it is a really good reference book. I loved this book!

[Sineala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow, in the past few weeks, I have inexplicably become interested in watching baseball. This book was recommended to me as a good book to read if I was new to baseball and wanted to have the fundamentals presented in an engaging manner; it's basically a FAQ for n00bs, with a mix of baseball rules explanations, slang, and interesting trivia. If you have a question of the form "why does X happen in baseball?" because you've just started watching it and you know the absolute basics but you want to know exactly what's going on and what the hell the commentators are talking about, this is the book for you. That is pretty much the level it's pitched (ha!) at; the "deeply serious geeks" referred to in the title probably want a different book, and you already know if that's you. Sure, everything in here is something you could probably learn for free on Wikipedia, but at least this way it's all collected in one place.

The Kindle version could probably use an update, because there are a lot of bizarre formatting errors where charts don't come out right and subheadings that are supposed to have smallcaps just... don't. Actually, the whole thing could probably use an update, because if you, a new fan, are picking this book up Right Now, the section that asserts that the MLB doesn't use instant replays is going to be a little confusing.

But overall, if you are in the same straits as me, I'd recommend this.

[Jamie O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of all the intricacies and nuances that make baseball baseball, but Hample does more than just skim the surface. Even diehards who have watched and played hundreds (/thousands) of games will likely find new things that they didn't know.

This book provides plenty of context for why certain elements of the game are the way they are, as well as fascinating tidbits about particular players, records, oddities etc. If nothing else, the glossary of terms at the end is a perfect reference guide for any fan from newcomer to veteran, but overall I would call this essential reading for anyone in love with the sport.

[Jake Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for baseball fans!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent look at the dynamics of baseball. As the title indicates, a helpful book for all levels of knowledge of the game. The book also contains well done graphics. A book I would recommend for the student of the game who wishes to test their knowledge and perhaps learn something new.

[Noel Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book for complete beginners. Anyone who is already a fan knows all this and much more.

[Logan]

yawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyawrsetdryft6g7y8u9i0[ophugfhuoijuhgfctygu8oygtfdrtf7y8tfdrtfg7gfdtxrdtfgy8gtfyffftyftfyuukhfdihiuefhiuhvfuivhriuhvihrfuivruihvriufhvuihviuhuvuivuivguivvuvvhihvuvifjvifbhvfhbvhbhbhjbfhbhjvfbhjvfrbhfvrbhbfhjbfhjfbfrhjbfhbfhbfhbhfrbhvfrbhfbhjvfbhbfvhjvfbhbfvhvfrbjbvbhvfbhjvfbhfvrbvfrhfvbhvbhjfbhfvbhvfrbhvfbhjfvofhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very approachable and full of interesting and weird facts about baseball.

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some interesting sections, like details on the statistics part of the game and how things are calculated. There's also lots of little fun facts that I never knew before, but in truth I found it all a little dry. Was it because I already know a lot about baseball? Perhaps. A great book for anyone wanting to learn more about rules, but be prepared to really pay attention.

[Hugo Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love baseball and like knowing all the nicks and carnies of Americas past time this is the book for you , from all the baseball teams to what the players eat before the game its an in depth of the game behind the game.

[Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, some fun anecdotes, might be nice for a baseball novice.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://everydayiwritethebookblog.com/...

In the last few years, I have become increasingly obsessed with baseball. I love it, but I am definitely an amateur in terms of my understanding of the game. I’ve come to appreciate that baseball is played on many simultaneous levels. There’s the simple movement of the players through the bases, and the strikes and balls and outs. But there’s also strategy in the pitches, the communication between the catchers and pitcher, the simple act of rubbing dirt onto a ball before throwing it. There’s strategy around quick decisions, like where a second baseman steps on base when he has a runner sliding in. There’s a world of statistics to measure every aspect of a player’s performance. There are rule changes and weird stadiums and gestures and a whole vocabulary of baseball terms that you need to know to really understand the game.

Thanks to Zack Hample’s Watching Baseball Smarter, I have a much better appreciation for the game. His book is readable, entertaining, and full of information about baseball, from umpires and pitchers to fielders, hitting, stadiums and stats. I didn’t understand everything in the book (the anatomy of pitches seems to be outside my grasp), but I followed most of it, and retained quite a bit. I’ve been watching some 2016 pre-season games, and I already see a big difference in how I watch and what I notice.

A few caveats:
1. Watching Baseball Smarter is probably too basic for the “deeply serious geeks and semi-experts” the subhead suggests that it’s for. For someone like me, it was perfect. It reinforced what I already knew and introduced me to a lot that I didn’t.
2. It’s outdated. It was written in 2007 and could use an update.
3. There are a lot of baseball terms that Hample uses throughout the book but only defines in the glossary. This can be annoying, because you have to keep flipping back and forth to the glossary as you’re reading.
4. There is a lot of information here. Sometimes it can be a bit much to absorb.

I am glad to have read Watching Baseball Smarter and plan to keep it on hand to refer to as the season evolves. I recommend it for casual baseball fans like me who want to take their viewing to the next level. I’m going to give it to my 11 year-old daughter to read next, and I think she’ll enjoy it too. Maybe you have a fan in your life who would enjoy this resource as well?

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealth of information on America's national pastime, but I'd only suggest it for die-hard baseball fans. What I liked about it was its discussion of fielding, pitching, batting and baserunning strategies. I developed an appreciation for baseball managers and players, who have to take into account the most minute details. I would never think that a 2-1 count is the best time to try to a suicide squeeze, or to put a left-handed hitter second in the lineup (because he blocks the catcher's vision of the leadoff baserunner trying to steal from first base). I also now know the difference between a two-seam fastball and a sinker pitch (sort of), and that when a ball gets stuck in the speakers high above the field at the Metrodome, the batter is awarded a double. Also the infield fly rule doesn't apply to a bunt pop-up. Okay, now I know you've stopped reading this review.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for those who are just starting to watch the game as well as for folk who have been enjoying baseball for years. Ever become downright annoyed when the TV announcers use terms like slugging percentage, waivers, rule 5 draft, and fielding percentage? All of those and more are explained in this easy-to-read journey through the National Pasttime. Learn why batters always grab their crotch, why turning a triple play is easier than you might think, and why baseball players never step on the foul line.

[Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely not for beginners, nor for expert fans.
But for everybody in between, who have watched quite a few games, even scored some, it is a really fun read, full of little nuggetts and anecdotes, and clear explanations (why the infield fly rule, why does it not apply with no one on base?).
And you get to know the lingo, understand the commentators, and feel like you are invited into a close-knitted group (what do you call someone who swings at something that would have been a ball if he'd only stayed put?).

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

More for the beginner and casual fans, except for the statistical analysis, which is for math geeks. I'm a big fan of the game, but I don't really care how slugging percentage is calculated. Still, lots of fun facts and factoids, history and answers to things that always made you go 'hmmmmmm'. Highly recommended for spouses and girlfriends of fans, and football and basketball snobs who think baseball is dull. If you think baseball is dull, it's only because you don't know everything that's going on with every pitch.

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice reference book. The basics explained simply, with some history and humor to go along. Explains everything from the the difference between pitches to the reason why baseball players are constantly adjusting their, um...nevermind. Good book.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, though parts of it are a bit over my head (I'm a total neophyte, as Mary Jo can attest). The kind of book I'd like to have at hand during a baseball game (especially on TV, with commentary).

[Raegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! As an avid baseball fan, I enjoyed the insights and "random things to notice" featured in this book.

[Jake Kasten · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard to give this book an accurate rating. It does not deliver what it advertises - the book has small bits of information that were new to me, but I would hardly put myself at semi-expert, and most certainly not a deeply serious geek. If you went in knowing nothing about baseball, this would be a very handy guide to get you going. It explains a lot of the rules that aren't entirely clear from just watching the game, gives some insight as to what the players are up to, and gives you a fairly basic crash course in stats, ballparks, foul rules, batting strategy, pitch types, etc. Unfortunately that's the issue. Everything is fairly basic, to the point that I can't imagine there is much in here for any semi-experts of Deeply Serious Geeks to read.

If you are the type of person to struggle with picking up slang, the glossary at the back could be the books saving grace. It is a fairly exhaustive list of baseball slang, some of which is so esoteric it almost seems like Hample made it up (fun fact: he didn't).

However, it's an easy read (I managed it over a weekend - friday through monday - while working and studying for finals) and Hample's writing is fairly entertaining. I would highly recommend it for anyone in the first category of fans in the name, but not so much the latter two.

Also worth noting - the book is becoming somewhat out of date. It refers to "recent" rule changes that are not all accurate anymore, some of the team names are off (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) and the section on ballparks could use an update. I believe some of the records discussed in the book have been bested in the 10 years since it was originally published as well.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book to share with my son, who, at age 6, has developed a true affinity for our national pastime. While it is a nice introduction to the sport, explaining many of the very questions my son has had, it is in sore need of an update. First, the rule changes in the 10 years since this book was published have significantly compromised the accuracy of many things Hample covers. I had to laugh when the author took a rather high-minded tone when mentioning that baseball is the only major sport not to have adopted replay and hence was the only truly pure sport. Many of the records discussed have changed as well, and the "contemporary" players that he gives as examples are now a generation gone and, some of them, forgotten. Sure, it would be impossible to keep any book about sport absolutely up to date, but this book is out-of-date enough that I'm surprised it is still in print; revisiting it every few years would keep the book relevant. I didn't think to check the publishing date when getting this book, but I will now be looking for a similar book that was written or updated in this decade.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad, but a little dated, and needs some editing

This book provided a lot of good information for me. I’ve been watching baseball for quite some time but feel like I stalled out in knowledge after I learned the basics. Baseball has so many nuances and history, that it’s impossible to know it all. But this book gave me a good jump on things.

I do feel this book wouldn’t make much sense to someone trying to learn baseball from the start. It also wouldn’t be much good for the already-experts.

My only gripes with this one were that it definitely needs some editing (some basic grammatical errors seemed to have slipped through), and the format needs a little work. There are way too many references to footnotes and the glossary, which makes some stuff really hard to follow, especially if reading on a Kindle. The book is also surprisingly outdated already with all the changes that have happened in the MLB in the last couple of years. For example, this book says that the commissioner tried to push a rule to allow intentional walks to be automatic, but that it never happened. Well, now, that is a rule, and someone reading this book wouldn’t know that.

[Ryan Minckler]

I really loved how Zack Hample shared his knowledge about the game of baseball with all fans reading. His book talks about different things in a ball game, such as where to stand during BP (batting practice), or where the best seats in the stadium are. He also talks about the MLB (major league baseball) players and where to stand in the stadium if you are looking for a ball.

I enjoyed reading this book because it was written by a baseball "geek". This book was right in my wheelhouse, meaning that it was just perfect for me (because I am a baseball player). I also enjoyed thinking about Hample's perspective on the sport and what he thinks could be changed over time. It really showed me that I can look at a situation with 2 sets of eyes.

[Printable Tire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can, predictably get a little "inside baseball" but it helped me understand and enjoy a game I've been trying to for years (it was especially fun to go to a Red Sox game after reading it!). The odd facts and trivia were the best; the glossary's helpful but a little annoying (the inclusion and omission of some words are baffling), especially when you might find yourself referring back to it twenty times while reading one page (only to realize the word's later defined on the same page anyway!). I really wish the statistics section was more fleshed out; it seems rushed compared to the others and I still don't understand them very well (maybe nobody does!). This book will definitely get you out of some jams at a family party.

Baseball players are spies!