Recommended Reading: 10 Great Baseball Books

Nothing beats sitting down with a good baseball book - on a summertime beach or backyard hammock, or cuddled on the couch during the "dark times" (those rough months between October and March). Below is a list of baseball related books that I have personally read and enjoyed. The list is in no particular order, and hopefully has something for everyone.

Mind Games
"How the Boston Red Sox Got Smart, Won a World Series, and Created a New Blueprint for Winning"

By the Writers of Baseball Prospectus, Steve Goldman, Editor

A series of essays by the experts at Baseball Prospectus that carry us through the Boston Red Sox 2004 season, with a special focus on how the team's management changed their way of thinking and built a winner.
An interesting look at how the "new school" of baseball management thinks and builds a team.

Moneyball

by Michael Lewis

Fast becoming a baseball classic, this book follows Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane as he builds his team using the type of statistical anaylsis made famous by Bill James. With a limited payroll, Beane has to look for the best bang for his buck, and the use of statistics and a "fresh" way of looking at the game help him to do this.

Whatever Happened to the Hall of Fame?

by Bill James

Bill James was one of the first and remains one of the most noteworthy baseball analysts. His focus on statistical data and logical thought helped create the modern statistical study of baseball known as "sabrmetrics". This is one of James' best books, where he looks at the history, politics, election process, and membership of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Written in 1994, some of its player specific examples are dated, but the historical and analytical portions are as rock solid and as enlightening and entertaining as ever.

Wild and Outside

"How a Renegade Minor League Revived the Spirit of Baseball in America's Heartland"

by Stefan Fatsis

This book follows the first two seasons of the Northern League, an independent minor league in the Midwest. The owners, managers, and players of the league all get a close look here, and the mix gives a great "big picture" view of the formation of the league, but also provides enough personal stories to keep the pages turning.

The Glory of Their Times

by Lawrence Ritter

A classic baseball book first published in the 1960's. When Ty Cobb passed away in 1961, Mr. Ritter was inspired to record the first-hand experiences of ballplayers from the turn of the 20th century. After several years of interviews and thousands of miles traveled, this book, plus several accompanying audiotapes, resulted. Ritter created an instant classic, with the voices of baseball's history recorded for posterity in the voices of those who lived them.

My Turn at Bat

by Ted Williams with John Underwood

The story of one of the greatest hitters ever, in his own words. As complex a personality as he was great a hitter, William's gives us a very blunt look at his life...from his youth growing up in San Diego, his time in the minors, his hall of fame major league career, his military service, and the controversies that were as much a part of his career as batting titles and home runs.

The Mind of Bill James

"How a Complete Outsider Changed Baseball"

By Scott Gray

A biography of Bill James, the noted baseball analyst and author, including his personal history, opinions, and a look at his core views on the game. Follow James though his early days of self-publishing his work, to fame among baseball geeks everywhere, to going from being the ultimate "outsider", to an "insider" as he joins the Boston Red Sox front office.

Veeck - As in Wreck

by Bill Veeck

The autobiography of Bill Veeck, one of the games great marketing geniuses and "the man who sent a midget up to bat". Veeck tells his life story, as we learn how he never let disability or lack of funds keep him from owning several major league baseball teams.

Ball Four

by Jim Bouton

The diary kept by former fireballer turned knuckleballer Jim Bouton during the 1969 season. The former Yankee tries to latch on with the Seattle Pilots, in their lone year of existence. This is the book that first blew the lid off the idea that ballplayers are heroes. Reviled for writing it, Bouton opens the clubhouse doors to the fans, and gives an interesting and hilarious view of baseball from an insider. An All-Time classic!

The Wrong Stuff

by Bill Lee

One of the most entertaining baseball autobiographies out there, "The Wrong Stuff' is written by noted "goofy" left handed pitcher Bill Lee. We follow Lee's rise to the major leagues, the highs and lows of his career, and his constant head-butting with management. Lee's unique outlook on the game and life in general makes for a very interesting and entertaining read.