Customer Reviews

Baseball Letters: A Fan's Correspondence with His Heroes

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I bought Mr. Swirsky's new book "Every Pitcher Tells A Story" and was so taken by its originality that I bought his first one "Baseball Letters". They are quite different and it's hard to tell which one I enjoyed more. I was glad he didn't write to the same players--every letter was a new 'experience'.Great reads.

There was a poll taken by a big magazine last year asking the question what are the five greatest basball books of all-time. "Baseball Letters" after being out for less that a year came in 3rd! Buy it for yourself or friends--you cannot go wrong. It is filled with anecdotes from real people, in their own handwritting, about their lives--little things that will stay with you, you'll notice. Like when Swirsky asks 50s pitcher Gerry Staley if he'll sign a ball for him, Staley responds 'don't send money--i'm just happy to be alive and able to do it.' this book is a gift to the people who discover it.

This book is so plain, so simple, it makes you remember why you loved baseball in the first place. I received this book as a gift by at least four different friends on four different occassions all of them saying "I got you the ultimate gift!" I didn't have the heart to tell them I had bought it myself. I've been waiting impatiently for Mr. Swirsky's new one. Well it just came out ("Every pitcher Tells Story") and wouldn't you know, the same four people gave me the book as a present! Both books sit on my night table just in case I want something pleasent to read before I go to sleep. I most highly recommend them.

I bought Swirsky's new book "Every Pitcher Tells A Story" the minute I heard it was out (I bought all 4 copies the store had!). I was a big fan of his fisrt book "Baseball Letters". Letters are so old fashioned in this world of e-mail--the concept of having baseball players (notice I didn't say basketball or football players) is brilliant. I am loving "Every Pitcher" and it made me go back and re-read "Baseball Letters" which I like even more now that the first thousand times I read it. I believe these books, because of their timelessness will go down as amongst the best ever written in the genre.

This book is rich and full of exciting baseball history, as Swirsky writes to professional baseball players of all decades and teams and poses questions to them on their careers and reflections of America's Pastime. Not only is this book interesting in a historical prospective, but it's very fun to read and analzye. The work that went into this book is noticeable, and both the letter to the player and the response from the player (as well as many great pictures) make this book a timeless classic. Bravo to Seth Swirsky for such a job well-done.

Like a book of O'Henry's short stories, fabricated for the baseball fan who did not expect the concise answer he hears, to accounts of some of Baseball's great moments, recalled by some of the manufacturers and onsite observers of the event. Seth is somewhat after his time, and how cool it would be to have had "The Babe" himself included with his answers, or Gehrig,Wagner,Cy Young, Adrian Anson,Josh Gibson, Satchell,Cool Papa Bell, and that scoundral Ty Cobb. I would like to see Seth Swirsky ask some of these deceased immortals similar questions, and have his imagination, simulate the intimate answers. I am one of the fans of this book and one of those honored recipients of a letter from my friend,Seth. Thank you to Seth for choosing my answer to publish. Richie Scheinblum - A lifelong waiter for the next book.

Having my own collection of "baseball letters" similar to Swirsky's thoroughly enjoyed this book. I even envied a few of his responses that I was never able to receive and was relieve to find that I was not the only baseball fan to journey into letter writing.

It is a collection of responses to letter's Swirsky sent to baseball players in a varied range of topics. Some answers are short and simple while others provide a more interserting response. Either way, if you are a baseball fans or have even written to a baseball player, past or present, you should enjoy this simple and enjoyable book.

I *love* this book. It's a great compilation of some of the most interesting questions one can ask his heroes. Mr. Swirsky doesn't just stick to the basics, he asks players who played in the 1930s what baseball was like in that era, he asks legends to put together their all time All-Star team, and asks players their impressions of up and coming (soon to be legendary) rookies! I was very impressed by Mr. Swirsky's knowledge of the game, and his ability to ask questions we wouldn't have thought of.

What's also interesting is that 99% of the responses are handwritten! In this day and age of email, it makes the book more intimate and personal!

This is a great coffee table book, too, as it's great for reading in small portions--when you want a slice of baseball history! The companion book, Every Pitcher Tells a Story, is also wonderful and features more great letters. I highly recommend!

This is a great book, and not just for baseball fans. Mr. Swirsky uses baseball to focus on more important issues of life, such as the relationship between fathers and sons. His heros are mostly drawn from a time before multi-million dollar salaries were the measure of a man's worth. He asks questions that focus on important events in the lives of the players; questions that elicit responses that give us insight into the concept of honor, teamwork, and what it means to be a man. This is a great book for any baseball fan, but it is also a great book for any father who has a son, or any son who has a father. I am hoping that Mr. Swirsky's first book will not be his last!

Recently, I came across a fabulous book and decided to share my thoughts about this "grand slam" with fellow sports fans! Incidentally, it's the perfect gift for any sports fan, any age, any gender, any time -- especially for the holidays! The book is called "Baseball Letters - A Fan's Correspondence With His Heroes" by Seth Swirsky (Kodansha, NY) and it contains about 100 letters that the author wrote to famous (and some not so famous) baseball players (Cal Ripkin, Jr., Ted Williams, etc..) and the truly fascinating, incredible responses that the players sent back. I'm 33 years old, I've been a baseball fan for years, and I just loved this book. I know there are other sports fans out there who would enjoy and appreciate it, as well. Every book store in America should display "Baseball Letters" so every "fan" can get a hold of this gem! Baseball is the national pastime and I'm sure "Baseball Letters" will be, too. Check it out and enjoy the magic! E.Hayden :)