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Change Up: An Oral History of 8 Key Events That Shaped Baseball

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Baseball today is a different game than it was 50 years ago. And, even though it has changed drastically in some ways, we have a tendency to forget the impact the changes have had.

Authors Larry Burke and Peter Thomas Fornatale compile an interesting oral history of eight key events that shaped modern baseball. The selected events are:

The Latino Wave
The 1962 Mets (expansion)
Ball Four
Birth of the Players Union
The Designated Hitter
The First African American Manager
Cal Ripken's Streak
Ichiro Comes to America

Some could argue whether or not these are the eight most important changes, but none of them can be readily dismissed.

Even if you have lived through the changes (as I have), you will find the chapters informative, insightful and interesting. The authors interview a good mix of players, executives and sportswriters. Change Up is a book all baseball fans should read.

Though not great writing, and not the first tome I would suggest reading on the subject matter, "Change Up" is worth the time. No new ground is broken on such events as the publishing of "Ball Four" and the emergence of Latino players, yet I found myself engrossed still. A solid effort that focuses on the last half of the 20th century.

I have to say I enjoyed this book as it put names and voices to one of the most interesting and tumultuous times in baseball history. Everything from the emergence of Latin players, to the players union to the current import of players from Asia is well covered. Some of the voices are quite interesting such as Marvin Miller who is always a fascinating man and is someone who should be in the Hall of Fame.

The only downside that I see to this book is the format. I do not believe that the personal history is the best format. I believe a number of short paragraphs would be more ideal. Otherwise, any baseball fan with a love of the game would like this book.