The New Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball [Paperback]

Leonard Koppett (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

An updated, rewritten version of the 1967 baseball classic, A Thinking Man's Guide to Baseball , this book by New York Times national edition columnist Koppett delivers what its title promises: a challenging, thoughtful discourse on a sport that, for the true fan, cannot be overanalyzed. Drawing on his decades of baseball reporting (since the days the Dodgers and Giants called New York home) and countless interviews with players, managers and others, the author addresses all facets of the game--from elements of play on the field to "behind the scenes" subjects, including, significantly, lawyers and agents. Often, the less obvious topics are most compelling, such as the chapter on signs and his argument that managers "who have great effect on any given game are the exceptional ones."p. 113 In a typical fascinating observation, he points out that the average playing field has 90,000 square feet of fair territory. Throughout Koppett provides historical perspective and shows that the "changeless" game has always changed and continues to change. Reading this is the fan's equivalent of players' spring training.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Since publication of Koppett's The Thinking Man's Guide ( LJ 8/67), baseball has added six major league teams, artificial turf, designated hitters, and other changes--for better or worse. Koppett, columnist for the New York Times , examines these innovations in a nuts-and-bolts, good-humored approach, telling fans how to watch, score, and appreciate the game and its history. Recommended for all popular sports collections.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671732056
• ISBN-13: 978-0671732059
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,909,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball, May 6, 2000

By 

Michael West (Statesboro, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball (Hardcover)

As a lifelong baseball fan, I had thought I knew everything there was to know about the game of baseball...until I found this book by chance in a bookstore some years ago.

Leonard Koppett's book is perhaps the most insightful book I've ever read regarding the National Pastime. This book represents an exhaustive research of virtually every aspect of our beloved game, giving the reader glimpses into everything that comprises the game of baseball, including, not only the fundamentals of the game, but other facets such as scouting, contract negotiation and a brief history of the rules of the game.

If you're looking for a frame of reference, I would compare this book to 'Men At Work,' by George Will. However, I find myself referring back to Koppett's book much more frequently than I do Will's book. Whereas Will describes the 'what' of the game, Koppett describes the 'why' of the game.

This book should be read by everyone who considers him/herself to be a fan of baseball. Fans new to the game will appreciate the insight. Veteran fans will be given some new bits to ponder.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for all baseball fans, May 13, 2003

By 

downtown (Brighton, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball (Paperback)

This is quite simply the best baseball book I've ever read. I've been watching baseball my whole life but Koppett gives whole new insights into the game. A long review isn't necesary...I'll just say that if you're a serious baseball fan or someone just getting into the game, you absolutely must read this book.