The Story of Baseball [Hardcover]

Lawrence S. Ritter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1900 | Age Level: 9 and up

Traces the history of baseball, which was first played in a form resembling the modern game in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1846, and first played by professional players in 1869.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

In this updated version of his well-received title (Morrow, 1983), Ritter again mixes baseball history, nostalgia, and an explanation of the game's fundamentals into an enjoyable and informative read. Concentrating on the outstanding players of each era, the history of professional baseball is looked at in 20-year periods beginning in 1900 and concluding with the modern-day game. The second half of the book is devoted to an explanation of baseball fundamentals concerning the various physical and mental aspects of the game, such as pitching, hitting, fielding, and strategy. Black-and-white photographs from a variety of cited sources are liberally interspersed throughout. The updated edition is nearly 50% larger than the original, adding descriptions of the stars and events of the last seven years. Chapters on baserunning and signs and signals are also new. What makes this book stand out from others of its type is the inclusion of interesting quips, quotes, and anecdotes. Baseball has had more than its share of unusual characters and bizarre events, and Ritter's portrayals and descriptions are sure to please both young and old fans of the game. --Tom S. Hurlburt, Rio Rancho Public Library, NM
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-12. From an 1846 game in Hoboken to last year's McGwire-Sosa race for the record books, Ritter's update of his 1990 book once again takes in the game's personalities, statistics, and strategies. The majority of the changes are found in the two chapters on modern times: top players today have been substituted for favorites from the 1980s, and there's a take on the effects of the 1994 strike. The original format has been retained: the first half is a chronological look at major league history; the second is an assessment of game elements--pitching, fielding, etc. Although some of the chapters may be a bit statistics-heavy for the casual fan, they are sprinkled with enough entertaining anecdotes and gossip to keep the reader engaged. An enjoyable mix for player and spectator alike. Randy Meyer --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 210 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers; Revised edition (August 1900)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688090567
• ISBN-13: 978-0688090562
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,802,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Needs an editor, February 20, 2000

By 

Ben Walsh - See all my reviews

This review is from: Story of Baseball, The (2nd edition) (Paperback)

This book does a decent job and covers a lot of ground, from history to fielding fundamentals to famous players and records. However, it seemed rushed and somewhat shallow. A third edition of a book should *not* include blatant errors. Ty Cobb's Hall of Fame plaque may give him 4,191 hits, but the current verdict is well established at 4,189. A Cobb anecdote ("how would you bat against today's pitching?") is told wrongly. The Seattle Pilots are said now to be the Mariners, when in fact the Pilots are now the Milwaukee Brewers ... that sort of thing.

The author also has an obsession with categorizing players which he pursues in cart-before-the-horse fashion. Some players are "place hitters" and only about 5% of their hits are home runs. Some players are "power hitters" and homer in 20% of hits. Attributes are then assigned to these mystic beasts. "Power pitchers" and "control pitchers" are also introduced, and these animals MUST have certain attributes, too. Why divide batters into these armed camps instead of considering the continuums across the spectra of ability and achievement is beyond me, but he does. At length. Again. And again. Every point is made and underscored at least three times before proceeding - a condescension to the younger audience that the book does not need. The writing is clear and uncomplicated.

A decent editor who could have caught errors, questioned the writer on his occasional lapses into silliness and told him to stop repeating himself would have helped a great deal.

There are far better books out there on the subject, but for a younger fan or someone new to the game this provides a servicable introduction.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Story of Baseball, September 23, 2009

By 

J. Kilbourne - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Story of Baseball (Paperback)

The Story of Baseball is quite simply the best book I have ever read on the subject and will appeal to young and old alike. It is very readable and filled with interesting facts and anecdotes about the sport.

4.0 out of 5 stars ONE MORE FOR YOUNG BASEBALL BUFFS, February 27, 2004

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of Baseball: Third Revised and Expanded Edition (Hardcover)

With a foreword by Ted Williams this readable, generously illustrated volume is a trove of stories, historical data, and traditions. Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Roger Maris, Mark McGwire and all the greats relive some of baseball's most memorable moments.
Ritter, an acknowledged expert in this field, shares his knowledge as he examines and analyzes hitting, pitching and fielding.