The Way Baseball Works (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Tim McCarver (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This nifty, heavily illustrated book is perfect for browsing. The excellent photographs show how a baseball and glove are made, how a pitcher throws a curve or slider, how stadiums equipped with AstroturfR are conducive to certain types of hits and plays, and much more. Recommended for school and medium-sized public libraries.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

In this generously illustrated, well-written, and very entertaining study of baseball and its intricacies, Gutman examines virtually every detail of the game via text and diagrams. Of special note in this current season of home-run madness is a chapter on the historical composition of balls: how they're made and what quality-control standards are applied. Gutman also includes chapters on bats, gloves, the evolution of the uniform, and the history of the batting helmet. He shows readers how to grip a curveball, a fastball, and a split finger. Ever wonder why a scuffed or otherwise doctored ball is so effective? Gutman will tell you. Other topics include the effects of age on players, the relationship between the ball-and-strike count and the success of the batter, and how groundskeepers doctor the field to help the home team. Former player and broadcaster Tim McCarver provides an introduction and dozens of anecdotal sidebars. A must for any baseball collection. Wes Lukowsky

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 215 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (June 5, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684816067
• ISBN-13: 978-0684816067
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,620,498 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lots of bun, no meat, August 20, 1999

By A Customer

"The Way Baseball Works" is an oversized picture book touching on the basics of baseball. Unfortunately there is not much else here to help you learn the game.

If you are new to baseball and you are really interested in learning about the game, try Nick Bakalar's "The Baseball Fan's Companion" and Johnny Bench's "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great explainations, March 21, 2000

By A Customer

Sometimes nothing is better than knowing why something happens-especially in sports. This book is great for showing you the science of how hard it is to be good as baseball. I really enjoyed it.