Synopses & Reviews
Why does a curveball curve? What is a can of corn”? Why was Joe DiMaggio called the Yankee Clipper”? Who wrote Take Me Out to the Ballgame”? How many times did Ty Cobb steal home?
In Baseball Miscellany, the fascinating history and lore of our national pastime is finally revealed! For example, the reason a curveball curves is that its spin drags a layer of air across one surface of the ball faster than it does across the opposite surface. A can of corn” is slang for an easy-to-catch fly ball, the term originating from a general store clerk reaching up and dropping a can from a high shelf. Sportswriters dubbed Joe DiMaggio the Yankee Clipper” because he glided about the outfield with beauty and grace, like a clipper ship on the ocean. The lyrics to Take Me Out to the Ballgame” were written in 1908 by vaudeville star Jack Norworth, who, while riding the subway, was inspired by a sign that said Baseball TodayPolo Grounds.” And the great Ty Cobb stole home a whopping fifty-four timesfifty more than the career leader in total stolen bases, Rickey Henderson.
Packed with all manner of delightful surprises, beautiful illustrations and photographs, and delicious nuggets of information, Baseball Miscellany demystifies the origins and customs of Americas most celebrated game. From spring training through the World Series, youll be entertained with fun, little-known facts. Why do baseball players wear stirrup socks? Who invented the catchers mask? What Major League team passed up on signing eighteen-year-old Willie Mays in 1949? Settle into your favorite armchair, grab some peanuts or Cracker Jacks, and find out!
Synopsis
Why does a curveball curve? What is a can of corn ? Why was Joe DiMaggio called the Yankee Clipper ? Who wrote Take Me Out to the Ballgame ? How many times did Ty Cobb steal home?
In Baseball Miscellany, the fascinating history and lore of our national pastime is finally revealed For example, the reason a curveball curves is that its spin drags a layer of air across one surface of the ball faster than it does across the opposite surface. A can of corn is slang for an easy-to-catch fly ball, the term originating from a general store clerk reaching up and dropping a can from a high shelf. Sportswriters dubbed Joe DiMaggio the Yankee Clipper because he glided about the outfield with beauty and grace, like a clipper ship on the ocean. The lyrics to Take Me Out to the Ballgame were written in 1908 by vaudeville star Jack Norworth, who, while riding the subway, was inspired by a sign that said Baseball TodayPolo Grounds. And the great Ty Cobb stole home a whopping fifty-four timesfifty more than the career leader in total stolen bases, Rickey Henderson.
Packed with all manner of delightful surprises, beautiful illustrations and photographs, and delicious nuggets of information, Baseball Miscellany demystifies the origins and customs of America s most celebrated game. From spring training through the World Series, you ll be entertained with fun, little-known facts. Why do baseball players wear stirrup socks? Who invented the catcher s mask? What Major League team passed up on signing eighteen-year-old Willie Mays in 1949? Settle into your favorite armchair, grab some peanuts or Cracker Jacks, and find out "
Synopsis
A treasure trove of fascinating history, lore, facts, and stats about our national pastime.
About the Author
Matthew Silvermanis co-author of Mets by the Numbers, Red Sox by the Numbers, Mets Essential, and 100 Things Mets Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die. He served as managing editor of The ESPN Pro Football Encyclopediaand associate editor for The 2008 Baseball Encyclopedia. He lives in High Falls, New York.