http://www.amazon.com/New-Thinking-Fans-Guide-Baseball/dp/0671732056
The New Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball- Leonard Koppett
First published in 1967 and then updated in 1991 it is somewhat dated in the sense that the examples and stories related in the text are of older players. Lot's of Casey Stengal, Yogi Berra, Mays, Koufax stories, but the thoughts and ideas are still valid to todays game.
Another slight drawback is there was a tremendous leap in available stats becoming more mainstream during the late 90's and continuing on thru today.
The New Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball- Leonard Koppett
First published in 1967 and then updated in 1991 it is somewhat dated in the sense that the examples and stories related in the text are of older players. Lot's of Casey Stengal, Yogi Berra, Mays, Koufax stories, but the thoughts and ideas are still valid to todays game.
Another slight drawback is there was a tremendous leap in available stats becoming more mainstream during the late 90's and continuing on thru today.
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.