Baseball books Archives

A Prayer for Owen Meany

by John Irving

Irving is a masterful storyteller, and has a knack for drawing compelling characters. This novel, which gently addresses heavy themes of fate and faith, is widely believed to be his finest. Read it and see why it’s on so many readers’ desert island lists.

Evvie Drake Starts Over

by Linda Holmes

In the debut novel from Pop Culture Happy Hour host Holmes, a grieving widow and a disgraced Major League pitcher start over after each suffers their own kind of tragedy. Evvie’s husband dies in a car accident, but the truth surrounding his death is painful for reasons her small town community can never know. Dean’s career took a nosedive when he inexplicably developed “the yips”—he’s unable to pitch for reasons that might be all in his head, but nobody can figure it out. Because Evvie needs the income a boarder would bring, and Dean needs a refuge, a mutual friend connects the two. Out of mutual kindness and witty banter, a friendship develops, and then something more … but starting over as a grown-up is complicated. A warm, witty, and satisfying summer read.

Almost Perfect: The Heartbreaking Pursuit of Pitching’s Holy Grail

by Joe Cox

This recommendation comes from devoted White Sox fan Leigh Kramer. Without her endorsement of this book, I never would have known just how many major league pitchers came this close to a perfect game—or that a perfect game is even possible! Cox profiles the pitchers who missed a perfect game by mere inches and technicalities. Sports fans will fall in love with their stories of the heart, hard work, and twists of fate—and nerdy readers will delight in these human stories full of little known facts and statistics.

Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments

by Joe Posnanski

The baseball lover in your life needs this look back at the 50 most memorable moments in baseball history. There are the expected standout hits, like Babe Ruth’s called shot, Bo Jackson running up a wall, and how Shoeless Joe Jackson got his name. Posnanski also covers the Negro League, minor leagues, and unsung heroes and lesser known players. Even if you think you know what happened, the author often approaches it from a different perspective through the eyes of fans in the crowd or the opposing team. A fun, entertaining read.

Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball

by Keith O'Brien

What uncanny timing, to read this lauded biography just before Pete Rose died on September 30, which reignited conversations about whether his longtime ban from baseball should be lifted so as to clear the way for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky in a baseball-loving family, not even 90 minutes away from the Cincinnati Reds’ stadium. I’m not much of a fan these days, but I was interested in learning more about the man, the city, and the baseball culture that loomed so large in my childhood. And while it was interesting, to have so many blanks filled in that completely escaped me as a child, it was also very, very sad. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Ellen O’Dair.

You Should Be So Lucky

by Cat Sebastian

Leigh says: Eddie loses his swing after an unexpected trade to the NY Robins in this historical romance set in 1960 NYC. Meanwhile, Mark continues to work at the newspaper, even though he resigned his position after the death of his partner one year ago because while he doesn’t need the work, he needs the routine. He’s assigned to ghostwrite columns for Eddie and hopefully build some better publicity for both player and team. First problem: he’s not a sports writer. Second problem: he doesn’t like most people. However, grumpy Mark finds himself drawn to sunshiney Eddie against his will and Eddie is just as fascinated by Mark. (Open door.)

The Prospects

by KT Hoffman

Leigh says: A delightful debut contemporary romance focused on minor league baseball. Gene is the first openly trans professional baseball player and a shortstop for the Beaverton Beavers. That is, he’s the shortstop until his rival Luis is traded to the Beavers and takes his position, leaving Gene to play second base instead. Gene thinks Luis is a miserable grump when Luis is actually dealing with severe anxiety…and a secret crush on Gene, just as Gene has been secretly crushing on him too. I loved watching these two fall for each other and then figure out how they can make it work as players who could potentially get traded at any time. This doesn’t shy away from the hard topics, like figuring out how or when to come out and systemic transphobia in the baseball world. But the camaraderie of the Beavers also shines a light on how inclusive baseball could become. (Open door.)

The Changeup

by Nicole Falls

Leigh says: A fun Black romance featuring a baseball player HEROINE! Geffri grew up playing baseball but life takes her in other directions until a chance exhibition at an MLB game leads to being recruited for Team USA. Sports blogger Noah has a few too many opinions about Geffri and challenges her to a competition. Bless his heart. Rounding out this low-angst story is a great cast of secondary characters, from Geffri’s friends to her supportive father. (Open door.)

I Don’t Care If We Never Get Back: 30 Games in 30 Days on the Best Worst Baseball Road Trip Ever

by Ben Blatt, Eric Brewster

Leigh says: An enjoyable tale of two guys who visit 30 baseball stadiums in 30 days. It is enjoyable, in part, because of their friendship and because Ben reveres the sport while Eric loathes it. Interesting facts are peppered in, as well as insights about the numbers of baseball. Some chapters center more on travel logistics than the games themselves; I personally wished they'd offered more commentary on their White Sox game. Still, baseball fans will appreciate their adventure and muse on their own love of the game.

The Last Best League: One Summer, One Season, One Dream

by Jim Collins

Leigh: I didn't know anything about baseball summer leagues so I was thoroughly fascinated by this nonfiction account of the Chatham A's 2003 season and the Cape Cod Baseball League. Collins covers the world of college prospects, major league scouting, how minor league teams work, and what players must endure in order to go pro. A must-read for any baseball fan.

The Brothers K

by David James Duncan

This one spent years on my TBR list, because so many friends with great taste called it THE best book they ever read. I'm so glad I finally read it. I don't remember what my expectations were about this book, but whatever they were, they were wrong. Duncan combines the Vietnam War, bush league baseball, Seventh Day Adventism, and family ties into an incredible, heart-wrenching story. The book is truly remarkable for the times when it reveals the deep joy present in a family's lowest moments.

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summer reading starts May 16th