When it was originally published in 1992, Mike Shannon's Baseball: The Writer's Game as hailed as a unique exploration of what it takes to write about the national pastime. Brassey's is proud to present this new edition, expanding upon Shannon's original interviews with baseball's top authors and historians, including Bill James, Roger Kahn, W. P. Kinsella, Robert Creamer, Peter Golenbock, and Lawrence Ritter. Shannon delves into their different backgrounds, writing techniques, personal insights, and the aspects of the game and its history that interest them. Whether with an analyst like Bill James or an ex-player like Jim Brosnan, Shannon lets each explain in his own words the challenge and the joy that come from writing about the game. Baseball fans, whether they want to write about the game them-selves or not, will enjoy the unique observations and advice of baseball's greatest writers.

An anthology of nine touching and funny stories by the editor of Spitball Magazine, and author of 16 baseball books. The book is filled with characters from all walks of life, all of whom are gripped, one way or another, by the force of that feeling so many of us have for baseball. Among the book's characters are a lottery winner whose dream of owning a baseball team turns into a nightmare; a lonely man who has a blind date among the Bleacher Bums at Wrigley Field; and appearances by Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, and the spirit of Pete Rose.

The latest collection of littleknown baseball stories from the acclaimed author of Tales from the Dugout.

Mike Shannon, top-selling author of the critically acclaimed baseball classics Tales from the Dugout and Tales from the Ballpark, returns for a third success to deliver a brand-new collection of more than 100 true stories and never-beforetold anecdotes that come straight from the insiders circle. Entertaining and masterfully told, More Tales from the Dugout brings together delightful stories from the great and the not-so-great, both on and off the field, including baseball personalities from the past and present such as:

• Roger Maris
  
• Ken Griffey Jr.
  
• Pete Rose
  
• Phil Rizzuto
  
• Gaylord Perry
  

At turns hilarious and heartwarming, this compilation is sure to join Shannons previous books as a baseball classic.

Batter up--here comes the most memorable collection of anecdotes about the national pastime ever assembled. "Tales from the Dugout" brings together never-before-told stories from baseball personalities such as Roger Maris, Ken Griffey Jr., Pete Rose, Phil Rizzuto, and Gaylord Perry in this illustrated, one-of-a-kind compendium.

The Cincinnati Reds are recognized as one of the great teams in baseball history. Left fielder George Foster-an integral part of the Reds' back-to-back World Championships in 1975-1976-has never received proper credit for his contribution to their legacy. In 1977, Foster became the most feared slugger in the National League, batting .320, with 52 home runs and 149 runs batted in to win the NL MVP Award, establishing a new single-season home run record for the Reds' franchise that still stands. Yet Foster's big year was not enough to stem the emergence of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who roared out of the gate and ran away with the NL West Division pennant. This book tells the story of Foster's record-setting season and puts his pre-steroid era achievements in proper perspective. The author chronicles the subsequent decline of the Big Red Machine and the rest of Foster's big league career, including his disappointing tenure with the New York Mets.

Few Major League Baseball teams have a history as glorious and as interesting as the Cincinnati Reds. From the earliest days of baseball's first professional team, skilful and colourful players have worn the Cincinnati uniform. The greatest and most famous of these players have attained legendary status, and in this book they are given their due. Best-selling baseball author Mike Shannon brings to bear his expertise on the Reds in selecting and profiling the forty Reds who best fit the definition of "legend." From the Wright Brothers and Edd Roush to Johnny Vander Meer and Ted Kluszewski, from Frank Robinson and Pete Rose to Barry Larkin and Joey Votto-athletes who by their stellar play, unique personalities, and uncommon achievements have made themselves unforgettable-they are all here in Cincinnati Reds Legends. Shannon encapsulates the greatness of each player in deft vignettes that are remarkable as much for their insight as their interest. Even veteran Reds fans will get to know and appreciate these legends better through the book's lively and informative text. What truly sets this book apart is the stunning original artwork that supplements the text. Three of today's most gifted baseball artists provide full-color, full-page images of the forty Legends that are invariably beautiful, arresting, and joyful to behold. Chris Felix's exquisitely executed portraits have the dignified look and feel of an old master, capturing the essence of his subjects. With rigorous attention to detail, an ebullient palette, and his unerring sense of composition, Scott Hannig dramatizes a lifelong devotion to the Reds. The digitally created showstoppers of the brilliant Donnie Pollard simply mesmerize the eye. Here are the Reds' greatest players as they have never before been presented. The talented trio of Felix, Hannig, and Pollard is a diamond act that no self-respecting baseball fan can afford to miss. Miniature portraits, playing statistics, and stunning paintings of Palace of the Fans, Crosley Field, Riverfront Stadium, and Great American Ball Park round out this beautiful book that will be treasured by baseball fans everywhere.