GREAT book that was given the wrong title
Better title might be: Baseball as an American Cultural Religion. Not as snappy. More accurate. Regardless ... don't miss it!
I've learned so much about how deeply ingrained baseball is in our American history and culture. It's a lot longer and more important history than I ever knew!
This book describes an enriching, reverent (sometimes irreverent!) and relevant treasure chest of gems that feed our souls in ways that unite us as Americans like almost nothing else can. Each chapter is named and themed for each of nine innings, giving us separate lenses to experience baseball threading through our history as fans, owners, players, managers, even Supreme Court justices. Powerful!
When so much else is rocking us to our core, breaking the rules and breaching the boundaries of our world, baseball stays within its own limits. We learn in this book that baseball is a living American tradition and it continues to celebrate a part of us that sorely needs comfort. For whatever reasons, its lore, rules, rituals and perceived wholesomeness remain loved and respected by most Americans. Certainly, it's a kind of living religion in this country, providing some much needed stability. Thank goodness!
As a long time baseball fan (not a fanatic) and grandparent to four boys who've lived and breathed baseball for about a decade so far, this book has taught me a great deal and increased my appreciation for what it's brought to our culture and country.
Originally bought this book for the oldest grandson (age 16) who's considering a baseball career of some sort. Will still give it to him, though maybe not till he graduates high school at least. Hope he reads it at least once every decade of his life after that. Kudos to his dad (my son-in-law) who first had the dream for him to play baseball. I really get it now.