The Hardball Times

July 15, 2009

Warren’s Wizard

This week I received in the mail a pre-publication, uncorrected page proof version of a new book: The Wizard of Waxahachie: Paul Richards and the End of Baseball as We Knew It, by Warren Corbett.

Ordinarily, I would write a review of such a tome for THT. However, in this instance in all good conscience I can't review it, because I have no objectivity toward it. I've been closely watching and anticipating this ambitious project for several years. Warren even allowed me to edit one of the versions of his manuscript, for which he graciously credits me in his Acknowledgments.

So, take this recommendation for whatever it's subjectively worth: the book is terrific. Paul Richards is one of the most significant figures in major league baseball history, yet no serious, comprehensive Richards biography had ever been produced. Until now: Corbett presents an impeccably researched, sharply observed, fluidly written account of this brilliant, flawed, and perplexing character. This is a must-read for any serious student of baseball history.

The book's publication date is October, but you can pre-order a copy here. You will not regret it.
Posted by: Steve Treder

July 06, 2009

The Vi flies forever

If you’re a SABR member, I suspect you always enjoy receiving your Baseball Research Journal in the mail, as I did when I received mine last Friday. This issue was no disappointment, providing a full slate of original, intriguing articles.

But one article in particular caught my eye, and warmed my heart. The concluding piece in this hefty magazine was a brief two-pager entitled, “Remembering the Golden Age of Baseball: Preserving the Past.”

That much didn’t grab me. What did was the byline: Vi Owen.

Click for more...

Posted by: Steve Treder

November 18, 2008

Vote for Cameron!

If you've read and appreciated Dave Cameron's work at U.S.S. Mariner or more recently at Fangraphs, go vote for Dave in a online contest to receive the $10,000 2008 blogging scholarship. Dave is currently locked in a close race with Texas political blogger David Mauro of the Burnt Orange Report. Mauro would certainly be a deserving choice, but let's give Dave Cameron some support for all his hard work and excellent writing over the years at U.S.S. Mariner. Voting ends Thursday night.
Posted by: Mike Fast

July 02, 2008

In Memoriam: Jules Tygiel

One of my favorite baseball writers, Jules Tygiel, passed away yesterday. He was only 59 years old. Bob Timmerman has a fitting tribute at Baseball Toaster. Like Bob, I highly recommend both of Tygiel's books.
Posted by: Dave Studeman

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Books and Authors Articles

11/23/2009: Book excerpt: Evaluating Baseball’s Managers: Pat Moran

11/17/2009: Book excerpt: “Evaluating Baseball’s Managers”—Billy Martin

11/16/2009: Book excerpt: Evaluating Baseball’s Managers, 1876-2008

11/13/2009: Card Corner: Satchel Paige

11/09/2009: Book Review: The Wizard of Waxahachie

09/29/2009: A very zealous game report: Florida at Cincinnati

09/23/2009: BOB: Moneyball revisited and the Cubs vs. the IRS

08/31/2009: Well, Leo liked Leo

07/31/2009: Cooperstown Confidential: Opening a new book on Munson

07/02/2009: Looking back at Satchel Paige

06/22/2009: Book Review: Cooperstown Confidential

05/27/2009: Book Review: 100 Things Dodgers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die

05/13/2009: BOB Book Review: Forever Blue

05/11/2009: Book Review: ‘78 by Bill Reynolds

04/13/2009: Book review: As They See ‘Em

04/08/2009: Book review: Cubs By The Numbers

04/03/2009: Book review: The Yankee Years

03/24/2009: Baseball’s OED

03/02/2009: Book Review: Wally Yonamine: the Man Who Changed Japanese Baseball

10/02/2008: Cubdom

08/19/2008: 24-karat diamond-writing gems (Volume 3)