Spitters, Beanballs and the Incredible Shrinking Strike Zone: The Stories Behind the Rules of Baseball
by Kathleen Moloney, Glen Waggoner, Hugh Howard
Category: GAMES

Baseball is back! If you've ever wondered about spitballs, pine tar, or the size of the diamond - if you've ever wanted to know the fascinating stories behind the rules - then Spitters, Beanballs, and the Incredible Shrinking Strike Zone has all the answers. The authors take us on a unique trip 'round the bases, explaining the development of the existing rules and pulling in plenty of fascinating history, lore, and trivia on the way to home plate. For example, did you know that there are no weight requirements for bats? Anecdotes feature legendary figures and events such as: YOGI BERRA, who threw himself out at first while playing in the minors, in order to win a bet for a steak dinner. FRED "Bonehead" MERKLE, who famously cost the New York Giants the pennant when he failed to tag a base. ALBERT BELLE and the famous corked bat controversy. Mets manager BOBBY VALENTINE, who appeared in disguise after having been ejected by umpires. GEORGE BRETT and the infamous pine tar incident. Spitters, Beanballs, and the Incredible Shrinking Strike Zone goes rule by rule and illustrates it's stories with archival photographs from the Hall of Fame, and modern photos of such heroes as Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., and Randy Johnson.