The Cambridge Companion to Baseball

Cambridge University Press, 4/28/2011
EAN 9780521145756, ISBN10: 0521145759

Paperback, 280 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm
Language: English

Baseball is much more than a game. As the American national pastime, it has reflected the political and cultural concerns of US society for over 200 years, and generates passions and loyalties unique in American society. This Companion examines baseball in culture, baseball as culture, and the game's global identity. Contributors contrast baseball's massive, big-business present with its romanticized origins and its evolution against the backdrop of American and world history. The chapters cover topics such as baseball in the movies, baseball and mass media, and baseball in Japan and Latin America. Between the chapters are vivid profiles of iconic characters including Babe Ruth, Ichiro and Walter O'Malley. Crucial moments in baseball history are revisited, ranging from the 1919 Black Sox gambling scandal to recent controversies over steroid use. A unique book for fans and scholars alike, this Companion explains the enduring importance of baseball in America and beyond.

Introduction Leonard Cassuto
Chronology Stephen Partridge
1. The rules of baseball Steven P. Gietschier
2. Baseball in literature, baseball as literature Timothy Morris and Stephen Partridge
3. Babe Ruth, sabermetrics, and baseball's politics of greatness Leonard Cassuto and David Grant
Interchapter
Babe Ruth Leonard Cassuto
4. Not the major leagues
Japanese- and Mexican-Americans and the national pastime Samuel O. Regalado
5. Baseball and the color line
from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball Leslie Heaphy
Interchapter
Jackie Robinson and Curt Flood Matthew Frye Jacobson
6. Baseball and war Richard Crepeau
7. Baseball and the American city David Finoli
Interchapter
Walter O'Malley Leonard Cassuto
8. Baseball at the movies George Grella
9. The baseball fan Al Filreis
10. Baseball and material culture David F. Venturo
Interchapter
the Honus Wagner T-206 baseball card David F. Venturo
11. Global baseball
Japan and East Asia Masaru Ikei
Interchapter
Roberto Clemente and Ichiro Leonard Cassuto
12. Global baseball
Latin America Arturo J. Marcano and David P. Fidler
13. Cheating in baseball David Luban and Daniel Luban
Interchapter
Pete Rose Leonard Cassuto
14. The evolution of baseball's economy Andrew Zimbalist
Interchapter
Andy Messersmith, Charlie Finley, and George Steinbrenner Jonathan Lewin
15. Baseball and the mass media Curt Smith
A guide to further reading.