Baseball for Dummies

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“There may not be anyone alive who knows more about baseball than Joe Morgan.”—Bob Costas, NBC Sports Broadcaster“This book has something for everybody, from longtime fans to Little Leaguers.”—New York NewsdayIt’s known as America’s National Pastime. It’s nicknamed “The Greatest Game Ever Invented.” No question about it: baseball is a way of life for millions, whether they’re watching from the bleachers or sluggers in their own right. After more than 150 years as an all-American sport, baseball lingo is even part of our everyday language. With all its history and influence, baseball is a phenomenon we should at least be able to yak about at the water cooler—even if we never set foot on the diamond.Whether you don’t know the difference between a shortstop and a backstop, dabble in a bit of fantasy baseball, or need to perfect your split-fingered fastball, the second edition of this classic guide shows you the ropes. Ever wondered how great outfielders get a good jump on an incoming ball? Why the bases are 90 feet apart? Baseball For Dummies has answers to those questions, along with loads of All-Star tips on:Rules of the gameImproving your hitting, pitching, and fieldingFinding a team to play on, from Little League on upCoaching and umpiring effectivelyGetting more out of a trip to the ballpark than hotdogs and ice creamEvaluating stats, players, and recordsBaseball Hall-of-Famer Joe Morgan—who played with the Cincinnati Reds in two World Series championships—teams up here with sportswriter Richard Lally to coach you through everything from keeping a scorecard to hitting like a Major Leaguer. In their down-to-earth style, they cover all the bases, including:Getting in shape, from warm-ups to free weightsPlaying the field: batting, baserunning, pitching, and defense from catcher to shortstopLanding the best seats in the parkBaseball online, on the air, and on the newsstandHow to play fantasy baseballHow to snag off-the-field baseball jobsAll-time and current Top Ten players, pitchers, fielders, and moreA glossary of “baseball speak”You’ll get a baseline knowledge—and find out details and trivia even the most die-hard fans don’t know. If you’re looking to walk the walk, or just be able to talk the talk, step up to the plate: Baseball For Dummies delivers the goods.