The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball
by Johnny Bench
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Book Summary Information
Author: Johnny BenchEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1999
ISBN: 0028629515
Number of pages: 1
Publisher: Alpha
Book Reviews of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball
Book Review: Very Helpful for anyone interested in the game
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book for two reasons. One, I am a fan of Johnny Bench and two, my wife wants to learn more about baseball. What I found was a comprehensive "single source" for baseball info. I found the history and insight very interesting (baseball is after all nothing if not history) and the explanations are complete without being to complex for the neophyte to comprehend.
Johnnys personal insight into the game is very interesting, he certainly has the credibility to make observations and lacks the self aggrandizment that plagues so much sports writing (he doesn't include himself in his "All time greatest line up" when most people include him in theirs, deservedly so).
His pointers on the technique are both simple and thorough enough to get anyone started and complete enough to include even pointers on starting a local league and how to properly fill out a scorecard.
Johnny does include his own opinions on many things baseball related and while some may find that irritating, the insight of someone who has actually played the game and played it well are both interesting and compelling whether you agree with him or not.
If a person loves the game of baseball, or simply wants to be able understand the game enough to enjoy it, this book is for you. If you are looking for the "star gazing" and bloated, self serving commentary so common in sports writing, this will seem pretty dry.
Summary of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball
You're no idiot, of course. You know that Babe Ruth was the Sultan of Swat, Mark McGwire is the home run champ, and the '98 Yankees were one of the best teams in baseball history. But when it comes to understanding the finer points of a suicide squeeze or the impact of the designated hitter rule, you feel like a Little Leaguer facing a Randy Johnson fastball. Don't bench yourself just yet! Hall of Famer Johnny Bench--named the greatest catcher and 16th greatest all-around player in history by The Sporting News in 1998-- is here to help you follow the national pastime like a pro. In his fact-filled book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball, Johnny gives you:
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