Discover your next great read with our book reviews
Cover of The Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball, 2d ed.
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
5.0

Based on 1 Google Books ratings

The Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball, 2d ed.

by Jonathan Fraser Light

Book Details

Publisher:McFarland
Published:2016-03-25
Pages:1112
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

More than any other sport, baseball has developed its own niche in America's culture and psyche. Some researchers spend years on detailed statistical analyses of minute parts of the game, while others wax poetic about its players and plays. Many trace the beginnings of the civil rights movement in part to the Major Leagues' decision to integrate, and the words and phrases of the game (for example, pinch-hitter and out in left field) have become common in our everyday language. From AARON, HENRY

Our Review

This comprehensive reference work digs deep into baseball's profound influence on American language, society, and identity, moving far beyond box scores and statistics. Author Jonathan Fraser Light catalogs everything from the iconic players who shaped the game to the slang and phrases that have seeped into everyday conversation, exploring how integration in the majors mirrored the civil rights movement and how ballpark culture reflects broader societal shifts. It’s a meticulously researched volume that treats baseball not just as a pastime, but as a living, breathing cultural force.

What sets this encyclopedia apart is its commitment to connecting the diamond to the larger world, making it an indispensable resource for students of history and sociology as much as for die-hard fans. Anyone seeking to understand why baseball holds such a unique place in the American story will find a wealth of compelling entries that illustrate the sport's enduring impact on our national character.

Themes

Sports & Recreation

Subjects

Sports & Recreation