501 Best Baseball Books

Two of my works are included in a Ron Kaplan book entitled 501 Baseball Books Fans Must Read Before They Die. One is entitled The Gigantic Book of Baseball Quotations (with an introduction by famed writer Roger Kahn). This book contains quotes from men ranging from Hall of Famers to the colorful, witty players who may not have been stars, but whose words have added much to baseball’s lore. Writers, star pitcher, hitters, managers– you name it, their words of wisdom, insight, and humor are all covered. (Skyhorse Publishing)

The other book which made the list is You’re the Umpire, also put out by Skyhorse. The version discussed in 501 Baseball Books Fans Must Read Before They Die has since been updated with new scenarios to test readers’ baseball knowledge. Real life situations covering easy, medium, and difficult rules are presented to the reader, making the plays really come to life.

Published by waynestewartonsports

I began writing professionally in January of 1978. I have sold about 500 articles on freelance basis to national and local newspapers, magazines, and research journals including: Selling stories to 13 major league publications for use in their scorebooks, yearbooks, and official programs (including the Yankees, Braves, Dodgers, Red Sox, Phillies, Twins, A’s, Orioles, etc.). I’ve written for Baseball Digest, Beckett Publications, a Hall of Fame publication, USA Today/Baseball Weekly, Boys’ Life, Sports Heritage, a Lexington Library “annual,” a SABR Research Journal, a small Cleveland newspaper and three others in Lorain, Ohio. I have appeared on numerous radio and television shows including ESPN Classic to promote my books and I have done extensive public speaking for libraries, writers’ groups, nursing homes, etc. (as part of a Cleveland speakers’ bureau). I also did sports writing, announcing, play-by-play, and pre-game shows for the Cleveland Indians and Notre Dame football, and I hosted a sports talk show (call-in) for a small, local radio station. In addition, I spent more than 30 years as an English teacher at the secondary level and am now retired from teaching except for courses I have taught periodically at Lorain County Community College for their College for Kids program.