The Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball

More than any other sport, baseball has developed a niche in the American psyche. 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 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, HANK onward, all of what might be called the cultural aspects of baseball are covered (as opposed to the number-rich statistical information so widely available elsewhere). Biographical sketches of all Hall of Fame players, owners, executives and umpires, as well as many of the sportswriters and broadcasters who have won the Spink and Frick awards, join entries for teams, owners, commissioners and league presidents. ADVERTISING, AGENTS, DRAFTS, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, SUPERSTITIONS, TRIPLEHEADERS, and YOUNGEST PLAYERS are among the thousands of subjects.