6+ Favorite Books on Baseball (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on baseball (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

1. Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

   

   $12.21

   In The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, the story unfolds at a small college in Wisconsin, centered around baseball and its deeper life themes. I was captivated by the beautiful prose and vivid imagery that captures classic Americana. While the characters sometimes felt a bit flat, the author does a good job exploring their inner thoughts, especially regarding the rare Steve Blass disease. However, I was a tad disappointed by the limited baseball action. Overall, it’s a solid, engaging read—not life-changing, but a good pick for a long summer escape. If you’re in the mood for something different, you might want to look elsewhere.

   Pros:

   • Amazing prose with memorable lines
   • Strong character exploration of the main characters
   • Keeps attention despite being a long, non-plot driven novel

   Cons:

   • Not enough actual baseball in a book centered around baseball
   • Characters didn't fully connect
   • Plot felt slightly overwrought

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   10/25/2025 03:02 pm GMT
2. Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons

   

   $12.59

   Bill Simmons' Book of Basketball takes a deep dive into NBA culture, aiming to entertain and inform basketball fans. I found the conversational tone engaging and appreciated the thorough research that really shows Simmons’ passion for the game. However, the book is a hefty read that could have benefited from better editing and structure. It feels a bit dated with its early 2000s references and leans heavily on American perspectives, missing out on the global nature of basketball. Ultimately, it’s a fun read for hardcore fans, but it may not resonate as well with everyone else.

   Pros:

   • The tone and writing are conversational and engaging.
   • The author's research is extensive and impressive.
   • The book is thorough and sparked a greater interest in basketball.

   Cons:

   • The book is overly long and lacks structure.
   • It has aged significantly with outdated cultural references.
   • It is too America-centric, missing international basketball stories.
   • It is too focused on the author rather than the broader topic.

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   10/25/2025 02:03 pm GMT
3. Baseball: A History by George Vecsey

   

   $12.99

   Baseball: A History by George Vecsey takes a deep dive into the story of America’s favorite game, tracing its roots from the 19th century to today. The book covers everything from the evolution of rules to key moments like player integration and the steroid scandal. As a baseball fan, I found it captivating, especially how it highlights the sport's role in American culture and the global economy. However, I was hoping for something as engaging as The Ball Is Round, and it didn’t quite measure up. Still, it’s a solid read for any baseball enthusiast!

   Pros:

   • Comprehensive look at baseball history
   • Includes stories of great players and moments
   • Explores baseball's impact on American culture

   Cons:

   • Did not meet expectations set by another book.

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   10/25/2025 02:04 pm GMT