Foreword by George F. Will -- Introduction -- 1. The Best Game -- 2. The Hardest Game -- 3. Hit by Pitch -- 4. Sounds of the Game -- 5. Superstitions -- 6. Unwritten Rules -- 7. Sacrifice Flies -- 8. Bonds HR Names -- 9. The Quirkjians -- 10. Box Scores -- 11. Obits -- 1. ESPN -- 13. K's -- 14. Official Scoring -- 15. State of the Game -- Acknowledgments.
Summary:
"ESPN baseball commentator Tim Kurkjian is fascinated by sacrifice flies. In fact, he is fascinated by so many aspects of baseball that he's written a book to show baseball fans where this fascination comes from and how they, too, can find it. In the aftermath of the Steroid Era that stained the game, at a time when so many players are so rich and therefore have a sense of entitlement that they haven't earned, Kurkjian shows readers how to love the game more than ever, with incredible insight and stories that are hilarious, heartbreaking, and revealing. From what Pete Rose was doing in the batting cage a few minutes after getting out of prison, to why everyone strikes out these days and why no one seems to care, I'm Fascinated By Sacrifice Flies will surprise even longtime baseball fans. Tim explains the fear factor in the game, and what it feels like to get hit by a pitch; Adam LaRoche wanted to throw up in the batter's box. He examines the game's superstitions: Eliot Johnson's choice of bubble gum, a poker chip in Sean Burnett's back pocket. He unearths the unwritten rules of the game, takes readers inside ESPN, and reveals how Tony Gwynn made baseball so much more fun to watch. And, of course, Tim will explain to readers why he is fascinated by sacrifice flies"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.