Customer Reviews (1)

Easy to read review of the life of Johnny Bench
This book is an excellent reader for the young baseball fan.Easy toread, designed for young readers.Follows the life of baseball's greatestall-time catcher from his humble beginnings in Binger, Oklahoma to hisinduction into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1989.Includes carrier stats andadditional bibliography of other books about Johnny Bench.Also includesnumerous photos for the reader to enjoy. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This is for certain: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball is, at over 400 pages, more complete than most Opening Day rosters; but, with Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench giving the signs, it's not just for idiots. Much of it is pretty sophisticated stuff.

Before knuckling down to the basics of how the game is played, Bench touches base with baseball's history, traditions, and the glory of its most magnificent records, like Cal Ripken's consecutive game streak, and moments, like Bobby Thompson's "Shot Heard 'Round the World." Both clear and thorough on baseball's ABC's--this is a good coaching aid for parents trying to introduce baseball to children--Bench ratchets things up a sophistication notch when picking apart pitcher-catcher dynamics, which is certainly fitting from the best catcher to ever play the game. He also makes solid contact on the art of hitting and goes fairly deep into the complexities of offensive and defensive strategies.

Still, you don't have to play to enjoy what the Guide is hurling. A section directed at fans analyzes everything from the business of baseball to how to watch a game on TV to Bench's predictions for the future. And there's still more. Appendices include a glossary, a who's who, and, most fun of all, a guide to the game between the covers, on the screen, and via the Web that's so extensive it could actually interfere with your going to the ballpark. --Jeff SilvermanBook Description

You're no idiot, of course.You know that Babe Ruth was the Sultan of Swat, Mark McGwire is the home run champ, and the '98 Yankees were one of the best teams in baseball history.But when it comes to understanding the finer points of a suicide squeeze or the impact of the designated hitter rule, you feel like a Little Leaguer facing a Randy Johnson fastball. Don't bench yourself just yet! Hall of Famer Johnny Bench--named the greatest catcher and 16th greatest all-around player in history by The Sporting News in 1998-- is here to help you follow the national pastime like a pro.In his fact-filled book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball, Johnny gives you:

Customer Reviews (7)

Best fan guide to understanding baseball available
I've been watching baseball for years and there was a lot about the game I didn't realize or know I was missing out on.This book really gives you a better understanding of all aspects of the game.Bench goes over some important baseball history, then covers some of the basics like the baseball field, equipment, etc.He then has a chapter on the rules of baseball, and although it won't explain every rule of the game (that would take a lot of writing) it explains the ones that are most important to watching a game regularly.He also explains a lot of the strategy involved in baseball that I never completely understood, like which pitcher to start and close with, how managers decide the batting lineup, what kind of hit a batter might go with, how the defense can handle fielding the ball, etc.He explains how the Major Leagues work, discusses how they recruit players, and other stuff, and explains most of the stats you will see during a game or when reading about a game or player.The other reviews are right, he does throw in a lot of personal stories about his days with the Reds but honestly it didn't bother me that much.That's the beauty of the book; if it's not something you think is essential to read, you can skip over it.You'd be hard pressed to find a better book out there for learning baseball.

Good basic guide to baseball
I have both the "Idiot's Guide to Baseball" and "Baseball for Dummies" (I must be really stupid!). While either is acceptable as a good overall guide to baseball, I'd lean toward Johnny Bench's book; there seems to be more 'meat on it', even though I agree with one reviewer that there's a few too many personal anecdotes. One positive about either of the books mentioned is that while many of the 'Idiot's/Dummies' books had way too much 'forced humor', it's kept to a reasonable level on these.

Once you've digested either book, you might consider "Men at Work" by George Wills, "A Thinking Man's Guide to Baseball" by Leonard Koppett, "Tim McCarver's Baseball for Brain Surgeons and Other Fans" and the controversial but enjoyable book, "Ball Four" by Jim Bouton.

One of the best books about the sport
There's no better way to get into the game than by reading this wonderfully informative, thoroughly delightful overview of the sport. Not just the rules and procedures but the history, personalities, nuances and a wealth of inside information. As someone once said, "The only people who think baseball is dull are dull people."

5 Star Look at Learning the Game!
Bench imparts his knowledge of the game well in this book. Each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of baseball and is full of informative tips. I'm a casual fan and I learned so much reading though this book.

Ilearned about different pitches, offensive and defensive strategies, whateach player's important jobs on defense and offense are, and how themanager tries his best to win the game.

There are also sections at theend of the book containing a glossary of baseball terms, all-time records,and a list of Hall of Famers.

I always admired Bench as a player; now Irealize Bench is an excellent student of the game as well.

Very Helpful for anyone interested in the game
I bought this book for two reasons.One, I am a fan of Johnny Bench and two, my wife wants to learn more about baseball.What I found was a comprehensive "single source" for baseball info. I found the history and insight very interesting (baseball is after all nothing if nothistory) and the explanations are complete without being to complex for theneophyte to comprehend.

Johnnys personal insight into the game is veryinteresting, he certainly has the credibility to make observations andlacks the self aggrandizment that plagues so much sports writing (hedoesn't include himself in his "All time greatest line up" whenmost people include him in theirs, deservedly so).

His pointers on thetechnique are both simple and thorough enough to get anyone started andcomplete enough to include even pointers on starting a local league and howto properly fill out a scorecard.

Johnny does include his own opinions onmany things baseball related and while some may find that irritating, theinsight of someone who has actually played the game and played it well areboth interesting and compelling whether you agree with him or not.

If aperson loves the game of baseball, or simply wants to be able understandthe game enough to enjoy it, this book is for you.If you are looking forthe "star gazing" and bloated, self serving commentary so commonin sports writing, this will seem pretty dry. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Baseball lends itself to still photography. Photos freeze baseball'srhythm, allowing the viewer to examine details: Derek Jeter's agility as heleaps in the air to turn a double play, Ted Williams's beautiful follow-throughafter connecting with another hit, the bone-jarring crunch of a collision athome plate between Ray Durham and Scott Servais. Major League Baseball's BestShots celebrates these great moments. Some of these images offer glimpses oflost practices, such as Burleigh Grimes, last of the legal spitballers, greasingup a ball, or Joe DiMaggio "boning" his bat to compress the wood. Others allowfor a comparison of styles--such as El Duque's knee-to-ear wind-up vs. WarrenSpahn's straight-legged sprawl, or Hideo Nomo's twisting delivery vs. DennisEckersley's sidearm. Best of all, however, are the photos of superstars atsupreme moments--Rickey Henderson evading an attempted tag, Ken Griffey Jr.robbing Detroit of an obvious home run by leaping well above the fence, SammySosa and Mark McGwire chatting in the final week of that magical 1998 season.With a foreword by Johnny Bench (himself captured in full swing), MajorLeague Baseball's Best Shots is a wonderful look at the history of thenational pastime. --M. SteinBook Description
Includes more than 100 breathtaking photographs.

Major League Baseball offers the official word on the most compelling photographs of America's game. Over 100 images that reflect the power, the beauty, the action, and the 130-year history of a game that has long captured the imagination of millions of Americans and fans around the world. Players from Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth to Mark McGuire and Pedro Martinez, photos of legendary stadiums, and the images of loving fans are brought together in a classic celebration of our national pastime. A must for every fan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great book beautiful shots
This ione is worth the bucks for that coffee table! Stunning work!

Love this book
Beautiful pictures Perfect book for anyone who loves the game of baseball.

Amazing images
This book will make your jaw drop open; the photographs are stunning. It's a definite page turner, the moments frozen in this collection are amazing.

The best things in the game
There are hundreds of baseball photo books currently on the market and very few of them capture the true essence of the game like "Baseball's Best Shots." Yes, there are dozens of remarkable action shots, like the magnificent photo of Derek Jeter turning a double play or a graceful Cal Ripken, Jr. going to the hole for a grounder. What makes this book special is the way it captures the action off the field. For example, a photo of kids sneaking a peek of the Hall of Fame game through a fence is pure baseball poetry, it's the game the way it used to be. There's lots to like here: a comic shot of Babe Ruth in cowboy garb, a heroic photo of Ted Williams displaying his brilliant swing, and a lovely snapshot of Scott Brosius and his daughter. Great care has also gone into the captioning of photos, wit and a love of the game makes these fun reading. I especially suggest picking this book up in the off-season--it will make your winter months glow with the unique warm light of baseball.

Good for about half an hour's worth of perusing.Then...?
As a baseball fan and photography buff, I liked the photos in this book.But once you look through it, you'll just sit it on the shelf and be done with it.And that's not something I'm happy with considering the cost of this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Catch You Later: The Autobiography of Johnny Bench
Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, and Sparky Anderson are names of baseball greatness.The Big Red Machine is a part of baseball history.

One of the TOP baseball biographies
Johnny tells his story just the way he talks,down to earth.No mommie dearest here. He has nothing but praise for his teammates.He is honest in how he played both on the field and off.He really brings home the price of fame and how much it can cost you. He is honest about his fans andhow he reacts with them.He is honest about Sparky both good and well what else can you say about Sparky? I really recommend this book to anyone interested in baseball.I really think it should be required reading to all the rookies out there who want to be the next superstar.

Candid Johnny Bench
I first received this book for Christmas from my grandparents in either 1979 or 1980. I was only 15 years old when I read it for the first time back then, but I enjoyed reading what it was like playing for the Big Red Machine, my all time favorite team.

Bench was very candid about his career, his past, family, teammates and women. He does talk about some of his liasons with females (which was eye opening to a young teenager :)). But I still have this book and occasionally will look through it. To me, Johnny is the greatest catcher ever. Any fan of Bench or the Reds of the '70s would enjoy this book, of you can find it!

A Review of the Life of a future HOFer
From growing up in small town Binger, OK to becoming one of the most popular baseball players of his time, Catch You Later provides insight into the joys and struggles of achieving ones dream.Bench, who enjoyed a career that landed him in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 speaks about his troubled marriage and divorce, his up's and down's in his career (at least through the time of publishing 1979) and his closeness with his family.The best part of his story is what it was like to be a key member of the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine.From playing American Legion ball in Oklahoma to being the 1976 World Series MVP and saving the Reds from elimanation in the 1972 National League Championship Series against Pittsburgh with a bottom of the 9th game tying home run, Catch You Later makes you feel like you accompanied Bench on his travels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book
This book is an excellent reader for the young baseball fan. Easy to read, designed for young readers. ... Read more

Product Description
Behind the scenes with the big league stars and a preview of this year's pennant races--lifetime statistics--fast action photographs. ... Read more

Book Description
In a landmark work that continues the tradition established fifty years ago by the legendary Tom Meany, sports analyst David Shiner fills in the last fifty years with portraits of modern baseball's Greats. From Aaron to Yastrzemski, Dave tells the stories of how and why the greatest players achieved so much. Filled with thrills and insights into what made them tick, Baseball's Greatest Players is a hit in its own right. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Linking Baseball's Best
As we share Shiner's nostalgia, we rediscover Aaron, Mays, McCovey, Mantle, and Gibson, old heros, old memories. Baseballs Greatest Players, The Saga Continues is more than a Who's Who of baseball, it's a way of life, a catalog of events, a collection of memories. As Shiner reveals the greatest players, we, who are old enough to remember, bask in their glory and relive our own unachieved ambitions.

But Shiner does more than take us back, he bundles the past with the present and into the future, tyingthe memories together forever in our minds. McGuire's record-setting season rekindles other home run hitters: Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle, even Babe Ruth. We connect to the present, even anticipate the future. McGuire's 70 home run season triggers a vision of people diving into San Francisco Bay to retrieve the balls Barry Bonds his in 2001, the year he surpassed McGuire's record.

Baseball fans will love this book, others will like it. It's clearly, simply, and accurately presented and guaranteed to stir a memory or two.

One For The Books
With the writing of Baseball's Greatest Players, author David Shiner takes a serious risk.The only thing a sports fan loves more than making a "greatest list" is arguing voluably about why the other guy's list is WRONG!One read of this book will shut down most any other greatest list's chances, and it does so with style, wit, and a healthy dose of readable fact.

In its text, Shiner's book fulfils both the needs of casual fan's interest and the SABR-members desire for solid, quantifiable statistical evidence.But it goes beyond just fact and storytelling to get to the intangibles that separate the players truly great between the white lines from those whose personality and dedication supported not just their teams, but the game itself.

Baseball, more than any other sport (though Canadian hockey fans will rightly take exception to this) carries its past with it.This continuity, this love of the game that both transcends and unites generations is served well by Shiner's writing.Buy Baseball's Greatest Players, and take it to a sports bar near you.You won't go wrong.

50 Years of Baseball's Best Players--Fun and Interesting!
It's hard not to enjoy this well written, easily readable book on baseball's best players of the past 50 years.Lively anecdotes plus comprehensive (but not boring) analysis shows exactly why these are the best players of the game.I got a kick out of remembering a lot of things I had almost forgotten, like just how good Bob Gibson was.Some of the facts are amazing, like that in the last two years Sandy Koufax pitched, there were 8 games where the Dodgers only scored one run for him--but he won 4 of them.This book also avoids wallowing in sex and drug garbage.It's a baseball book, not National Enquirer.Balanced, interesting, a really solid piece of work.

Fun & Interesting Book on Baseball
Brief synopses of baseball's best players during the past 50 years.Fun and informative.Enjoyed reading this, think others would also.

GREAT BOOK ON BASEBALL'S GREAT PLAYERS!
What an enjoyable book!I loved it.Great short biographies of the greatest baseball players from the past 50 years.For the serious baseball fan or the novice (or anyone who wants to know the story behind legendary players like Mantle and Mays, or why Ricky Henderson really IS one of the greatest players ever).Whether you are ten or eighty, this book is fun, interesting, and helps explain why millions love baseball--and their heroes!Makes a great gift for kids or adults.Exciting stories, well written. ... Read more

Product Description
Features: Sparky Anderson; Career Records, Johnny Bench, David Concepcion, Ken Griffey, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, etc. ... Read more