The Cambridge Companion to Baseball

Baseball is much more than a game. As the American national pastime, it has reflected the political and cultural concerns of US society for over 200 years, and generates passions and loyalties unique in American society. This Companion examines baseball in culture, baseball as culture, and the game's global identity. Contributors contrast baseball's massive, big-business present with its romanticized origins and its evolution against the backdrop of American and world history. The chapters cover topics such as baseball in the movies, baseball and mass media, and baseball in Japan and Latin America. Between the chapters are vivid profiles of iconic characters including Babe Ruth, Ichiro and Walter O'Malley. Crucial moments in baseball history are revisited, ranging from the 1919 Black Sox gambling scandal to recent controversies over steroid use. A unique book for fans and scholars alike, this Companion explains the enduring importance of baseball in America and beyond.

Introduction Leonard Cassuto; Chronology Stephen Partridge; 1. The rules of baseball Steven P. Gietschier; 2. Baseball in literature, baseball as literature Timothy Morris and Stephen Partridge; 3. Babe Ruth, sabermetrics, and baseball's politics of greatness Leonard Cassuto and David Grant; Interchapter: Babe Ruth Leonard Cassuto; 4. Not the major leagues: Japanese- and Mexican-Americans and the national pastime Samuel O. Regalado; 5. Baseball and the color line: from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball Leslie Heaphy; Interchapter: Jackie Robinson and Curt Flood Matthew Frye Jacobson; 6. Baseball and war Richard Crepeau; 7. Baseball and the American city David Finoli; Interchapter: Walter O'Malley Leonard Cassuto; 8. Baseball at the movies George Grella; 9. The baseball fan Al Filreis; 10. Baseball and material culture David F. Venturo; Interchapter: the Honus Wagner T-206 baseball card David F. Venturo; 11. Global baseball: Japan and East Asia Masaru Ikei; Interchapter: Roberto Clemente and Ichiro Leonard Cassuto; 12. Global baseball: Latin America Arturo J. Marcano and David P. Fidler; 13. Cheating in baseball David Luban and Daniel Luban; Interchapter: Pete Rose Leonard Cassuto; 14. The evolution of baseball's economy Andrew Zimbalist; Interchapter: Andy Messersmith, Charlie Finley, and George Steinbrenner Jonathan Lewin; 15. Baseball and the mass media Curt Smith; A guide to further reading.

The ideal first resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of baseball, this Companion considers baseball's place in America and globally. Chapters address topics such as baseball in literature and film and the challenges presented by steroid use, and portray some of baseball's most memorable and influential personalities.

Leonard Cassuto is Professor of English at Fordham University.
Stephen Partridge is Assistant Professor of English at the University of British Columbia.