Far From Home: Latino Baseball Players in America - Hardcover

Wendel, Tim; Villegas, Jose Luis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1426202164 ISBN 13: 9781426202162

Publisher: National Geographic, 2008

Synopsis

From Argentina and Venezuela to the Dominican Republic and the rest of the Caribbean, thousands of boys grow up playing sandlot ball and planning a big-league career. Inspired by Latino greats who paved the way, young men head north in hopes of baseball success—but often find themselves in far different situations. Photographer José Luis Villegas and sportswriter Tim Wendel dramatically reveal the energy, talent, and hard-driving ambition of these determined players, both the few who make it and the many who don’t. Yet this isn’t just another compendium of highlights—it’s a bold and sometimes heartbreaking look at the ups and downs of chasing a dream.

The book captures all the flash and glory of being a major-league star at the top of his game...as well as the struggles faced by other hopefuls who have to take a longer, tougher road. For many of these men, the realities of the system—and the tension of illegal immigration—intrude on the dream. Discover what becomes of them, and explore the rich background of baseball and the Latin American world, in Far From Home. With sports interest for the baseball fan...timely issues for the history buff...and great images for the photography enthusiast...it is perfectly positioned for Father’s Day and a must-read for all who love the national game.

About this title

About the Author:

José Luis Villegas is a staff photographer with the Sacramento Bee. His work has appeared in the books Away Games and Home is Everything.

Tim Wendel is the author of four books, including Castro's Curveball: A Novel and The New Face of Baseball. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Weekend, GQ and Esquire. Visit the author at www.timwendel.com

About this edition

• Publisher: National Geographic
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1426202164
• ISBN 13: 9781426202162
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160