Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball

Drawing on extensive interviews, the Pulitzer Prize-winning commentator profiles four key figures in professional baseball--outfielder Tony Gwynn, pitcher Orel Hershiser, shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr., and manager Tony LaRussa

Columnist/commentator Will turns his attention from political parties and economies to split-fingered fastballs and aluminum bats in this study of four men who practice the craft of baseball with consummate skill. The four are Tony LaRussa, Orel Hershiser, Tony Gwynn, and Cal Ripken Jr., each of whom represents a major element of the game (managing, pitching, hitting, and fielding). He credits their success to attention to detail, a necessity in "a game where you have to do more than one thing very well, but one at a time." The author's own devotion to detail in defining the components of the game is sure to instill in readers a greater appreciation of what is required to master the sport at the major league level, thereby providing a deeper understanding of the foundation of the game. Altogether, this is hardcore baseball presented in fluent style. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/89.
- William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.