How to Speak Baseball

“An elegantly designed little book . . . capturing the colorful, frequently fanciful vocabulary that describes the world of baseball.” —The Litchfield County Times This handsome guide to the language of baseball decodes the amusing, clever phrases that pepper commentary about the sport. Packed with witty explanations of everything from “duster” and “rubber arm” to “up the elevator,” this ballpark lexicon plays on a nostalgic love for the national pastime while covering ground from baseball’s beginnings to today. This humorous mix of definitions and anecdotes is the perfect gift for both lifelong baseball fans and rookies “working up the ranks.” “If you happen to be watching or listening to a game, do you wonder what the announcer means by ‘the neighborhood play,’ ‘can of corn’ or ‘golden sombrero?’ How to Speak Baseball: An Illustrated Guide to Ballpark Banter, by James Charlton and Sally Cook, is an informative, entertaining read. The authors have compiled a list of obscure, old and newer baseball terms from ‘ace’ to ‘you can’t walk off the island.’” —Daily Pilot