My Uncle Ted recently turned me on to a book that I know you’ll either love or hate by just reading the first chapter – it’s called Baseball & Philosophy: Thinking Outside the Batter’s Box. It’s a collection of 24 short essays written about the philosophical side of baseball – from the warrior ways of Japanese baseball, to a philosophical analysis of teamwork, being an umpire, and the devotion of fans.

The first chapter looks at the philosophical nature of home plate – each batter starts at home, and is only rewarded with a run after making it through the obstacles that await him – the pitcher, the defense, and the reliance on help from his teammates. The passage also talks about the importance of home for fans – gathering places where people can come together through a common bond of baseball and discuss what was, what is, and what might be.

If that first chapter doesn’t light a fire for you, don’t bother reading the rest of the book. But if it does, and you like looking at the deeper meanings of baseball, I think Baseball & Philosophy will be a great addition to your library. You definitely don’t need a philosophy degree to appreciate the discussions in the book – just an open mind.