It takes a lot to challenge an established way of thinking – first to be able to see shortcomings in something, then having the ability to address and correct those shortcomings, and then having the courage to stand up and call attention to what you think is an error in the current approach to an […]

Having someone write a book about you means you’re pretty special to that person — sometimes for good things, sometimes for not so good things. For Scott Gray, writing The Mind of Bill James was his way of showcasing the good things that he thinks James has contributed to baseball over the last 25 years. […]

In the midst of off-season free agent talks and signings, the ongoing debate about how much ballplayers should be paid finds new fuel for its fire. Adding to this blaze is The Wages of Wins, a new book that applies the principles of economic analysis in an attempt to determine a player’s actual value, as […]

Every so often, a book comes along that is really special — it contributes to the way people think about a topic, and possibly encourages them to look at something in a completely different way. The Last Nine Innings is one of those books. Rewind to Game 7 of the 2001 World Series between the […]

It’s the winter of 1955, and 9-year old Phillip Hoose (pronounced “hose”) moves to a new town in Indiana. Discovering that baseball is the path to social acceptance, he struggles to learn the game, trying to overcome his awkwardness that was on display every time he stepped to the plate or picked up a ball. […]

I’ll be back next week with a new book for you — I’m taking a week off to rest my eyes and brain after the season. In the meantime – enjoy the playoffs and have fun reading! Patrick