Review of Why We Love Baseball
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
Ah, baseball, the sport that has as much to do with America’s soul as apple pie and questionable foreign policy decisions. In "Why We Love Baseball," Joe Posnanski doesn’t just capture the game's spirit; he bottles it, packages it with a bow, and hands it to us with the flourish of a seasoned magician revealing the rabbit. If you find yourself wondering why baseball has an almost mystical grip on its fans, Posnanski offers a masterclass in understanding the alchemy of nostalgia and national identity interwoven with a few stolen bases.
It's clear that Posnanski is no rookie in the world of sports journalism. With a résumé boasting stints at Sports Illustrated and The Kansas City Star, the man knows how to spin a yarn as much as he knows how to dissect a double play. His expertise is on full display here, where he takes us on a journey through 50 iconic moments that define not just baseball but, one might argue, Americana itself. This isn’t just about the stats on a box score or the crack of a bat echoing through a stadium; it’s about how those moments weave themselves into the fabric of our collective consciousness.
While comparing Posnanski’s work to Roger Kahn's "The Boys of Summer" or Michael Lewis's "Moneyball" might be as unfair as comparing a classic novel to its often-disappointing Hollywood adaptation, it's necessary to understand what makes this book stand out. Where Kahn gives us a sepia-toned love letter to a bygone era and Lewis dissects the sport with the precision of a Wall Street analyst, Posnanski finds that sweet spot between emotion and intellect. He reminds us why we care in the first place. It's a bit like watching Field of Dreams and realizing that sometimes, if you build it—or write about it—they will come.
Of course, there are echoes of sentimentality throughout "Why We Love Baseball," but isn’t that part of the charm? Anyone who’s ever had their heart broken by a ninth-inning rally or felt the thrill of a home run knows that baseball is as much about heart as it is about skill. Posnanski taps into this vein with the deft touch of someone who’s lived and breathed the game for decades. Yet, he avoids drowning in sappiness, maintaining an analytical edge that keeps even the most jaded readers on board.
While it hasn’t snagged any major awards yet, I suspect "Why We Love Baseball" will become one of those books that lives on, passed from one generation to the next like an heirloom baseball glove. It’s a celebration, an ode, and a reminder of why baseball remains so enchanting. Whether you're a die-hard fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of batting averages or someone whose exposure is limited to the occasional ballpark hot dog, this book offers something for everyone.
So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack, and settle in for a read that will make you remember—or discover—why baseball is more than just a game. Joe Posnanski has crafted a narrative that is both touching and enlightening, setting itself alongside other classics in baseball literature. It’s more than a book; it's an experience. And much like the game itself, it’s one you won’t soon forget.
Purchase Link: Why We Love Baseball on Amazon
