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Looking to read about some of the major figures in the history of Major League Baseball, get into a good friendly argument about New York City sports, or gain some knowledge about baseball in the 1800's and early 20th century? Well, have we got a book, a journal — and a review — for you!

Branch Rickey: Baseball's Ferocious Gentleman
by Lee Lowenfish
Rating: 5 Balls

Author, radio personality, Columbia professor and more, Lee Lowenfish spent 10 years examining the life of baseball visionary Branch Rickey.  More than just the Dodgers GM who partnered with Jackie Robinson to integrate Major League Baseball, but a leader whose accomplishments include the development of the modern day Minor League system and founder of the aborted Continental League, Rickey was a complicated man whose imprint is still felt today. His life before and after baseball is as interesting as his days in Brooklyn, and author Lowenfish's Baseball's Ferocious Gentleman offers a complete and fascinating look at an oft forgotten and misunderstood icon in American history.

Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season
by Jonathan Eig
Rating: 3 Balls

Jonathan Eig, the author of an acclaimed 2006 biography of Lou Gehrig, details Jackie Robinson’s historic 1947 season in which he  breaks the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Through extensive research of both the independent black and white mainstream newspapers of the day (and many conversations with Rachel Robinson), Eig’s research further separates the man from the myth and, in doing so, makes Robinson’s triump that much more heroic.  While there are some new stories here, the book’s strength is following the drama as it unfolded day-to-day.  A good addition to the Robinson catalogue.

The Great New York Sports Debate
by Roger Rubin & David Lennon
Rating: 3 Balls

A fun, spirited give and take debate on the 50 most heated questions in the history of New York sports. My favorite argument in the book has to be, "Does Mr. Met actually serve a purpose?" There are two sides to every story and every trade, and if you've ever gotten up on your soapbox to proclaim your centerfielder the best, this is your kind of book. Granted, authors Lennon and Rubin don’t go back to anything prior to the mid-70’s, but hey, who remembers that far back anyway?  Well, I do, but I still like this book a lot.

Base Ball – A Journal of the Early Game
Ed. John Thorn
Rating: 4 Balls

When they say the “Early Game,” they ain’t kidding.  This ain’t old school; this is more like 'drawing antelope-in-a-cave' school!  It’s baseball before 1920 and if you think you're a die-hard baseball fan, you might want to reconsider. This is strictly for the intellectually developed side of your brain (if you have one). If you're interested in knowing what baseball was like in 1857 in San Francisco, for example, this journal is definitely for you.

Carrying Jackie's Torch: The Players Who Integrated Baseball-and America
by Steve Jacobson
Rating: 4 Balls

Steve Jacobson, columnist with Newsday, was and still is one of the giants of the New York sportswriter’s scene.  His recent book, Carrying Jackie’s Torch, profiles those blacks who had to endure many, if not all, of the same indignities that Jackie Robinson suffered after Robinson had broken the barrier. It’s easy to forget that Robinson’s historic breakthrough in 1947 was not the final battle in the war; rather, it was the first, and those who came after “carried” their own burdens and responsibilities to ensure the process was a success.  It’s about time their stories received more attention.

The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America
by Joe Posnanski
Rating: 5 Balls

This might be the finest sports book of the year.  Written in the last two years of O’Neil's life, author Posnanski traveled with the Negro League legend as he criss-crossed America promoting an era before Jackie. Funny, heart-warming, uplifting, The Soul of Baseball transcends categories.

Being There: 100 Sports Pros Talk About the Best Sporting Events They Ever Witnessed Firsthand
by Eric Mirlis
Rating: 3.5 Balls

Don’t have time to scan through the last 50-plus years of sports events to get a taste of what it felt like to “be there” when it happened? Not to worry.  Author Mirlis has saved you the trouble by compiling top-five lists from 100 of the most respected names in the sports media, including  Marv Albert, Dave Anderson, Linda Cohn, Bill Conlin, Keith Jackson, Steve Levy, Keith Olbermann, Jayson Stark, Pat Summerall and George Vecsey.  Ever wonder what were the top five events that  really turned Marv on, at least in the sports arena?  You’ll find it here. Especially fun for list lovers.