Lindsay Ranks Her Favorite Baseball Books

Last week when Mike and Mike stopped by the MLB Fan Cave, we played a little game of Team Golic vs. Team Greeny. I thought for sure I was going to be on Team Golic until I got thrown a curveball of a question: how many books have you read in the last year?

Call me a nerd, but I love to read. As a kid, I used to get into so much trouble because I would read at the dinner table, trying to hide the book in my lap. So when Golic found out that I’ve read around 12 books in the last year (gasp!), I was quickly moved over to Mike Greenberg’s team.

Below are my top five baseball books. Obviously, this barely scratches the surface but give them a try and send me your recommendations on Twitter (@LindsayGuentzel). I’m pretty busy this season with baseball, but I’m always up for a good read.

1. The Natural by Bernard Malamud – A classic. While many of you have probably seen the movie already, you’ve got to read the book. Do it. You’ll thank me. Especially if Eric Byrnes quizzes you on the name of Roy Hobbs’ bat.

2. Sports Illustrated’s The Baseball Book – More of a ‘coffee table book’ than a ‘read-in-bed book,’ but this collection is off the wall. Each decade is broken down with meticulous detail, intermixed with stories and photos. It’s a lot to take in but is perfect for someone who appreciates baseball’s eclectic history.

3. The Berenstain Bears Go Out for the Team by Stan & Jan Berenstain – Yes, this is a kids’ book. But I remember it from my childhood. So pick it up and read it to your son or daughter – you’ll thank me some day when they’re raking it in the big leagues.

4. Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis – For every baseball nerd out there, Moneyball is a must read. I know my friend Ben Christensen loves it because of its association with the Oakland Athletics, but this in-depth look at a new way to analyze baseball is amazing. Of course, follow up the book with the movie (Brad Pitt and baseball is a win-win for any fan).

5. The Baseball Codes by Jason Turbow – A well-timed out mush of stories from the past, intermixed with a new set of eyes on some of the oldest rules of the game, The Baseball Codes takes on the most complicated matters in America’s favorite pastime. But successfully with a lot of humor. Ricardo Marquez also gives it big two thumbs up.

What is your favorite baseball book? Tweet us @MLBFanCave.