Play Ball!

The happiest expression in the English language is “Play Ball!”

When the phrase is shouted into a microphone by a child at Nat Bailey Stadium, to be repeated by an umpire standing behind home plate, it is the predictable opening of an unpredictable drama. The production lasts at least nine acts, barring rain. No one in attendance— not the umpires, not the managers, not the concessionaires, and not the fans— has any idea of the ending. 

In this book, you will read about Ossie and Brookers and Bambi and all sorts of wonderful players. It’s the next best thing to being there.

About the Author

Tom Hawthorn is a Victoria-based journalist and author known for his engaging storytelling on Canadian sports and history. A regular contributor to The Globe and Mail, he has written several acclaimed books, including Deadlines and The Year Canadians Lost Their Minds and Found Their Country.