Fathers' Day is around the corner, and The Cy Young Catcher and Baseball in Alabama are great ways to celebrate dads.  My dad Stan, pictured above, agrees.  Books are available at top-notch stores like Page and Palette, Church Street Books, and Full Circle Books as well as at Amazon.  Enjoy!

On Saturday, November 17, I'll be at the Auburn University Bookstore (1360 Haley Center) from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. signing copies of Baseball in Alabama:  Tales of Hardball in the Heart of Dixie.  You'll have plenty of time to find your seat in Jordan-Hare for the three o'clock kickoff against Liberty.  Stop by and chat, and WAR EAGLE!

The Decatur Daily recently reviewed Baseball in Alabama and encouraged folks to check it out.  "If you love the game, you'll love this book."  https://www.decaturdaily.com/life/books/book-review-baseball-in-alabama-explored-and-explained/article_eae022ce-d2b5-5185-8c8c-8fc4506de4bb.html

Jerry Reuss made my day when he shared a kind word about Baseball in Alabama:  Tales of Hardball in the Heart of Dixie: 

"I’m about halfway through your book. So far, I’ve loved everything I read. There’s some great background info on many of the former teammates that I didn’t know. It only adds to their stature as people and not ballplayers."

Many thanks!  Check out Jerry's website and his top-notch photography, particularly his images of old ballparks:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerryreuss/sets

One of the best books I've read recently is Lou Berney's The Long and Faraway Gone.   He writes great stories that pull you in, with vivid characters, some of whom make you laugh and others who make you cringe.   I was fired up that Lou read Baseball in Alabama and shared some praise:  

“Baseball in Alabama is an engaging look at the rich and colorful history of the sport in a state that has produced some great players and stories.”

I'm grateful for the kind words, and I'm looking forward to checking out Lou's latest book, November Road. 

As the Red Sox celebrate winning the 2018 World Series, I'm reminded of 2004 and the team's first World Series championship in eighty-six years.  In Baseball in Alabama, Birmingham native Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson looks back on the team's 2004 playoff run and clawing back from a three-game deficit in the American League Championship Series to clinch the pennant before going on to win the World Series.  Great insight and stories!

Another Birmingham connection to Boston:  a new Bham company, Vintage Sports, is selling vintage Fenway gear, from old-timey black and whites to cool stuff made from Fenway's old seats.  Check 'em out!  https://www.vintagesports.com/collections/baseball
     

Mark your calendars.  The Chris Hammond Youth Foundation is hosting its annual golf tournament (November 5) and fund-raising auction gala (November 4) at Greystone Golf and Country Club.  The Foundation's mission supports youth sports by installing lights for a field, providing uniforms and equipment, or doing whatever is needed so kids can participate in team sports.  To learn more about the Foundation, check out https://www.chrishammondyouthfoundation.com/

Chris Hammond pitched fourteen seasons in the big leagues.  He is profiled in Baseball in Alabama:  Tales of Hardball in the Heart of Dixie, and, if you'd like to learn more about him, check out the biography I recently wrote about him:    https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/233778b7

I'm grateful that Senator Doug Jones stopped by to talk baseball and pick up a copy of Baseball in Alabama.   

Cool Baseball in Alabama threads are available.  Shirts are $20 apiece, plus shipping.  Colors are light blue, white, gray (pictured left), and red (pictured right).  If you'd like one, holler! 

Lee Peacock just read Baseball in Alabama:  Tales of Hardball in the Heart of Dixie and said it was a "must read."  Check it out:  http://leepeacock2010.blogspot.com/2018/06/baseball-in-alabama-by-doug-wedge-is.html