The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball

You're no idiot, of course. You know that Babe Ruth was the Sultan of Swat, Mark McGwire is the home run champ, and the '98 Yankees were one of the best teams in baseball history. But when it comes to understanding the finer points of a suicide squeeze or the impact of the designated hitter rule, you feel like a Little Leaguer facing a Randy Johnson fastball. Don't bench yourself just yet! Hall of Famer Johnny Bench--named the greatest catcher and 16th greatest all-around player in history by The Sporting News in 1998-- is here to help you follow the national pastime like a pro. In his fact-filled book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baseball, Johnny gives you: Fascinating and riveting, a Hall of Fame catcher--known as the Big Red Machine--offers a detailed history of America's favorite pastime, from the refinement of hitting, pitching, and fielding to keen observations on players past and present to the scandals, strikes, and unbelievable salaries. Original. 30,000 first printing. One of the greatest all-around catchers in baseball history brings the the rules and lore of the game back to fans and introduces newcomers to America's favorite pastime