Former MLB umpire Dave Phillips was at the center of some of baseball's most unforgettable moments—Comiskey's infamous Disco Demolition Night, Gaylord Perry's spitball ejection, Albert Belle's confiscated corked bat and George Brett's pine tar bat debacle—and he shares with baseball fans the untold stories behind those incidents and many others, giving baseball fans a complete perspective on the life of an umpire.

An inside look at the faith that guides the all-stars.The St. Louis Cardinals have long been one of the most successful franchises in the major leagues. They have won 11 World Series titles and some of the most famous players in the history of the game have worn the storied "Birds on the Bat" uniform.While that on-field success has been well documented, Intentional Walk is the first book which goes beyond the story of what happens on the field to t...

The complete story of the Cardinals' unexpected run to the 2011 World Series title is captured in this action-packed commemorative volume. Profiles of the team's stars, complete recaps of every postseason game, and stunning photography make this book a must-have keepsake for every St. Louis baseball fan.

Written by veteran sportswriter and Cardinals insider Rob Rains, Taking Flight answers two basic questions – what makes the Cardinals different from other organizations, and why are they so successful? Perhaps the most important man in the history of the organization was George Kissell. Among the future managers who came under Kissell's tutelage were Sparky Anderson, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and the Cardinals' current manager, Mike Matheny. Kissell's imprint is still everywhere on...

It seems unlikely that James Naismith, who grew up playing “Duck on the Rock” in the rural community of Almonte, Canada, would invent one of America’s most popular sports. But Rob Rains and Hellen Carpenter’s fascinating, in-depth biography James Naismith: The Man Who Invented Basketball shows how this young man—who wanted to be a medical doctor, or if not that, a minister (in fact, he was both)—came to create a game that has endured for over a century.James Naismith reveals how Na...

The St. Louis Cardinals are a team steeped in history and a winning tradition. For proof look no further than the epic 2011 World Series! The secret to their success? It’s those special players who have been lucky enough to don the Birds at Bat. But whatever happened to those players once the bright stadium lights were dimmed and the cleats were hung up for good? St. Louis Cardinals: Where Have You Gone? provides the fascinating answer as veteran sportswriter Rob Rains catches up ...

The third in the Diamond Communications series, this little paperback offers insight, wisdom and humor tailored especially for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.

In Baseball Samurais, take a look back at Ichiro Suzuki's sensational rookie year...from the top spot in Japan to the Seattle Mariners' right field.Seven-time batting champion for Japan's Pacific League, he was a paradoxical combination of modesty and ego, calling himself simply "Ichiro." But when the Seattle Mariners signed him to a fourteen-million-dollar contract, scoffers said the 5-foot-9 inch, 156-pound Ichiro wasn't even in the ballpark. He proved t...

A biography of Mark McGwire, one of baseball's hottest sluggers, following his quest for the all-time single-season home run record.The powerhouse player who's revolutionizing the game...In 1998, Mark McGwire made baseball history by breaking the legendary 61-home-run record set by Roger Maris in 1961. Not only did the outstanding Cardinals player break Maris' mark, he surpassed it by hitting 70 in one season!Find out all the facts on McGwire, from hi...

The St. Louis Cardinals are a team steeped in history and a winning tradition. For proof look no further than the epic 2011 World Series! The secret to their success? It’s those special players who have been lucky enough to don the Birds at Bat. But whatever happened to those players once the bright stadium lights were dimmed and the cleats were hung up for good?St. Louis Cardinals: Where Have You Gone? provides the fascinating answer as the authors catch up with over thi...

In his forthright and honest autobiography, former St. Louis Cardinal, World Series, and Super Bowl broadcaster Jack Buck entertains all of his fans once more in a different setting. Jack Buck: "That's a Winner!" does more than entertain, however. It provides readers with an inside look at a man they listened to so often, they considered him part of the family.From the days of growing up working at the drive-in, to his time in the army, to his first stint on TV, and so mu...

Kevin Kernan looks at Bernie Williams' upbringing in Puerto Rico, and how the New York Yankees' star is able to appreciate all of the good things that have happened in his life because of baseball. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Williams' career up to now is that he has been able to maintain a low-key approach to baseball and life. Kernan shows how important that has been for him in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of New York City.