The Bookshelf Conversation: Nicholas Sarantakes

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As I often say, I don’t like to blend the current political situation with baseball. This blog is meant as an escape from the day-to-day problems of the world. But with this particular book, there’s no getting away from the connection between the Oval Office and the National Pastime.

Of course, the subject has been covered on a general level, most notably by the excellent work of Curt Smith, whose most recent offering — The Presidents and the Pastime: The History of Baseball and the White House — is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic.

But before Nicholas Sarantakes‘ Fan in Chief: Richard Nixon and American Sports, 1969-1974 came along, I don’t believe there’s been anything that looks at that connection for a single president.

I spoke with the author recently about the challenges of crafting his work.