Headnote: One of the thing I like about the Pandemic Baseball Book Club is that it’s a kind of “one stop shopping.” Instead of posting about various authors, projects, and events, all I’m doing here is cutting and pasting their newsletter. This one was received on September 16. Enjoy.
I am posting this after one of their events has already taken place, so I’m omitting.
By the way, here are Bookshelf Conversations I’ve had with some of the authors associated with the PBBC:
- John Shea
- Joan Ryan
- Jason Turbow
- Anika Orrock
- Brad Balukjian
- Coming soon: Dan Schlossberg
NEW AT THE SITE
Can a single headstrong and slightly deluded fan convince the world that For Love of the Game is a good baseball movie? Brad Balukjian gives it a shot on the Big Screen Sports podcast, with fellow PBBC founders Anika Orrock and Jason Turbow standing up for all that is just and good in the world of filmdom. Check it out the video at the site.
On the podcast, Jason Turbow interviews Jon Pessah about YOGI, his biography of the incomparable Yogi Berra.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
“There are ideal writing conditions, and then there’s reality. I prefer to be alone with silence or instrumental music going. In reality, I can write just about anywhere that circumstances demand, but the thing for me is that when I’m writing a lot, it goes well. When I’m writing less … well, it’s uglier. Writing is like exercise that way, I guess. You have to get into shape and then maintain your routine and your discipline. At least I do. …”
Eric Nusbaum
“Silence is golden. I do my best work early in the morning or late at night when there are no interruptions by barking dogs, ringing phones or political door-knockers — especially from the wrong party. …”
Dan Schlossberg
“In season, I do a lot of writing during baseball games, whether I’m watching in person or on TV. I have trouble paying attention to the game, trying to squeeze out a sentence before the next pitch, and don’t always succeed. With the crack of the bat, I have to look up and try to discern where the ball is headed. It’s not as much fun watching a game when I’m doing this. I try to force myself to stop, but it’s tough being a workaholic. …”
Bill Nowlin
Read all of the responses at the blog.
ON DECK AT PBBCLUB.COM
On the podcast, Ralph Carhart talks with Tom Gilbert about his new book, How Baseball Happened, which takes a deep dive into the 19th-century game to dispel the many myths, lies and mysteries that surround the origin story of our National Pastime. (Available 10/1)
WHAT ELSE WE’VE BEEN DOING
Dan Schlossberg weighs in with his end-of-the-year awards predictions for the IBWAA newsletter.
Anika Orrock watched the entirety of the first presidential debate of the 2020 election, and is putting the night’s biggest moments into pictures for ABC and FiveThirtyEight.
The Twins just can’t seem to catch a break in the postseason. Tyler Kepner explores why for The New York Times.
For The Wall Street Journal, Jared Diamond looks at the fate of the game, if fans still can’t return for the 2021 season.
Mitchell Nathanson will be the keynote speaker for the Ball Four Freaks celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jim Bouton’s seminal classic. The event also includes presentations by ace Seattle Pilots collector Charles Kapner and Ron Kaplan of Kaplan’s Baseball Bookshelf, a trivia quiz, and the group singing “It Makes a Fellow Proud to Be an Astro.” Join them on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. PST. Be forewarned, salty language may be used, and parental discretion is advised.
GREAT GEAR FOR GETTING AWAY
It’s never too late to support the PBBC. Be sure to stop by our bookstore and swag shop for all the merch you need to let the world know just how cultured and well-read you are. If you’ve already bought the mug, may we suggest one of our sexy t-shirts?
is available on Amazon.com,
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