With the success of The Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, baseball in Europe has begun to receive more attention. But few realize just how far back the sport's history stretches on the continent. Baseball has been played in Europe since the 1870s, and in several countries the players and devoted followers have included royalty, Hall of Famers from the U.S. major leagues, and captains of industry. Featuring approximately 80 new interviews and 70 new photos and images, this second edition builds extensively on the previous edition's country-by-country histories of more than 40 European nations. Also included are two new appendices on European players signed by MLB organizations and European countries' performance in worldwide rankings.

Baseball is a strange sport: it consists of long periods in which little seems to be happening, punctuated by high-energy outbursts of rapid fire activity. Because of this, despite ever greater profits, Major League Baseball is bent on finding ways to shorten games, and to tailor baseball to today's shorter attention spans. But for the true fan, baseball is always compelling to watch -and intellectually fascinating. It's superficially slow-pace is an opportunity to participate in the distinctive thinking practice that defines the game. If baseball is boring, it's boring the way philosophy is boring: not because there isn't a lot going on, but because the challenge baseball poses is making sense of it all. In this deeply entertaining book, philosopher and baseball fan Alva Noë explores the many unexpected ways in which baseball is truly a philosophical kind of game. For example, he ponders how observers of baseball are less interested in what happens, than in who is responsible for what happens; every action receives praise or blame. To put it another way, in baseball - as in the law - we decide what happened based on who is responsible for what happened. Noe also explains the curious activity of keeping score: a score card is not merely a record of the game, like a video recording; it is an account of the game. Baseball requires that true fans try to tell the story of the game, in real time, as it unfolds, and thus actively participate in its creation. Some argue that baseball is fundamentally a game about numbers. Noe's wide-ranging, thoughtful observations show that, to the contrary, baseball is not only a window on language, culture, and the nature of human action, but is intertwined with deep and fundamental human truths. The book ranges from the nature of umpiring and the role of instant replay, to the nature of the strike zone, from the rampant use of surgery to controversy surrounding performance enhancing drugs. Throughout, Noe's observations are surprising and provocative. Infinite Baseball is a book for the true baseball fan.

The book focuses on how, when, where and why the US-based professional sports leagues extend their brands and penetrate markets in nations across the globe. The book examines the strategies, progress and expectations of each league despite the cultural, economic and political barriers that exist between and within countries and areas. It offers a model of the sports business and, where appropriate, the emergence, evolution and growth of prominent women's sports leagues are documented. This book is unique as there are no other academic publications that study and report the global ambitions of this special group of organizations in one volume. Readers such as college and university sports history, management, marketing and international business professors, students and researchers can use and apply the book, as either a teaching supplement, reference and/or literature source. It will also appeal to targeted groups beyond the academic community with strategic economic incentives to learn about sports capitalism, such as sports entrepreneurs and league officials.

Do you find yourself lost in the lingo of line drives and longing for the lowdown on lockouts? Wondering why a ‘sacrifice fly’ isn’t just an insect on the field? Absolutely, you can become a baseball buff! “Home Run Heroes: The Ultimate Guide to Baseball’s Greatest Moments & Strategies” is the grand slam of guides for the burgeoning baseball enthusiast. This book is your all-access pass to understanding every pitch, play, and part of the game. Unlock the joys of baseball with: · In-Depth Explanations: Demystify baseball jargon and uncover the rules of the game. · Historical Highlights: Relive the most thrilling moments in baseball history. · Strategic Smarts: Gain insights into the strategies that shape the game. · Legendary Lore: Learn about the heroes who have made baseball what it is today. This book is your ticket to a fuller, richer baseball experience. Don’t sit on the sidelines—immerse yourself in the game and discover a newfound appreciation for America’s favorite pastime. Step up to the batter’s box of knowledge and hit a home run in understanding baseball. Get your copy of “Home Run Heroes” now and join the league of happier, more informed sports fans! In Summary: “Home Run Heroes” is an essential guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of baseball. It’s packed with explanations, strategies, and stories that will transform you from a spectator to a connoisseur of the game. This book promises to enhance your baseball experience and bring you the happiness that comes with being a true fan of the sport.