"501" Q&A: Tom Stanton

The latest author Q&A for 501 Baseball Books is now up on the site: Tom Stanton, author of ​The Final Season: Fathers, Sons, and One Last Season in a Classic American Ballpark and The Road to Cooperstown: A Father, Two Sons, and the Journey of a Lifetime.

Visit the Author Q&A section of the 501 website to hear Tom Stanton and other authors whose work appear in my book.

Bad news/good news

The bad news? Publishers Weekly published their list of "The Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2013" and 501 Baseball Books Fans Must Read before They Die didn't make it.

The good news? No other sports books made the list. That's what we call schadenfreud).

Because what's a book without a hot beverage?

Be the first on your block to enjoy your coffee/tea/cocoa in an official, limited edition "501 Baseball Books" 11-ounce ceramic mug! Only $15, post-paid. Email ron@ronkaplansbaseballbookshelf.com to order.

First inclusion of "501" on a recommended reading list

Thanks to Jaybird's Jotting for including 501 on his list of new books in 2013 worthy of attention.

"501" Q&A: Jonathan Mayo

Jonathan Mayo is a senior writer for MLB.com. He’s covered numerous World Series and All-Star Games, as well as the Caribbean World Series in Mexico and the College World Series in Omaha.

More recently, Jonathan has focused his efforts on covering minor league baseball and, notably, the baseball draft. He is responsible for compiling MLB.com’s definitive list of baseball’s Top 50 prospects and has covered the Arizona Fall League, baseball’s winter meetings and many other events.

His book, Facing Clemens: Hitters on Confronting Baseball's Most Intimidating Pitcher, was published by the Lyons Press in 2008. In the wake Clemens' "shut out" in the Hall of Fame elections, I spoke with Jonathan about how the revelation that Clemens used PED might have changed his project if he was publishing today.

 You can hear his stories in the 501 Author Q&A section here.

"501" Q&A: Marty Appel

Marty Appel is one of those guys who seems to have his finger in every pie. He has worked as the PR director for the New York Yankees, established his own public relations empire, and co-authored or written more than 30 books.Two of those -- Now Pitching for the Yankees: Spinning the News for Mickey, Reggie and George and Pinstripe Empire: The New York Yankees from Before the Babe to After the Boss -- are included in 501 Baseball Books.

Marty was kind enough to spend some time talking about those projects. You can hear his stories in the 501 Author Q&A section here.

A is for Appel

Marty Appel, author of Now Pitching for the Yankees: Spinning the News for Mickey, Reggie and George and Pinstripe Empire: The New York Yankees from Before the Babe to After the Boss (as well as many other titles), will be the first guest on the 501 Discussions Podcast. I'll be speaking with him next week and posting ASAP.

First Interview: Lincoln Live

Had the first "official interview" air today. It was recorded Jan. 4 on KFOR-AM's Lincoln Live with Dale Johnson. You can listen to it here it's also linked to the Media/audio page.)
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Save the Date!

January 4, 2013

It's still a ways off, but I will be at the Bergino Baseball Clubhouse located at 67 East 11th Street in Manhattan on Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. Jay Goldberg, owner of the Clubhouse, serves as host. If you've never been there, don't wait until the appearance to check it out. There's a lot of fun stuff there, from custom made baseballs to art for sale.
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One under the belt

January 3, 2013

Had the first "official" interview for 501​ with Dale Johnson of station KFOR-AM in Lincoln, Nebraska. Think it went pretty well. Dale was a most convivial host and put me at ease.
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The segment is scheduled to run Monday, Jan. 7 at 11:30 Easter/12:30 Central on kfor1240.com. Look for it in the "News & Events" section.

Greetings!

January 1, 2013

And welcome to the blog portion of 501 Baseball Books. In the weeks and months ahead, this is where you'll find reviews, musings, and interviews with some of the authors of and collaborators on the titles that appear in my book. I've reached out to a handful and already received a most enthusiastic and gratifying response. Click on the "Contributors" link to learn more about these fine folks.
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So enjoy the rest of your holiday and remember to check back regularly and check out the "News & Events" link to see where I might pop up.