Finding the Hidden Ball Trick

The Colorful History of Baseball's Oldest Ruse

Nonfiction, Sports, Baseball, History
Cover of the book Finding the Hidden Ball Trick by Bill Deane, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Bill Deane ISBN: 9781442244344
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Publication: February 18, 2015
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Language: English
Author: Bill Deane
ISBN: 9781442244344
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication: February 18, 2015
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English

The dying art of the hidden-ball trick dates back to the early days of pro baseball, with seven successful executions documented in 1876 alone. This ruse occurs when a baseman conceals the ball instead of returning it to the pitcher. When the runner steps off the base, he is summarily tagged out with the hidden ball. The trick has been used some 264 times with success, a rarity roughly in the class of the no-hitter. The hidden-ball trick has produced many hilarious stories throughout the years, and even enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in 2013 when it was employed twice late in the season.

In Finding the Hidden-Ball Trick: The Colorful History of Baseball’s Oldest Ruse, every known execution of the hidden-ball trick in the major leagues is documented, compiled from decades of research. This book recounts how the hidden-ball trick has completed triple plays, ended games, resulted in two arrests, cost a Hall of Famer a managing job, and even occurred in a World Series. Stories include how Fred Merkle gained revenge on Johnny Evers, how Gary Carter was caught to end a game—on his birthday—and how Lou Boudreau was nabbed the day after saying the play was obsolete.

In addition to a complete chronological listing of every documented ruse, Finding the Hidden-Ball Trick also includes descriptions of tricks that went awry and a list of unsubstantiated accounts. This unique compilation of baseball stories will be of interest to baseball scholars and fans alike.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The dying art of the hidden-ball trick dates back to the early days of pro baseball, with seven successful executions documented in 1876 alone. This ruse occurs when a baseman conceals the ball instead of returning it to the pitcher. When the runner steps off the base, he is summarily tagged out with the hidden ball. The trick has been used some 264 times with success, a rarity roughly in the class of the no-hitter. The hidden-ball trick has produced many hilarious stories throughout the years, and even enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in 2013 when it was employed twice late in the season.

In Finding the Hidden-Ball Trick: The Colorful History of Baseball’s Oldest Ruse, every known execution of the hidden-ball trick in the major leagues is documented, compiled from decades of research. This book recounts how the hidden-ball trick has completed triple plays, ended games, resulted in two arrests, cost a Hall of Famer a managing job, and even occurred in a World Series. Stories include how Fred Merkle gained revenge on Johnny Evers, how Gary Carter was caught to end a game—on his birthday—and how Lou Boudreau was nabbed the day after saying the play was obsolete.

In addition to a complete chronological listing of every documented ruse, Finding the Hidden-Ball Trick also includes descriptions of tricks that went awry and a list of unsubstantiated accounts. This unique compilation of baseball stories will be of interest to baseball scholars and fans alike.

More books from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cover of the book Don't Gossip in the Teachers' Lounge by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Contracting Out Hollywood by Bill Deane
Cover of the book The Alfred Hitchcock Encyclopedia by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Recording Oral History by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Native America and the Question of Genocide by Bill Deane
Cover of the book The Forgotten Legacy of Stella Walsh by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Gunboat Democracy by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Creating a Culture of Support for Teacher Leaders by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Reaching Out to Children and Families by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Developing Safer Schools and Communities for Our Children by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Technology and Values by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Shades of Difference by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Medical Ethics by Bill Deane
Cover of the book Medical Catastrophe by Bill Deane
Cover of the book The Feminist Classroom by Bill Deane
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy