Friday Freebies: Baseball Audiobooks from Audible
Opening Day 2011 has finally arrived, and we've got a Friday Freebie that’s a grand slam homer. Sign up for our Audible free trial offer and you can download any one of these great baseball audiobooks for free.
If you liked Ken Burns’ classic PBS series about the game, you’ll love this companion audiobook, updated to coincide with the follow up Tenth Inning special that was recently produced. From the origins of the game in the 1800s, to the advent of the curve ball, the designated hitter, strikes, steroids and beyond, Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns cover every milestone in Baseball. It charts not only the history of the game, but the history of our nation and our enduring relationship to the most American of sports. Abridged audiobook narrated by Ken Burns.
Rube Foster, who was founder of the Negro National League, once said “We are the ship; all else the sea.” Author Kadir Nelson tells the story of the Negro League from its start in the 1920s on through its decline after Jackie Robinson broke the color bar and was finally allowed to play in the majors in 1947. Follow the story of gifted athletes, determined team owners, discrimination, sportsmanship, and the unsung heroes who overcame adversity of all sorts simply for the love of the game. We Are the Ship has been called “a tour de force for baseball lovers of all ages.” Unabridged, narrated by Dion Graham.
Love him or hate him, no other owner has had such a profound effect on the game of baseball over the past four decades than the late George Steinbrenner. From his purchase of the Yankees for $10 million in 1973, on through his tumultuous reign (and seven championships), Steinbrenner has been a lightning rod for controversy, and the target of hatred, jealousy and grudging admiration. What cannot be questioned is his effectiveness in rebuilding his franchise into the powerhouse of all sports teams. Author Bill Madden has covered the Yankees for more than 30 years, and brings colorful stories from those who knew the man best, along with Steinbrenner’s own perspective, given to Madden in his final interview for print. Unabridged, narrated by Kerin McCue.
Here are our picks for the current top 5 baseball audiobooks. Play ball!
Albert Pujols burst on to the baseball scene a decade ago, and he has been compared with some of the greatest players the game has ever known. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Kansas City, “El Hombre” was a Rookie of the Year, has played in 9 All Star Games, has been named National League Most Valuable Player three times, and led his team to victory in the World Series in 2006. Despite his accomplishments on the baseball field, Pujols measures his own worth by his faith and the example he sets for young fans. Authors Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth tell his inspirational story. Unabridged audiobook narrated by Wes Bleed.We all know about the written rules of baseball. Three strikes you’re out, the ground rule double, nine innings in regulation, run counter-clockwise, etc. But there are also a set of unwritten rules, some of which are openly discussed and others that are known only to a few. In The Baseball Codes, authors Jason Turbow and Michael Duca reveal the traditions and notions that have governed the game for decades. From beanballs and brawls to sign-stealing and superstition (never cross between the pitcher and catcher on your way to the batter’s box), here are the unwritten rules of our national pastime. Unabridged, narrated by Michael Kramer.
If you liked Ken Burns’ classic PBS series about the game, you’ll love this companion audiobook, updated to coincide with the follow up Tenth Inning special that was recently produced. From the origins of the game in the 1800s, to the advent of the curve ball, the designated hitter, strikes, steroids and beyond, Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns cover every milestone in Baseball. It charts not only the history of the game, but the history of our nation and our enduring relationship to the most American of sports. Abridged audiobook narrated by Ken Burns.
Rube Foster, who was founder of the Negro National League, once said “We are the ship; all else the sea.” Author Kadir Nelson tells the story of the Negro League from its start in the 1920s on through its decline after Jackie Robinson broke the color bar and was finally allowed to play in the majors in 1947. Follow the story of gifted athletes, determined team owners, discrimination, sportsmanship, and the unsung heroes who overcame adversity of all sorts simply for the love of the game. We Are the Ship has been called “a tour de force for baseball lovers of all ages.” Unabridged, narrated by Dion Graham.
Love him or hate him, no other owner has had such a profound effect on the game of baseball over the past four decades than the late George Steinbrenner. From his purchase of the Yankees for $10 million in 1973, on through his tumultuous reign (and seven championships), Steinbrenner has been a lightning rod for controversy, and the target of hatred, jealousy and grudging admiration. What cannot be questioned is his effectiveness in rebuilding his franchise into the powerhouse of all sports teams. Author Bill Madden has covered the Yankees for more than 30 years, and brings colorful stories from those who knew the man best, along with Steinbrenner’s own perspective, given to Madden in his final interview for print. Unabridged, narrated by Kerin McCue.