Baseball Biographies: 5 Reads to Check Out

It’s always fun to learn about our favorite players. While there’s no doubt they are amazing on the field, more often than not, it’s their off the field lives that are really interesting. That’s why I wanted to feature some of my favorite baseball biographies in this post.

Each of these books highlights something really fun and special about each of the players. You’ll get a much better idea of the man behind your favorite player and learn more about them.

Ready to get reading?

Sandy Koufax: A Lefty’s Legacy by Jane Leavy

Sandy Koufax was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. And that’s saying something since his incredible career was shortened by injury.

The three time Cy Young winner retired from the game and essentially retreated from public life as well. This is something that’s quite rare today when many ball players go on to sign broadcasting deals or make appearances.

Jane Leavy manages to really weave a story together in her reporting. You feel like you’re able to get inside of the mind of Sandy, something you don’t often feel in many other typical sports biographies.

The Kid: The Immortal Life of Ted Williams byBen Bradlee Jr.

Ted Williams, aka “The Kid” was arguably the best hitter in baseball history. He still holds the record for the highest batting average in one season from 1941.

What’s more incredible to think about when it comes to Williams is that he left baseball not once, but twice in his prime to serve as a pilot in the Marines during two wars and still produced those numbers.

What makes Williams fascinating his is life off the field. As amazing as he was in the batter’s box, he was never at peace out of it, leading a troubled home life to say the least. This book gives an unvarnished look at Williams the man and the legacy.

The Closer: My Story by Mariano Rivera and Wayne Coffey

Any baseball fan today knows that for a very long time when Metallica’s Enter Sandman played, the best closer in the game was coming out of the bullpen.

There’s no doubt that Mariano Rivera will go down in baseball and Yankee lore as a legend. For much of his long and storied career, he was a completely shut down closer. The best in the game at his position.

But what is really amazing about him is his improbable journey to the majors.

In this book, you’ll learn what it took for him to get to Yankee Stadium. How he didn’t even own a glove when he was first scouted, and what it was like to be a Latino in the clubhouse.

Pete Rose: An American Dilemma by Kostya Kennedy

If you want to strike up a true debate among baseball fans, ask one simple question: should Pete Rose be in the Hall of Fame? There’s no doubt most people come down firmly on one side or the other.

Pete Rose was a ballplayer that showed true grit, a dirt dog. Not only was he great to watch, but the fans adored him for it. He later became a manager, and it was then where the story of Pete Rose began to change.

Over 25 years ago, Rose was banished from baseball after being accused of betting on the game. Even though, many would argue that the betting aside, the sheer numbers he put up means he should be in Cooperstown.

Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend by James S. Hirsch

Willie Mays is one of the greatest players to ever step foot on a baseball field. Fact. What’s more, Mays did it with passion, joy, and exuberance through very difficult times.

For many, especially people of color in America, seeing Willie Mays on the field and excelling was incredibly meaningful. He also did his best during the turbulent times of the 1950s and 1960s to try to bring people together.

What this extensive biography does is go deep into the life of Mays. You’ll follow him as he goes from teenager in the Negro League to the man who became a 24 time (yes, you read that right) All Star, while piling up virtually every award and honor you can think of in baseball.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you’ll enjoy some of these baseball biographies as much as I have. It’s so much fun reading about these remarkable men and learning their life stories, don’t you think?

Interested in reading more about baseball books? Check out baseballbooks.co. This post was first published on Baseball Books.