Holiday Gift Guide

Jason Michael Barker

With the holiday season right around the corner, the time has come to think about what sort of gifts you'll be giving your friends and loved ones. Of particular concern is what to get the baseball fans in your life, who are less likely than the average Joe to be impressed by fruit cake or another horrible tie. No, we baseball fans are a discerning lot, worthy of the finest wares this holiday season. That in mind, here are some items you might consider for your favorite baseball fan. You can purchase the books through our association with Amazon.com by following the links below.

STATS Major League Handbook 2000 / STATS Minor League Handbook 2000
The fine people at STATS, Inc. are at it again, back with their yearly look at the statistical side of baseball. The Major League Handbook (affectionately known as "the red book") has career major and minor league stats for every hitter who had at least one at-bat and pitcher who faced at least one batter this season, plus final standings, team-by-team breakdowns, lefty-righty splits, managerial tendencies, player projections for next season, and much more. A particular must for fantasy league players, the handbook retails for $15.96 through Amazon.com.

The Minor League Handbook ("the green book") is just as valuable, containing complete career stats for every player who played at the AAA or AA level in 1999, but did not appear in the majors. The book also has 1999 season stats for players who competed at the A or rookie level, in addition to Major League Equivalencies (how a player would have performed in the bigs), team statistics, lefty/righty splits for AAA hitters, home/road splits for AA and AAA players, and park effects for every minor league stadium. The Minor League Handbook is also $15.96.

Whatever Happened to the Hall of Fame? by Bill James
Statheads and casual fans alike should be familiar with the great Bill James, who is personally responsible for much of the intelligent baseball writing available today. If you're already familiar with his work, you're sure to enjoy Whatever Happened to the Hall of Fame? If not, this book is a great place to start. Formerly published as The Politics of Glory, the book offers a detailed history of how the Hall was first founded, how it has evolved, and where it stands now. James debunks the myths surrounding players who are in the Hall but shouldn't be, those who aren't in but should be, and everyone in between. Whatever Happened to the Hall of Fame? is a wonderful read, a welcome addition to even the most extensive baseball library and can be yours for just $11.20!

Lords of the Realm by John Helyar
Another must read, Helyar's book details the economic and business history of baseball, starting with the formation of the first professional league in 1871 and continuing all the way until the strike of 1994. Learn how Marvin Miller became one of the most powerful men in professional sports, and how ultimately Bud Selig came to run baseball. The book is both intriguing and shocking. For someone who wasn't familiar with the way the game used to be in the days before a strong players union, the stories were jaw-dropping -- General Managers lying to players about salaries, owners refusing to recognize television as the future until it's nearly too late, and the collusion era of the 1980s. For instance, Dodgers GM Buzzie Bavasi once told outfielder (and current broadcaster) Ron Fairly that he was the fourth highest paid player on the team, after greats Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale and Maury Wills. Later, Fairly was stunned to learn that he ranked a ninth. Helyar talked to hundreds of people with inside knowledge of what went on (and what goes on) behind the scenes in baseball, and it shows in the book from the background information and great quotes. Lords of the Realm is one of the best books I've read in several years, baseball or otherwise. And, it's a bargain at just $5.59 through Amazon.com.

Personalized hand-made bat
Don't have connections at Louisville Slugger? Fear not. New York craftsman Stan Oliver, whose uncle is former big leaguer Ken Boyer, has created www.stickbystan.com, a site where you can purchase his MLB-approved, hand-made bats. Full-size bats cost $40 plus shipping, and can be personally engraved for just $5 more. Stan's bats were used by Brian Jordan and Ozzie Smith in 1996, and Scott Rolen has used them since 1997. A variety of sizes and styles are available, including natural wood, clear coated, black, rose, two-toned, and cupped, as well as little league sizes. Because they are hand-made to order, bats take four to six weeks for delivery -- order early. Even if you don't plan ordering, at least check out the website, which just might change your mind.

Season tickets
What better gift is there than being able to see your favorite team play 81 home games? Don't answer that, Dodger fans. If full season tickets aren't a reasonable financial possibility for you, there are other options to consider. The Seattle Mariners, for example, offer half-season weekend and weekday packages. Keep in mind that season tickets don't have to be the most expensive seats, either -- there's nothing wrong with having tickets in the upper level if that's what you can afford.

Trip to spring training
Perhaps the only thing cooler to a die-hard baseball fan than season tickets is a trip to spring training. Each year numerous fans make the pilgrimage to either Arizona or Florida (make sure you find out where your team trains before flying) to see rookies and washed up veterans alike compete for roster spots they have no chance at landing. Taking a trip to spring training is a chance to mingle with other fans, see players up close, and hopefully land an autograph or two. And depending on the weather where you live, a trip to warmer climates may well be in order in late February or early March. Many teams and travel agencies offer package deals which include airfare, rental car, hotel, game tickets, and even a few rounds of golf, so check around.

about the author

Jason Michael Barker isn't picky. Feel free to send any of the gifts on this list to jmb@strikethree.com. You don't have to send a card, and he'll even write you a thank-you email.