Here's just the thing for baseball fans, but also for anyone who wishes they knew more about the game. In fun, short snippets, you can find out basic facts, history, legends, tips, experiments, and all kinds of quirky info. For example, say you realllly want to catch a souvenir home run or foul ball at a big game. You should sit near the foul lines and wear a glove. BUT your chance of actually catching a foul ball is a mere 1 in 1,302. Oh, well.

Speaking of that baseball, there are all kinds of major league rules saying what size and weight it must be, and how bouncy it should be. A major-league baseball is used only for six pitches on the average, before it's replaced. There's so much here (and it's so fun to read) about baseballs that a reader can barely tear herself away to read on. But the chapter on bats and gloves is just as fascinating. Batters used to "cork" bats (drill holes and fill with cork) to make them lighter . . .? The first leather catcher's mitt was made by a saddlemaker in 1869 . . .?

Baseball history is an eye-opener, too. You can find out why teams are called "white sox" and "red sox" (clue: it has to do with socks worn by teams); what female baseball players wore in the 1870s, and so much more. There's a whole chapter on baseball science, which discusses pitching, different types of fastballs, and running.

A chapter on ballparks explains quirks at the different fields. Baseball legends are fascinating (find out why Anaheim Angels fans bring toy monkeys to the games). Last but not least, the game's rules, regulations, and terminology are explained.

This is an enjoyable read for both baseball fans and for those who are clueless about the game.