Why does a curveball curve? What is a "can of corn"? Why was Joe
DiMaggio called the "Yankee Clipper"? Who wrote "Take Me Out to the Ball
Game"? How many times did Ty Cobb steal home?
In this edition of Baseball Miscellany, the fascinating history and
lore of our national pastime is finally revealed! For example, the
reason a curveball curves is that its spin drags a layer of air across
one surface of the ball faster than it does across the opposite surface.
A "can of corn" is slang for an easy-to-catch fly ball, the term
originating from a general store clerk reaching up and dropping a can
from a high shelf. Sportswriters dubbed Joe DiMaggio the "Yankee
Clipper" because he glided about the outfield with beauty and grace,
like a clipper ship on the ocean. The lyrics to "Take Me Out to the Ball
Game" were written in 1908 by vaudeville star Jack Norworth, who, while
riding the subway, was inspired by a sign that said "Baseball
Today--Polo Grounds." And the great Ty Cobb stole home a whopping
fifty-four times--fifty more than the career leader in total stolen
bases, Rickey Henderson.
Packed with all manner of delightful surprises, beautiful illustrations
and photographs, and delicious nuggets of information, Baseball
Miscellany demystifies the origins and customs of America's most
celebrated game. From spring training through the World Series, you'll
be entertained with fun, little-known facts. Why do baseball players
wear stirrup socks? Who invented the catcher's mask? What major-league
team passed up on signing eighteen-year-old Willie Mays in 1949?
