Larry King is a true-blue baseball fanatic. Going to his first game as a kid in 1940’s New York was the start of a lifelong love affair. This heartfelt valentine to America’s game evokes a simpler time in our country’s history: complete with the smells of popcorn, beer and hot-dogs; the sight of the green, closely-mowed infield; the dark brown dirt paths; the crisp white uniforms; the sound of the excited voices of announcers; the crack of the bat; and the roar of the crowd. Baseball, he discovered, is its own unique universe.

When he finally had the opportunity to personally interview legendary manager Leo Durocher, Larry was so happy that he kept the return phone call for twenty years, just so he could look at it and remember the day. Over his long and distinguished career he’s had the opportunity to meet and interview such heroes as Casey Stengel, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams. Passion for the game has suffused his life. Even now, he revels in the Orioles and the Mets. Every reason to love baseball is laid out in this nostalgic book, as King gives an inside view to the trading cards, the scuffles the most classic plays, the labor disputes, and the personalities that pervade the sport. It is the only team game without a clock or a designated ending time. Larger-than-life personalities make up its history. Why I Love Baseball will appeal to anyone who recognizes baseball as America’s favorite pastime.

King has loved baseball for as long as he can remember, and this ode to the game is truly a love song. You can hear the joy in the author’s voice. In a time of serious national focus, Larry King’s personal reminiscences and unique view of the impact of baseball is a welcome look at the modern history of the game.