With the success of The Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, baseball in Europe has begun to receive more attention. But few realize just how far back the sport's history stretches on the continent. Baseball has been played in Europe since the 1870s, and in several countries the players and devoted followers have included royalty, Hall of Famers from the U.S. major leagues, and captains of industry. Featuring approximately 80 new interviews and 70 new photos and images, this second edition builds extensively on the previous edition's country-by-country histories of more than 40 European nations. Also included are two new appendices on European players signed by MLB organizations and European countries' performance in worldwide rankings.

Do you find yourself lost in the lingo of line drives and longing for the lowdown on lockouts? Wondering why a ‘sacrifice fly’ isn’t just an insect on the field? Absolutely, you can become a baseball buff! “Home Run Heroes: The Ultimate Guide to Baseball’s Greatest Moments & Strategies” is the grand slam of guides for the burgeoning baseball enthusiast. This book is your all-access pass to understanding every pitch, play, and part of the game. Unlock the joys of baseball with: · In-Depth Explanations: Demystify baseball jargon and uncover the rules of the game. · Historical Highlights: Relive the most thrilling moments in baseball history. · Strategic Smarts: Gain insights into the strategies that shape the game. · Legendary Lore: Learn about the heroes who have made baseball what it is today. This book is your ticket to a fuller, richer baseball experience. Don’t sit on the sidelines—immerse yourself in the game and discover a newfound appreciation for America’s favorite pastime. Step up to the batter’s box of knowledge and hit a home run in understanding baseball. Get your copy of “Home Run Heroes” now and join the league of happier, more informed sports fans! In Summary: “Home Run Heroes” is an essential guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of baseball. It’s packed with explanations, strategies, and stories that will transform you from a spectator to a connoisseur of the game. This book promises to enhance your baseball experience and bring you the happiness that comes with being a true fan of the sport.

World Baseball Classic (WBC) is the most significant international baseball tournament for national teams across the globe. The inaugural tournament of the World Baseball Classic was held in March 2006, jointly organized by Major League Baseball (MLB) and its players union, and sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). The main reason behind the inception of WBC was to honor baseball as a global sport and to provide an international platform for the countries participating in the event. The tournament features 16 teams across five continents and four oceans, with the defending champions being the United States of America. The tournament is held every four years, with the latest edition being in 2017. The initial rounds of the tournament are played at various venues in the countries of the participating teams, and the final rounds are usually held at a neutral venue in the US. The World Baseball Classic has been instrumental in shaping the international baseball landscape and providing opportunities for lesser-known teams to showcase their talent.

Is the face of American baseball throughout the world that of goodwill ambassador or ugly American? Has baseball crafted its own image or instead been at the mercy of broader forces shaping our society and the globe? The Empire Strikes Out gives us the sweeping story of how baseball and America are intertwined in the export of “the American way.” From the Civil War to George W. Bush and the Iraq War, we see baseball's role in developing the American empire, first at home and then beyond our shores. And from Albert Spalding and baseball's first World Tour to Bud Selig and the World Baseball Classic, we witness the globalization of America's national pastime and baseball's role in spreading the American dream. Besides describing baseball's frequent and often surprising connections to America's presence around the world, Elias assesses the effects of this relationship both on our foreign policies and on the sport itself and asks whether baseball can play a positive role or rather only reinforce America's dominance around the globe. Like Franklin Foer in How Soccer Explains the World, Elias is driven by compelling stories, unusual events, and unique individuals. His seamless integration of original research and compelling analysis makes this a baseball book that's about more than just sports.

While most fans know that baseball stars Ted Williams, Hank Greenberg, and Bob Feller served in the military during World War II, few can name the two major leaguers who died in action. (They were catcher Harry O'Neill and outfielder Elmer Gedeon.) Far fewer still are aware that another 125 minor league players also lost their lives during the war. This book draws on extensive research and interviews to bring their personal lives, baseball careers, and wartime service to light.

The book focuses on how, when, where and why the US-based professional sports leagues extend their brands and penetrate markets in nations across the globe. The book examines the strategies, progress and expectations of each league despite the cultural, economic and political barriers that exist between and within countries and areas. It offers a model of the sports business and, where appropriate, the emergence, evolution and growth of prominent women's sports leagues are documented. This book is unique as there are no other academic publications that study and report the global ambitions of this special group of organizations in one volume. Readers such as college and university sports history, management, marketing and international business professors, students and researchers can use and apply the book, as either a teaching supplement, reference and/or literature source. It will also appeal to targeted groups beyond the academic community with strategic economic incentives to learn about sports capitalism, such as sports entrepreneurs and league officials.