Book Review: The Soul of Baseball
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It’s no secret around here that I’m a fan of Joe Posnanski’s writing for the Kansas City Star. I’ve had his online column archive bookmarked for years, and I pick up a copy of the Star whenever I’m in K.C. just to read his latest column. I think he’s easily the best sports columnist in the country today.
Another one of my favorite people is Buck O’Neil. Even though he’s since passed on, I won’t shift the verb “is” to “was”, since his legacy continues to inspire me. I won’t dip into the shameful exclusion of him by the Hall of Fame yet again, but I think you know my stance on that particular topic.
So you’re thinking, “OK Ryan, that’s nice that you like what those two people did. What of it?”
Just this past year, Joe Posnanski wrote a book about the year he spent on the road with Buck O’Neil. They traveled the country, attending event after event, Buck O’Neil tirelessly speaking on behalf of the Negro Leagues and the glory of baseball. The written product of that journey is “The Soul of Baseball”, a simply outstandingly wonderful glimpse into the joy that was Buck O’Neil.
I don’t like to throw praise around too easily, but this might be the best baseball book I’ve ever read. Not only that, but it’s one of the better books I’ve read in recent memory, baseball-related or not.
To read Posnanski’s tales of Buck O’Neil giving out hugs to anyone and everyone, of emphatically trying to enlighten people to the true Negro Leagues, of the ever-present positive nature of Buck… I can’t believe I’m typing this, but it warms your heart. Buck O’Neil was a singularly wonderful man, and Posnanski does his memory justice with this book.
If I had the financial wherewithal, I’d buy a dozen copies and give them out to my friends and family. This isn’t just a book that will appeal to the baseball fan, but to anyone who can appreciate the life lessons that Buck, through Posnanski, imparts to us.
Seriously, go buy this book.