Where Nobody Knows Your Name
Life in the Minor Leagues of Baseball
by John Feinstein
A Baseball Book Review
Monte Cely
(512) 310-9777
Where Nobody Knows Your Name follows a cast of baseball players, managers, and an umpire through the 2012 AAA International League season. Feinstein captures the excitement and frustrations of participants at the AAA level, many of whom have some major-league experience and all of whom are expecting that call (or recall) to “The Show.”
The book is full of quotes from the minor-leaguers themselves, as well as the author’s observations of life “one step from the big time.” Although there are feel-good moments, much of the book mirrors the frustration of playing at AAA. The reader gets a good feel for the travel grind and ever-prevalent career uncertainty of those toiling in the “minors”. The challenges faced by a minor-leaguer’s family is also a prominent theme.
The cast of characters is:
Players – Scott Elarton, Jon Lindsey, Nat McLouth, Scott Podsednik, Chris Schwinden, and Brett Tomko.
Managers – Charlie Montoyo and Ron Johnson.
Umpire – Mark Lollo.
This book is a revealing, objective, well-told look into minor league baseball. It also has insights into minor-league operations and player contractual considerations. The book should be an enjoyable and worthwhile read for SABR members.
Here are the key statistics:
Book: Where Nobody Knows Your Name; Life in the Minor Leagues of Baseball
Author: John Feinstein
Author’s Credentials: Feinstein is a columnist for The Washington Post, Golf World, and Golf Digest. He also hosts or contributes on CBS Sports radio and TV, as well as the Golf Channel. He has written many sports books, including A Season on the Brink (NCAA basketball) and A Good Walk Spoiled (PGA tour).
Published: 2014, Doubleday; ISBN 978-0-385-53593-9 Length: 368 pages
Price: Retail list – $26.95; Online – from $13.01 + shipping.