FollowThe Oldest Trick in the Book
While reading through one of my emails today, I came across an editorial piece that I just had to read. It was a post about tricks that baseball players used prior to the 1920`s, which I found quite interesting. Although my interest in baseball has changed somewhat now that my kids are older, I still like to remember some of the great plays by the boys of summer.
At one time, I was mad about baseball. I took my two older children to play t-ball, and then to their league games when they were old enough to play. We played baseball in the school yard and in the back lane. We also were glued to the television set when our hometown team played.
We still have an amazing collection of baseball memorabilia, cards, books, clocks, caps, jerseys, and more. Not only did we go to the games, we also went to every luncheon that was hosted by our hometown baseball team, which featured several of our hometown players. Boy, the excitement of meeting our favorite players was something we will never forget.
The oldest trick in the book is of course referring to the hidden ball trick which has been expertly executed by baseball players since the early days of pro baseball. This action involves the baseman concealing the baseball in his hand, in a ruse to trick the runner into believing the ball has been returned to the pitcher.
Of course, once the runner steps off of the bag, he is tagged out. Bill Deane, an author and a past Senior Research Associate at the Baseball Hall of Fame, has penned several books pertaining to the sport of baseball, including “Finding the Hidden Ball Trick”.
The book uncovers 264 instances in which this particular trick was deployed. It takes you back in time, to the game, the perpetrator and the victim. A delightful read or a great gift item for those who love baseball and its past history.
Ah, the Boys of Summer, the sights and sounds of the ball park, and the players who in some way or other made a name for themselves by playing on a professional baseball team. We remember you!
