"It's hard to imagine a book explaining sports to be a page turner, but Mahony's book succeeded in explaining baseball, from historical, social, and procedural aspects, while keeping me glued to the page." Caroline, Goodreads 

"I loved this book. It explained baseball in a way that not only helped me understand the game, but also its place in American culture and society. I especially liked his use of the poem "Casey at the Bat" to explain balls and strikes. I also loved his personal stories about going to games with friends and family. Very well written.  Highly recommend."  James, Goodreads

"All you intense cricket fans around the world, try Baseball Explained - its got loads of nuggets for you - both humour and social commentary as well as the key rules and statistics.” Kevin, UK

"This book is lovely! it explains things clearly and has a few heart wrenching anecdotes about growing up in NYC and attending games as a child. This would actually make a great movie/ documentary. I wanted to understand this obsession with baseball and after reading this I finally get it. Well worth it for those baseball lovers in your life and those you want to become a baseball lover!" Deirdre, Amazon.com

“America’s favourite past time can be a bit of a mystery to the outsider. Baseball may initially appear fairly simple– rounders with bigger bats – but… any conversation with a baseball nut can leave the uninitiated confused in the extreme. Talk of RBI singles and slugging percentages isn’t even the kind of jargon that you can understand merely by watching a bit of baseball. Someone will need to explain it to you. And that is where Phillip Mahony’s book Baseball Explained can step into the breach… Much is described in an easy to read and light hearted tone, with a nice balance between technical detail of the rules and strategies of the game, historical and cultural anecdotes, and humour… If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between striking out looking and striking out swinging, or can’t tell your change up from your slider, or are baffled by mentions of fly outs, foul tips and sacrifice bunts, then this book may well be your saviour.” – Aidan Williams, “The Sports Book Review” blog (UK). For full review click here. 

"This book belongs in every baseball fan's library.  No matter what level you think you are at as a fan, you will find something that gets clarified or explained in a way that gives the game a new meaning for you.  I learned how to do a score card correctly, and finally someone explained to me the damn infield-fly rule in a way I understand.  It only took 35 years for someone to explain it so I could understand it!  So to Phillip Mahony, I say thank you for that one. No single fan knows everything, and this book proves it.  Everyone should check this book out." - "Gregg's Baseball Bookcase" blog. For full review click here.

"This question is directed at hard-core baseball fans like myself.  Have you ever found it difficult to explain the game to someone who has never played or watched the game?  How to explain the three outs, nine innings, double plays, or even why if the batter doesn't swing at the pitch sometimes it's a strike and sometimes it isn't, can be a challenge.  Now, we have a book to help us. This is an outstanding book that will be enjoyed by anyone interested in the game, no matter that person’s knowledge level of baseball.  I plan on keeping my copy to help me explain the game to my grandchildren." – Lance Smith, “The Guy Who Reviews Sports Books” blog. For full review click here.