Take Two and Hit to Right - by Hobe Hays (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Not so long ago every town in the United States that had an ounce of pride had a baseball team. The cities had their big leagues, and the bigger towns had their minor league clubs. The whistle stops and crossroad market towns had their teams too, and they were treasured institutions. This was the golden age of local baseball, and it was remarkable while it lasted. Hobe Hays has written a careful, warm, and evocative account of his days as a serious player on serious teams in middle America. His sketches bring alive a vanishing era.

From the Back Cover

Not so long ago every town in the United States that had an ounce of pride had a baseball team. The whistle stops and crossroad market towns had their teams too, and they were treasured institutions. This was the golden age of local baseball, and it was remarkable while it lasted. Hobe Hays has written a careful, warm, and evocative account of his days as a serious player on serious teams in middle America. His sketches bring alive a vanished era.

Review Quotes

"A colorful account of an all-but-forgotten chapter of baseball history. It brings to life the rough and tumble guys who played baseball for the love of the game and a twenty buck share of the gate receipts."--Virgil Parker, former sports editor, Lincoln Journal-Star

"Hobe Hays paints a dynamite picture with words. His tales of baseball days at the University of Nebraska and in the raucous, competitive, and hilarious arena of semi-pro action in the Cornhusker State provide diamond manna for fans interested in fun and history. . . . A welcome addition to Nebraska sports lore."--Don Bryant, associate athletic director, University of Nebraska

"This is a unique manuscript; I know of no other that treats the world of semi-pro baseball. It is especially valuable to have coverage of semi-pro ball during baseball's 'Golden Age.'"--Larry Gerlach, president, Society for American Baseball Research

About the Author

Hobe Hays was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and played baseball for the University of Nebraska as well as for semi-pro teams in various Nebraska towns. Hays has also been an artist, art director, and teacher in the New York City area.