“Bluegrass Baseball” takes a survey on the minor league baseball landscape in 2010. As documented in the book, only a small percentage of baseball hopefuls will earn a call up to the Major League. Minor league baseball survives by selling tickets, and providing fans with an affordable family entertainment option. One of the attractions of baseball at this level are the many gimmicks and promotions offered.
Case in point, the owner of the Lexington Legends offered to eat cat food if his team wasn’t victorious (which of course, they lost). He also put up his hair to excite his fan base. Knowing how to get people talking, he remained in a box seat until his team finally won a game. Concerned fans brought him a tent, blankets, and food to eat. The Legends also offered fans a man that would dress up like the proverbial fat lady to sing when the game was no longer in doubt.
Cengel brings readers behind the scenes, as players struggle making peanuts, and receiving a small allowance for daily meals. The Legends featured a first round pick of the Houston Astros, who received a $1.8 million signing bonus, but of course, no guarantee he would become a Major League ball player. Cengel also details how thes athletes deal with frequent travel, nagging injuries, batting slumps, heaving a social life, and trying to stay positive hoping to receive that phone from the big leagues.
The book includes some intriguing baseball stories, featuring players that would receive that phone call, while others that would adjust to life after baseball. Cengel discusses the realization when a player has to ultimately decide to call it a career, knowing its the end of the line. Case in point, Pete Rose Jr., who made it the major leagues, but would end up coaching and managing at the minor league level.
By: Katya Cengel
Narrated by: Bob Johnson
Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 03-13-15
