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This is the first book to focus on a small but essential piece of every baseball game played during the last 100-plus years--the lineup card, used to record the full lineup and batting order for both teams. Drawing on input from dozens of memorabilia experts, collectors, team and league executives, umpires, coaches and managers, the author tells the story of the lineup card's role in America's pastime, from its history and usage to cards from famous games and the people who collect them. Nearly 200 illustrations include cards for Sandy Koufax's 1965 perfect game, Cal Ripken's record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game and the final game of Boston's first World Series title in 86 years.
List of contents
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Preface
Lineup Cards Defined
How to Read a Lineup Card
The History of Lineup Cards
The Use of Lineup Cards in Other Sports
A Day in the Life of a 2022 Lineup Card
Famous Lineup Cards
Lineup Card Artistry
Minor League Lineup Cards
The Lineup Card Collectors
Signatures/Autographs on Lineup Cards
Authenticity: Caveat emptor ("Let the buyer beware")
Lineup Cards: What Are They Worth, and Where to Buy/Sell
The Future of Lineup Cards
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Tom O'Reilly is a lineup card collector who lives in Southington, Connecticut. He spent 10 years as a trade magazine journalist and editor, and has also written sports articles for publications including the Connecticut Post, New Haven Register and Sports Collectors Digest.
Summary
The first book to focus on a small but essential piece of every baseball game - the lineup card, used to record the full lineup and batting order for both teams. Drawing on input from dozens of experts, collectors, executives, umpires, coaches and managers, the author tells the story of the lineup card’s role in America’s pastime.
