Hilarious and insightful tales from the world of professional baseball by ESPN baseball analyst Tim KurkjianThe New York Times Bestseller!In the aftermath of the Steroid Era that stained the game of baseball, at a time when so many players are so rich and therefore have a sense of entitlement that they haven't earned, ESPN baseball commentator Tim Kurkjian shows readers how to love the game more than ever, with incredible insight and stories that are hilarious, heartbreaking, and revealing.From what Pete Rose was doing in the batting cage a few minutes after getting out of prison, to why everyone strikes out these days and why no one seems to care, I'm Fascinated By Sacrifice Flies will surprise even longtime baseball fans. Tim explains the fear factor in the game, and what it feels like to get hit by a pitch; Adam LaRoche wanted to throw up in the batter's box. He examines the game's superstitions: Eliot Johnson's choice of bubble gum, a poker chip in Sean Burnett's back pocket. He unearths the unwritten rules of the game, takes readers inside ESPN, and reveals how Tony Gwynn made baseball so much more fun to watch.And, of course, Tim will explain to readers why he is fascinated by sacrifice flies.

ForewordIntroductionChapter 1: The Best GameChapter 2: The Hardest GameChapter 3: Hit by PitchChapter 4: Sounds of the GameChapter 5: SuperstitionsChapter 6: Unwritten RulesChapter 7: Sacrifice FliesChapter 8: Bonds HR NamesChapter 9: The QuirkjiansChapter 10: Box ScoresChapter 11: ObitsChapter 12: ESPNChapter 13: K'sChapter 14: Official ScoringChapter 15: State of the GameAcknowledgements