Got my copies today (9/30) - one for me, one for my dad (yes, my dad who introduced me to the pastime/obsession with baseball). Your inscription (from my request) was spot on perfect, as I'm sure were all the other requests.
I noticed there is NOT a 'table of contents' or listing at the front. But if you go to the back, the photo credits, DO list the players in reverse order 100-1. But I guess NOT having a formal Table of Contents encourages, 'diving right in' and flipping around to find YOUR favorite player.
I also appreciate the updates and notes (honoring those who left us after Joe composed their original pieces). Yes, I read the pieces as they came out in The Athletic. Yes, I'll read them all again. And again. THANKS JOE!
Joe, I found you through the Athletic. Loved the logo of your JoeBlogs article when you announced you were joining the site. I can't remember specifically, but your post ended up talking about Sega and I was hooked. I didn't miss an article from you. Then came the Baseball 100 and you became - far and away - my favorite sportswriter. Thank you for everything that you do. I can't wait to get my signed book... like literally can't wait.
Joe, I read 20-30 articles online daily and I have never commented on one until now. I just have two words: Thank You. I ordered the book and don’t have it yet but I’m counting the days. My grandfather in Cuba played in senior leagues into his 50’s. I play in a 45+ league now. My 11 year old is a starting right fielder on a pretty decent travel team. Baseball runs in my blood and out of the hundreds of baseball books I’ve read in my life I am looking forward to this one more than any. Wish I could sit and go through it with my abuelo but my son and I will treasure this. Again: Thank you.
Congratulations, Joe! I’m another reader who followed the top 100 through the first two attempts, and then the final with The Athletic (plus the Shadowball essays). Now, I’m eagerly awaiting my signed copy. I’m looking forward to sharing this with two of my kids.
Hey Joe. Congratulations on what seems to be a resounding success. And congratulations to all the readers who will experience the joy of reading these stories again or for the first time. I just got my preorder from Powell’s books here in Portland.
I was one of those who read the entries on both your first attempt - you made 69 entries- and your second attempt - you got thru 35 that time around. Plus your corresponding “Shadow Ball” entries.
As the third, final, and official series counted down on The Athletic I made an excel spreadsheet that compared Joe’s three lists. Posted the results under the comments for TY Cobb I believe.
Readers, these first two attempts by Joe had a total of 104 stories not included in his final Baseball 100 at The Athletic. Most of these were for the same players as in the final version, but often the stories were different by a little - or a lot. Also there were 21 players who were on one- or both (e.g. Ron Santo was 78 on one, 98 on another, not on final list) of Joe’s first two lists but not on The Athletic list.
I’m pretty sure his second draft postings are here on his substack blog from his first time here. It may be a little difficult to search for them though. His first draft consisting of 69 stories I’m not sure where on the web they are. They preceded his substack days. Wondering if Joe- can someone at substack ask him- might create category folders for both of these first two drafts so that people can get more ‘Joe”. Maybe Joe can use this fact to market his blog here a little bit more?
Finally, all three versions not only had Joe’s stories, but of course many comments from the readers. Especially at the Athletic, where there was a big audience, there were hundreds, often over a 1,000 comments for each story. I spent so much time reading those comments. I can’t begin to estimate how many words those comments consisted of, but it would dwarf Joe’s masterpiece. Sure there were lots of - how shall I say it? - inane comments, but there were tons of fun, thoughtful observations and analyses. For those who still have a subscription to The Athletic- I went there for Joe, but decided to stay on - reading the comments was mostly a joy, just a little less than reading Joe’s stories. During the dark days of the pandemic when most things were shut down, the back and forth between regular commenters was like a social lifesaver.
There were many wonderful participants, two I remember most as having especially insightful comments were Nik K - a combination of Shakespeare and Bob Hope- and John A who volunteered such wonderful analysis and stats and subsequent reader discussions- all inspired by Joe’s original stories.
I had hoped that Joe could publish an addendum to his baseball 100 of all the comments. But rather than being an appendix it would be more like an encyclopedia set. And probably legally not possible. But I suggest that you all share the existence of these online comments - and extra stories- with those who are only reading the hardback version.
Well said on all counts. The community spawned by his daily essays was almost -- almost -- as much fun as the essays themselves. And I concur on the Nik K (he did a comments word count; in the millions, I think) and John A.
I'll join this. I was part of that community in those darkest days of the early pandemic. It'll remain one of my LIFE'S great memories. As all who joined it know, it was truly that special.
I do find it a little amusing that Joe is fixated on the fact that he’s getting support and good notices from people he doesn’t even know! Maybe it’s because the book’s good & not just because they like you?
Awesome! Happy for you, Joe. Well deserved! I have just ordered it via my local independent bookstore here in Hungary. It’ll take 2 weeks to arrive from the US, but it will surely be worth it.
Congrats Joe! I followed closely the 100 articles as you posted them, sent them to my dad so we could discuss. So had to pre-order and get one for me and him as well. He was going through it last night right after it got delivered, and heard he woke up early and immediately started leafing through it more today. Thanks for creating this!
Although I am disappointed I was a little late to order, and couldn't get it personalized. Thought he'd love if you could write down a song he created during the '93 NLCS as the Phillies played the Braves - "I am Lemke, hear me roar. Through the bases I will soar!" Or reference his undying love for Rico Brogna...
Yeay for you, Joe! No one deserves this more than you!
Somehow I feel a kind of reader’s pride in having discovered your writing in the KC Star a few months before you moved to Sports Illustrated. Not easy for a Rhode Islander! But the writing and the accomplishments and success are all yours, and I’m ecstatic to just be along for the ride. And by the way, Cary Hite does a fine job in narrating the nearly 31-hour audiobook version! Thank you once again, Joe.
Congratulations Joe. Your series on The Athletic gave me much joy and re-sparked a dormant passion for baseball and its history. Can't wait to pick up the book to read it again.
And can I just say the Monte Irvin essay is among the best things you've ever written -- in my opinion.
Got my copies today (9/30) - one for me, one for my dad (yes, my dad who introduced me to the pastime/obsession with baseball). Your inscription (from my request) was spot on perfect, as I'm sure were all the other requests.
I noticed there is NOT a 'table of contents' or listing at the front. But if you go to the back, the photo credits, DO list the players in reverse order 100-1. But I guess NOT having a formal Table of Contents encourages, 'diving right in' and flipping around to find YOUR favorite player.
I also appreciate the updates and notes (honoring those who left us after Joe composed their original pieces). Yes, I read the pieces as they came out in The Athletic. Yes, I'll read them all again. And again. THANKS JOE!
Earned it.
Joe, I found you through the Athletic. Loved the logo of your JoeBlogs article when you announced you were joining the site. I can't remember specifically, but your post ended up talking about Sega and I was hooked. I didn't miss an article from you. Then came the Baseball 100 and you became - far and away - my favorite sportswriter. Thank you for everything that you do. I can't wait to get my signed book... like literally can't wait.
Congratulations Joe. You've brought so much joy to so many, is nice to see you get some back.
Joe, I read 20-30 articles online daily and I have never commented on one until now. I just have two words: Thank You. I ordered the book and don’t have it yet but I’m counting the days. My grandfather in Cuba played in senior leagues into his 50’s. I play in a 45+ league now. My 11 year old is a starting right fielder on a pretty decent travel team. Baseball runs in my blood and out of the hundreds of baseball books I’ve read in my life I am looking forward to this one more than any. Wish I could sit and go through it with my abuelo but my son and I will treasure this. Again: Thank you.
Congratulations, Joe! I’m another reader who followed the top 100 through the first two attempts, and then the final with The Athletic (plus the Shadowball essays). Now, I’m eagerly awaiting my signed copy. I’m looking forward to sharing this with two of my kids.
Hey Joe. Congratulations on what seems to be a resounding success. And congratulations to all the readers who will experience the joy of reading these stories again or for the first time. I just got my preorder from Powell’s books here in Portland.
I was one of those who read the entries on both your first attempt - you made 69 entries- and your second attempt - you got thru 35 that time around. Plus your corresponding “Shadow Ball” entries.
As the third, final, and official series counted down on The Athletic I made an excel spreadsheet that compared Joe’s three lists. Posted the results under the comments for TY Cobb I believe.
Readers, these first two attempts by Joe had a total of 104 stories not included in his final Baseball 100 at The Athletic. Most of these were for the same players as in the final version, but often the stories were different by a little - or a lot. Also there were 21 players who were on one- or both (e.g. Ron Santo was 78 on one, 98 on another, not on final list) of Joe’s first two lists but not on The Athletic list.
I’m pretty sure his second draft postings are here on his substack blog from his first time here. It may be a little difficult to search for them though. His first draft consisting of 69 stories I’m not sure where on the web they are. They preceded his substack days. Wondering if Joe- can someone at substack ask him- might create category folders for both of these first two drafts so that people can get more ‘Joe”. Maybe Joe can use this fact to market his blog here a little bit more?
Finally, all three versions not only had Joe’s stories, but of course many comments from the readers. Especially at the Athletic, where there was a big audience, there were hundreds, often over a 1,000 comments for each story. I spent so much time reading those comments. I can’t begin to estimate how many words those comments consisted of, but it would dwarf Joe’s masterpiece. Sure there were lots of - how shall I say it? - inane comments, but there were tons of fun, thoughtful observations and analyses. For those who still have a subscription to The Athletic- I went there for Joe, but decided to stay on - reading the comments was mostly a joy, just a little less than reading Joe’s stories. During the dark days of the pandemic when most things were shut down, the back and forth between regular commenters was like a social lifesaver.
There were many wonderful participants, two I remember most as having especially insightful comments were Nik K - a combination of Shakespeare and Bob Hope- and John A who volunteered such wonderful analysis and stats and subsequent reader discussions- all inspired by Joe’s original stories.
I had hoped that Joe could publish an addendum to his baseball 100 of all the comments. But rather than being an appendix it would be more like an encyclopedia set. And probably legally not possible. But I suggest that you all share the existence of these online comments - and extra stories- with those who are only reading the hardback version.
Have a good day all.
Well said on all counts. The community spawned by his daily essays was almost -- almost -- as much fun as the essays themselves. And I concur on the Nik K (he did a comments word count; in the millions, I think) and John A.
I'll join this. I was part of that community in those darkest days of the early pandemic. It'll remain one of my LIFE'S great memories. As all who joined it know, it was truly that special.
I do find it a little amusing that Joe is fixated on the fact that he’s getting support and good notices from people he doesn’t even know! Maybe it’s because the book’s good & not just because they like you?
Congrats Joe! I actually saw the book on Sunday at a bookstore in Toronto.
Congratulations on your success with the Baseball 100! I hope you are on your way to winning your second Casey Award!
Awesome! Happy for you, Joe. Well deserved! I have just ordered it via my local independent bookstore here in Hungary. It’ll take 2 weeks to arrive from the US, but it will surely be worth it.
Congrats Joe! I followed closely the 100 articles as you posted them, sent them to my dad so we could discuss. So had to pre-order and get one for me and him as well. He was going through it last night right after it got delivered, and heard he woke up early and immediately started leafing through it more today. Thanks for creating this!
Although I am disappointed I was a little late to order, and couldn't get it personalized. Thought he'd love if you could write down a song he created during the '93 NLCS as the Phillies played the Braves - "I am Lemke, hear me roar. Through the bases I will soar!" Or reference his undying love for Rico Brogna...
I bought this for my daughter. Katie, for Christmas and had you inscribe it to her. It has already been shipped. I can't wait to give it to her.
Yeay for you, Joe! No one deserves this more than you!
Somehow I feel a kind of reader’s pride in having discovered your writing in the KC Star a few months before you moved to Sports Illustrated. Not easy for a Rhode Islander! But the writing and the accomplishments and success are all yours, and I’m ecstatic to just be along for the ride. And by the way, Cary Hite does a fine job in narrating the nearly 31-hour audiobook version! Thank you once again, Joe.
Congratulations Joe. Your series on The Athletic gave me much joy and re-sparked a dormant passion for baseball and its history. Can't wait to pick up the book to read it again.
And can I just say the Monte Irvin essay is among the best things you've ever written -- in my opinion.
Spectacular, Joe. So happy for you. Well deserved.