Books to Borrow Martinsburg Public Library Recommends

Rewind to 1992. A movie has just released showing women playing professional baseball. The book, No Crying in Baseball, is a homage to one of America’s most beloved movies of the 1990s – A League of Their Own. Written by Erin Carlson, a cultural and entertainment journalist, the book takes us on a deep dive into the making of the movie. This journey lets us look at the works of Penny Marshall (of Laverne and Shirley fame), Tom Hanks, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, and the movie’s star, Geena Davis. Thoroughly detailed, this book will fully entertain three groups of readers: Sports fans, history buffs and movie aficionados.

The appeal for the sports fans is the deep appreciation that the writer has for the female athletes who were a part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Yes, this is a delight to those who follow sports and old-time athletics. The league ran from 1943 until 1954 and was supposed to fill the vacuum in sports left by baseball players joining the armed forces during World War II.

The history of America in the 1940s and 50s will appeal to the history buff reader. The rise of women in all aspects of American life was a pivotal moment for these two decades. Rosie the Riveter and the influx of women into both the work force and sports is noted in this book. It also points out that segregation kept black female athletes out of the women’s baseball league.

Movie aficionados will find the most pleasure in reading this book. All facets of movie making are highlighted. Much of the book is devoted to the struggles of Penny Marshall to get this film made. Writers Babaloo Mandel and Lowell Ganz, who produced the iconic “no crying in baseball” statement, are also discussed. The juiciest parts of the book are anecdotes and stories about the actors. The work of all actors in the movie are described well. Readers will enjoy reading about the struggles that Tom Hanks had up until he made this movie. Madonna, at the height of her Material Girl image, will bring some comedy to the readers.

The last of the nine chapters (coinciding with nine innings of a baseball game) deals with the impact the movie has made. In the years following the movie’s release, there was a huge rise in the participation in all girls’ high school sports.

By melding sports and movies, the book is a great read for many. So play ball and sit down and find out how A League of the Their Own was made.