The Soul of Baseball Audiobook By Joe Posnanski cover art

The Soul of Baseball

A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America

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The Soul of Baseball

By: Joe Posnanski
Narrated by: David Sadzin
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About this listen

When legendary Negro League player Buck O'Neil asked Joe Posnanski how he fell in love with baseball, the renowned sports columnist was inspired by the question. He decided to spend the 2005 baseball season touring the country with the 94-year-old O'Neil in hopes of rediscovering the love that first drew them to the game.

The Soul of Baseball is as much the story of Buck O'Neil as it is the story of baseball. Driven by a relentless optimism and his two great passions - for America's pastime and for jazz, America's music - O'Neil played solely for love. In an era when greedy, steroid-enhanced athletes have come to characterize professional ball, Posnanski offers a salve for the damaged spirit: the uplifting life lessons of a truly extraordinary man who never missed an opportunity to enjoy and love life.

©2007 Joe Posnanski (P)2020 Tantor
Baseball & Softball Cultural & Regional Sports Inspiring Heartfelt
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What listeners say about The Soul of Baseball

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Just what I needed ...

... when what I needed were stories. Stories from a legend who helped me better understand a time I only heard of and know so little about. The narrator was perfect. The writing was lovely. The subject matter was as good as it gets.

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Great story

I only really knew of Buck through the Baseball - Ken Burns documentary. The book was a personal journey to get to see the world through his eyes and also to learn a lot of baseball history. The book moved quickly and the combination of time spent alone with Buck and seeing how he was an ambassador for baseball was riveting.

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best book on Audible

where do I start. Best book I've listened to on Audible. Buck O'Neil... eBay a man what a legacy. Great narration, great man, great story.

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A truly beautiful story !!

A powerful story that extends beyond baseball. It more about how to live a life, with passion, service and love.

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Awesome inspirational

It is a book describing the Negroleagues through the eyes of Buck O'neal. Good book

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A most pleasant listen

I very much enjoyed this look at the life of one of baseball’s greats. It was a great listen and it really touched my heart to hear his story and his attitude toward life.

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What a Man!

This book is based on a year the author spent with Buck O'Neil in his later years. Buck is a legend, having played in the Negro Leagues, coached in the major leagues, and having founded the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Buck was instrumental in getting many Negro Leagues players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He appeared on Ken Burns' documentaries and frequently on TV.

More importantly, Buck was just a great human being. His always positive and forgiving attitude will amaze you. Buck lived through a difficult era and experienced many things that would have made almost all of us bitter. He would not let that define him. He saw the best in everyone, and understood that people are not, generally speaking, all good or all bad, and that we all have bad days. Buck could bring out the good in people and turn a person's bad day into a good one.

In an age where people complain about everything and try to cancel others with a different viewpoint, we could sure use Buck O'Neil. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, but his example shines on. It will be impossible for most of us to live up to it, but we can try.

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Amazing!

This is my first audio book and I listened to it while on my walks. I really enjoyed it. The narrator has such a calming and peaceful voice.

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The best baseball book I've ever read.

Essential reading for baseball fans and non fans alike. So thoughtfully written and read. A gift.

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Inspiring, more than a baseball story

Joe Posnanski creates a lasting tribute to Buck O'Neil by not just relaying great baseball stories but a greater tribute to a life well lived. We all should carry a little of Buck O'Neil in us.

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