Baseball in Blue and Gray: The National Pastime during the Civil War

The Civil War Baseball Chronicles is a comprehensive and captivating account of baseball during America's most tumultuous period.

This book takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the growth and transformation of the national pastime, from the battlefront to the home front.

With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, George Kirsch brings to life the players, fans, and entrepreneurs who shaped baseball during this pivotal time in American history. From training camps to war prisons, soldiers with bats in their rucksacks spread baseball across the country, while fans honored it as a symbol of national pride.

The book details key developments in the sport itself, including the spread of the New York-style of play and the advent of revised pitching rules, as well as the growth of commercialism. With a focus on the human side of baseball during the Civil War, Kirsch recounts vivid stories of great players and describes how baseball helped to relieve boredom and boost morale among soldiers.

He also introduces entrepreneurs who preached the gospel of baseball, boosted female attendance, and found new ways to make money. Throughout the book, readers will witness bitterly contested championships that enthralled whole cities, as well as the important role African Americans played in embracing the sport.

With a focus on the most critical moments in baseball history, The Civil War Baseball Chronicles is an essential read for any fan of the game or American history.