After interviewing multiple ballplayers whose careers spanned the first half of the 20th century, Lawrence S. Ritter published a well-received collection of their stories and perspectives. Included are some clips of Ritter's recordings.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

According to Arnold Rampersad’s book, “Jackie Robinson: A Biography”, Jackie Robinson’s claim to fame was not soley being the first African American baseball player to play in the MLB, but Robinson was also a symbol of race relations and civil justice. Rampersad’s book also includes various stories of Robinson’s background & family life. Robinson was court martialed for not sitting in the back of a bus. Sadly, Robinson’s son, Jackie, Jr. could never handle being the son of Jackie Robinson and he turned to drugs.

Discussing the book "Beating the Bushes: Life in the Minor League," published by Icarus Press) with sports editor and author Frank Dolson.

Discussing "The Sportswriter" (published by Random House Vintage) with the author Richard Ford.

Basketball, subjects in school, and dreams of going pro are topics covered in Darcy Frey's book, "The Last Shot: City Streets, Basketball Dreams." The main characters from Frey's book all come from impoverished backgrounds and if they can't make the pro's, they hope to break out of their current situations.