When Ball Four was first published in 1970, it hit the sports world like a lightning bolt. Commissioners, executives, players and sportswriters were thrown into a state of shock. Stunned. Scandalized. The controversy was front-page news.

Join me in a look at not only the best baseball book, but one of the best books of the past century... Ball Four by Jim Bouton.

A Message from Jim Bouton Dear BALL FOUR reader: I've just written a new book—FOUL BALL: My Life and Hard Times Trying to Save an Old Ballpark. It's my first diary since BALL FOUR and I think you'll like it. As Keith Olbermann says, "FOUL BALL proves that a badly run city government can be just as dangerous—and just as hilarious—as a badly run baseball team." As with BALL FOUR there's a controversy surrounding FOUL BALL. So I had to publish it myself. And market it myself. Which is where you come in. My thought is that if you have friends who liked BALL FOUR you might want to forward this message to them. Then if they send it to their friends, and so on, I could actually sell some books. FOUL BALL is available in bookstores now. Jim Bouton Letters from Ball Four I contacted various characters from Ball Four to ask their thoughts about the book and Jim Bouton. Here's what Steve Barber, Frank Crosetti, Ralph Houk, and others had to say. Interview with Jim Bouton As you know, Jim Bouton has lots of interesting things to say. Read his thoughts on the Clinton White House, the traumatic death of his daughter, Ralph Nader, capital punishment, the two Sal Maglies, ballroom dancing, and what the future holds. Reviews of Ball Four Readers of Ball Four share their reviews, thoughts and memories of the book. Check out these real reviews before getting the new edition - not the tired New York Times views of Ball Four. Disclaimer: This is a fan site, and it is neither owned nor operated by Jim Bouton. Sales of any books or memorabilia from this site do not benefit Mr. Bouton in any way, except for the standard book royalties.