The Sports Encyclopedia: Baseball 2003

I published a review for the 2000 edition of this book not 2001 or 2002. Many of the reviews listed under this edition are for earlier editions and some comments may not pertain. Books like this one can change dramatically from year to year. Errors could be corrected, new errors introduced and there is always a whole new season of statistics that has an effect on the flavor of the book. For instance 2002 was the year that Bonds broke McGwire's home run record, so I am sure that there is coverage of that. These books are not worth buying every year. But these authors do a credible job and I would expect this to be of similar quality to the one I own. I would suggest buying a copy once every 5 years if you are a baseball enthusiast and only every year if you are a fanatic. However for sports statistic fanatics it may be that Total Baseball has more information. now with the revelations about steroid use many of the records of the late 1990s and the 21st century are tainted.

This is a reasonably-priced, excellent reference book. The encyclopedia has a half-page essay for each year from 1901-2005, individual stats grouped by year and team, career stats, annual leaders, active leaders as of 2006, and much more. This is the 25rd edition of a classic which provides all the essentials of 20th and 21st century baseball in a managable size and easy-to-use format. Here are some things I particularly liked: * Article summaries of each season. * Separate articles for the postseason starting in 1998 * The player statistics are organized by year and team, a very useful alternative to Total Baseball. * Reasonable price. Here are some things I wish were different: * The 19th century is barely acknowledged. * On-base average is not included, a major omission. * The All-star Game are not included. This book is not nearly as comprehesive as Total Baseball, but delivers the essentials at less than half the cost.

i was in the bookstore one day looking for a baseball book that i get every year-- the sporting news 2001 baseball guide (which by the way is very good)but it wasnt there. Then I came across this book, I read the back and discovered that the Sporting News had named it a must for every baseball fan, so it must be good. I got home and took it out of the plastic and discovered it was great! It has every baseball player from 1900 to 2000. Every statistic possible. This is a must have for every baseball fan!!!

I think that this book was very informative. It gave me a lot of new information on players who I had heard about but never knew their stats. This book is must read for any baseball stat fan. I agree however that it seems to have omitted the negro leagues and info pertaining to them. Everybody involved with this book did a great job and appears to have done their homework. Once again I give it five stars.

As a true blue BB fan and regular reader of this fine encyclopedia I once again give it 5 stars. It will give you any season stat and biographical info on any player since 1900. Only drawback I can find is they completely omit the old Negro League players,seasons and stats. Other than this it deserves two thumbs way up!