"My love for baseball developed in the '60’s, one of the game’s greatest decades. Doug Kurkul has brought my childhood back to life with this fascinating book.

I learned something on every page!" - Tim Kurkjian, ESPN“I have delved into chapter after chapter and I’ve gotten such satisfaction out of every one. ”– Branch Rickey III, Pacific Coast League President emeritusWhether you are a baseball aficionado, a fan of the ’60s, or just love to read about characters called Smoky, Blue Moon, Catfish, Pumpsie, Rocky, Tito, Zoilo, and Yogi, this book is for you.

-- Michael Gaski, M. A.

, M. F.

A. , Past President, USA BaseballThe Sixties were one of baseball's most memorable eras.

The storylines still resonate today. Many players were as famous as Hollywood's most glamorous stars and the guitar heroes from emerging rock n roll bands.

The sport was played with sound fundamentals as hurlers pitched inside and went deep into games, batters hit behind the runner and executed perfect bunts, baserunners went hard into second base, and fielders crashed into walls to make impossible catches. The quality of play had never been stronger.

It's a Beautiful Day for Baseball provides an inside look at the national pastime -- on and off the field -- and the men who played the game. You'll read stories you never knew about the game's greatest stars and the young men who battled just to stay in the big leagues.

Drawing on extensive research and the memories of more than 40 former players collected by author Doug Kurkul over a 17-year period, Section One provides a loving look at the sport, noting how much it as evolved over the decades. Section Two highlights the experiences and memories of a mix of superstars, journeymen, and short-term players, providing a 360-degree perspective.

The Appendix provides original research into the leather of choice -- the brand of baseball glove used -- by more than 300 players. Now, take a trip back in time when baseball was still the undisputed National Pastime and nearly every day was seemingly a beautiful day for baseball!.