Books – wordsbyal

Al’s Books

Leveling the Playing Field - Women Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball Coaching and Leadership

“Leveling the Playing Field – Women Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball Coaching and Leadership” is a compelling book that delves into the transformative expedition and takes readers on an inspiring journey of women breaking through the traditionally male-dominated world of Major League Baseball (MLB) coaching. Authored by Al Lautenslager, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges, triumphs, and cultural shifts that have paved the way for women to take on pivotal roles within MLB organizations. This book serves as a powerful testament to the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-dominated arena.

The journey of women to the upper echelons of MLB is imbued with tales of perseverance, exceptional talent, and an unwavering commitment to equality. These narratives are not only inspiring but are also critical in challenging and ultimately reshaping the traditional perceptions of leadership within sports. The emergence of female leaders in such a historically male-dominated field underscores the importance of diversity in driving innovation, enhancing decision-making processes, and fostering a more inclusive environment.

What is “Leveling the Playing Field” about? “Leveling the Playing Field” is a book by Al Lautenslager that explores the groundbreaking journey of women in Major League Baseball (MLB) coaching. It chronicles the challenges, triumphs, and cultural shifts that have allowed women to break through barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry and take on leadership roles within MLB organizations.

Who is the author of the book? The book is written by Al Lautenslager, a seasoned baseball author with a deep understanding of the sport’s history and evolving dynamics. He provides a detailed exploration of women’s journey into MLB coaching and management.

Why is this book significant for today’s readers? The book highlights the changing landscape of MLB, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles. It also speaks to broader societal issues of gender diversity, inclusion, and breaking down barriers in male-dominated fields, making it relevant not only to baseball fans but also to those interested in women’s empowerment and diversity in leadership.

BOOK REVIEW:

Diamond Sparkler

“Author Al Lautenslager’s “Leveling the Playing Field” takes a deep dive into the stories of the women who have dedicated themselves to opening doors for other women who dream of carving out lives in baseball, whether on the field or in the front office. The book does a first rate job of portraying some of these remarkable women in concise, illuminating prose that never becomes unappealingly aggressive or cloying, and that captures the essence of the special sauce each brings to the baseball table. Full disclosure: I am one of those women, and I’m humbled and astonished to be named among a group of such dedicated, accomplished women. Reading and learning about the others has been a totally uplifting experience, and gives me hope that the work I and those others have done during the past forty+ years will not have been in vain, but will have essentially changed the landscape of baseball from that of a barren, estrogenless terrain to one that welcomes and embraces women’s participation. With writers like Al Lautenslager championing the cause, the future of baseball will arrive a lot sooner than it might have without his wonderful contribution to the archive of great sports literature, and the future is looking very bright indeed.”

-Perry Lee Barber – Baseball Pioneer and Pioneer in Breaking Barriers

Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Morgan James

Cincinnati Soul: An In-Depth Review of the Cincinnati Tigers, the Cincinnati Cuban Stars, and Other Negro League Baseball in Cincinnati

Released June 10, 2025

A compelling new book that delves deep into the rich, yet often overlooked, history of Cincinnati’s Black baseball teams. With a focus on teams like the Cincinnati Tigers and the Cincinnati Cuban Stars, Cincinnati Soul aims to resurrect the legacies of these pioneering players, coaches, and community figures who shaped the Negro Leagues during a time of segregation and social upheaval. Through painstaking research and captivating storytelling, Lautenslager brings to light the extraordinary skills, challenges, and resilience of the Black athletes who played in Cincinnati during the era of the Negro Leagues. These players, including many who went on to become major league stars, are too often forgotten in the broader narrative of baseball history. This book ensures their stories are remembered, celebrated, and recognized for their crucial contributions to both the sport and American culture.

“This book is about much more than baseball,” Lautenslager says. “It’s about community, identity, and the fight for equality. It’s about the players who had to endure racial barriers, economic struggles, and social prejudice just to play the game they loved. Their passion and persistence paved the way for future generations, not only in baseball, but in the broader Civil Rights Movement.”

The book will explore the socio-economic and cultural backdrop of Cincinnati during this pivotal time, offering readers an immersive view of how baseball, race, and community intersected. It will shine a light on how these teams became integral to the Black community, providing not only entertainment but also a sense of pride and identity. By chronicling the lives and struggles of players like Porter Moss, Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe, Neil Robinson and Joseph “Ducky” Medwick, Cincinnati Soul helps readers understand the profound impact these athletes had on shaping both the game of baseball and the social fabric of Cincinnati.

In addition to team profiles and player stories, Lautenslager’s book delves into important historical themes such as segregation, Jim Crow laws, the barnstorming circuit, night baseball, and the pivotal role of the Black press in promoting these teams. It also highlights the significant contributions of Black baseball in the context of Cincinnati’s legacy, particularly at iconic venues like Crosley Field.

This book is released on June 10, 2025. Purchase links will be coming soon. You can email Al at al@allautenslager.com.

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Baseball Confidential: A Revealing Look at Behind the Scenes Communication Between Players, Coaches and Managers

Baseball Confidential is a revealing look at behind the scenes communication between players, coaches, and managers at all levels of baseball. The book consists of stories and interviews with former players, coaches, and managers mostly at the Major League Baseball level. This book is written for baseball fans. Every fan wants to know what is said on the mound, in the locker room, behind closed doors and more. With my exposures to coaches, players and fans that is all brought to light in Baseball Confidential. Readers are invited to come behind the closed doors. The book reveals many funny and good stories related to the mentioned, behind-the-scenes communication. This is a baseball book that includes what coaches say to players: to pitchers on mound visits, pre- and post-game pep talks, and more.

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Managing the Show: Inside the Responsibilities of Major League Baseball’s General Managers

Managing the Show is a revealing look and behind the scenes details of the responsibilities of Major League Baseball’s general managers.

Tune in to any MLB broadcast, radio, TV or streaming and you will hear broadcasters and reporters including “The Show,” in their reporting.

One of the side effects of the “Moneyball” era has been the glamorization (and, at times, charm, and obsession) of baseball’s general manager position. Baseball general managers are the ones responsible for managing the show. Let’s take a look inside that.

We as fans think we know what to do and we think we know what is going through the head of an MLB general manager, but we really don’t. We don’t until now. Managing the Show – Inside the Daily Responsibilities of Major League Baseball’s General Managers, opens up the world of baseball general management and pulls back the curtain of what really happens in baseball and inside the world of a baseball general manager.

This book shares information on how baseball’s general managers work to further develop their show. Just like armchair quarterbacks in football, we as true baseball fans put ourselves in the shoes of the team’s general manager, at least in our own minds or in hot stove league conversations abound. Now it’s time to get out of that armchair and see the real story.

The book consists of stories and interviews with former and current baseball general managers at the Major League Baseball level.

This book is written for the baseball fan.

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Davinci Visits Today: A Renaissance Genius Observes Today's World

You’ve heard that history repeats itself. Nothing could be the case more than much of da Vinci’s ideas, thinking, and lessons. What if da Vinci stepped foot in today’s world? You are about to find out. This book is part history and part futuristic. There are clearly two stories within this book. One is about the life and works of Leonardo, serving a base for current observations. The other story is of his views of today, stepping into current times for the first time. The goal is to stimulate your thinking: develop new connections and new ideas, all through a book that will be an enjoyable read. This will appeal to historians, art aficionados, futurists and entrepreneurs, for there are elements of interest for each, throughout. We have much to learn from him, even 500+ years after his death. Now let’s have the conversation and go on his journey, with him.

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A Day in the Life of a Tuscany Winemaker: Continuing the Craft and Passion of Old-World Italian Wines

Most people love a behind the scenes story. You are about to learn what happens behind those scenes of winemaking, specifically for winemakers in Tuscany. You will learn what the life of a Tuscan winemaker is like. You will grow an appreciation for those that make wine for you. You will obtain more than a conversational knowledge to talk about and to be able to better share your wine experiences. You will learn that wine is more than a glass or beverage that goes with dinner.

This book is the only comprehensive guide to the lives of Tuscan winemakers. It surveys lifestyles, career path choices, family influences, tradition and more, perfect for any and all Italian wine enthusiasts.

Fasten your seat belts and get ready to immerse yourself in their lives.

This book is the perfect invitation to the Italian/Tuscan wine and winemaking experience.

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