Inspired by Alex’s post on a great “last-minute shopping” baseball book, I’m listing a few others that look interesting (though I haven’t gotten to read these …yet):

• “When Baseball Went to War“: “Drawing on the resources of The National World War II Museum and richly illustrated with many never-before-published photographs, (this) is a fitting tribute to the players of the Greatest Generation–heroes who saved America’s Game thanks to their efforts on the battlefield and on the ballfield.”  Also includes an audio CD featuring interviews with the players of the era.
• “First Class Citizenship: The Civil Rights Letters of Jackie Robinson“: ” …presents a full picture of the man whose grace and confidence on the field were matched (if not surpassed) by a voice that spoke out, long and loud, for the equal opportunity, civil rights, and humanity of all Americans.  Jackie Robinson’s letters are a rich and invaluable contribution to his singular legacy and to the dynamic history of the civil rights movement.”
• “Baseball’s Greatest Quotations Rev. Ed.: An Illustrated Treasury of Baseball Quotations and Historical Lore“: The author of the “Dickson Baseball Dictionary” is back with a new edition of the best baseball quotes.  “One unique feature of this revised edition is the inclusion of pull-out sections featuring quotations by and about many of the game’s most quotable characters. Included are extended lessons in Stengelese, Reggiespeak, Earl Weaverisms, and famous announcers’ home-run calls …”
• “Wally Yonamine: The Man Who Changed Japanese Baseball“: “Wally Yonamine was both the first Japanese American to play for an NFL franchise and the first American to play professional baseball in Japan after World War II. This is the unlikely story of how a shy young man from the sugar plantations of Maui overcame prejudice to integrate two professional sports in two countries.”
• “Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back“: Josh Hamilton tells his story of immense talent derailed by drug addiction, and the subsequent spiritual journey which led to his getting a second chance.

… and finally, here are three books detailing the history of “The House that Ruth built”:

• “Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective“: More than 250 photographs – many never before published – “allow you to walk in the Stadium beside Mantle and Maris, witness the only perfect game in World Series history, and see the Stadium during the stirring 2001 World Series.”  It is also has firsthand accounts of what it was like to be there as history unfolded.
• “Yankee Stadium: A Tribute: 85 Years of Memories: 1923-2008“: Includes an “exclusively-produced DVD” highlighting the Golden Age of the stadium, narrated by Reggie Jackson. The book is “written with the cooperation of key Yankee players from the past and present”.
• “Remembering Yankee Stadium: An Oral and Narrative History of ‘The House That Ruth Built’“: ” … brilliantly and beautifully documents the stadium’s entire career through a decade-by-decade account, a priceless collection of historical photographs, and, most movingly, the vivid, first-person reminiscences of the people to whom this “citadel of sport” has meant so much: entertainers and politicians, broadcasters and sportswriters, players and fans.”   Note: Back in the “Baseball Toaster” days, Alex posted an interview conducted by Hank Waddles with the author of this retrospective (Harvey Frommer).