Elm Grove Publishing

     In 1954, distinguished author and historian Jacques Barzun wrote: “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball, the rules and reality of the game.” A plaque bearing this quote is displayed prominently in the Baseball hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

     Yet, by the 1990s Barzun felt nothing but disdain for the sport that had once meant so much to him. 

What caused this reversal in sentiment­—a feeling shared by many other fans of Barzun’s generation? 

     In The Elysian Fields of Baseball, author Nelson Wolff tackles Barzun's dilemma, as he examines the history of the nation’s pastime in a spiritual context, tracing its roots and drawing on his own childhood memories, recalling the personalities who have influenced the game in his lifetime. 

     As entertaining as it is insightful, The Elysian Fields of Baseball tracks the evolution of the sport since the first balls were “knocked out of the park” at the now almost mythical Elysian Fields of Hoboken, New Jersey.

     A lifelong fan of baseball—as well as a keen player—Judge Nelson W. Wolff has been privileged to get to know some of its most influential and engaging characters.

     The author explores the history of the sport, its lesser known truths and myths, sharing many highly entertaining memories, along with his dreams and hopes for the future of the game.

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222 pages illustrated throughout with b/w photographs