Dan Hirshberg to Discuss “Baseball in Pinellas County” with Peter Golenbock
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Sports journalist Dan Hirshberg will discuss his new book, “Baseball in Pinellas County” with renowned author Peter Golenbock at Tombolo Books on September 30th. The event will highlight the rich, often overlooked, history of baseball within the Florida county adn the local players who have risen to prominence. Tombolo Books is located in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Beyond Spring Training: A Local Baseball History
The book,published by Arcadia Publishing,delves deeper than Pinellas County’s well-known role as a spring training location for Major League Baseball teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies.Arcadia publishing specializes in local history books. Rather, it chronicles the stories of local athletes who progressed from little league through the professional ranks.
Hirshberg, a writer for the Tampa Bay Weekly News Group, profiles several major leaguers with ties to Pinellas County, including Howard Johnson, Casey Kotchman, and Toby Hall.Tampa Bay Weekly News Group covers local news and sports in the Tampa Bay area. The book also recognizes the contributions of coaches and scouts, featuring a foreword writen by Tom Kotchman, a veteran of minor league management and scouting for the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox.
Stories of Triumph and Tragedy
“Baseball in Pinellas County” doesn’t shy away from arduous narratives. It documents the tragic story of Steve Georgiadis, a promising player whose life was cut short during a routine surgical procedure. The book also celebrates the success of three state championship-winning high school baseball teams from different eras, showcasing the consistent strength of the county’s baseball programs.
Notably, Seminole High School has produced an impressive 44 players drafted into Major League Baseball, demonstrating the depth of talent nurtured within Pinellas County.
A Universal Story of Baseball Dreams
“You don’t have to be from Pinellas County to enjoy this book,” Hirshberg stated. “It’s a book with stories about people who could be from anywhere, anytime.” this sentiment underscores the book’s broader appeal, focusing on the universal themes of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of a dream through baseball.
Hirshberg is also the author of a biography on Phil Rizzuto and has written books about NFL stars for young readers. “Baseball in Pinellas County” is currently available for purchase at local bookstores,through Amazon,and on the Arcadia Publishing website.
Key Takeaways:
Local Focus: The book highlights the often-overlooked baseball history within Pinellas County, Florida, beyond its spring training presence.
Diverse Stories: It features profiles of major leaguers, coaches, scouts, and even a tragic story, offering a comprehensive look at the local baseball landscape. Talent Pipeline: Pinellas County, particularly Seminole High School, has a strong track record of producing MLB draft picks.
Universal Appeal: While focused on a specific region, the book’s themes resonate with anyone interested in baseball and the pursuit of dreams.