Working at the Ballpark: The Fascinating Lives of Baseball People, from Peanut Vendors and Broadcasters to Players and Managers (review)

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the ballpark where you go to watch a baseball game? What happens before you arrive at the ballpark, during the game, and after the game? In addition to the players, managers, and umpires on the field and the public address announcers, there are many vendors in the aisles and at various snack stands, as well as the management, groundskeepers, and other personnel.

Working at the Ballpark attempts to give voice to all those whose efforts are aimed at making your day at the ballpark a rewarding experience. The author does this by turning on his tape recorder and letting them vent. While he states that he asks each speaker three questions-what do you do for a living?; how did you get into this line of work?; and, what does the job mean to you?-it appears many of them have been just waiting for the opportunity to expound on what they do.

The respondents do not necessarily answer the author's questions directly. They apparently perceive that what they have to say will satisfy him. As a result, their responses include some bragging, some tedium, some hopes, some ambitions, some enjoyment, and even some inspiration in the efforts put forth. All of the speakers express more than a modicum of interest in the money they get paid, but interestingly, those who receive less seem to have a higher quotient of personal enjoyment.

I admit when I began the book, I expected to be reading how wonderful it was to be able to work at the ballpark and see the games for free or how wonderful it was to be associated with baseball in any capacity. My expectations were not always realized.

The author admits that not all the interviews he conducted panned out. However, fifty are printed here under seven categories: Movers and Shakers; In the Dugout; Field of Play; In the Bullpen; In the Stands and on the Street; Eyes and Ears; and Support Crew. The entries in each of the categories run the gamut from mundane to most interesting. For example, Field of Play brings the reader a player who talks about wanting to play and the strain of playing, as well as an umpire who talks straight from the shoulder. In the Stands and on the Street has a ticket hustler who would rather make money on a ticket than see an important game.

In addition to recommending the reader obtain a copy of the book, I suggest that rather than reading each chapter one after the other, readers should pick up the book from time to time and move from category to category, selecting an entry from each.

All in all, Working at the Ballpark is a worthwhile book about all aspects of the game.