Foul Ball

Foul Ball by Jim Bouton, published by Turner Publishing Company in May 2021, is a 520-page exploration of the author’s efforts to preserve Wahconah Park, one of the oldest ballparks in the United States. This edition features freshly edited content and a new foreword by Bouton’s wife, Paula, providing readers with an updated perspective on the challenges faced in saving the historic site against local opposition.

In this engaging narrative, Bouton employs his trademark wit to recount his experiences battling corporate interests and anti-democratic processes that threatened the park’s existence. The book serves as a detailed diary, marking Bouton’s first since his renowned work, Ball Four. Readers will find insights into the complexities of local governance, the influence of media in a small town, and the motivations behind the push for a new stadium, all while reflecting on the significance of baseball in American culture.