CLOSE
Wiffle® Ball
Wiffle® Ball

Wiffle® Ball

The Ultimate Guide
By Michael Hermann, By Wiffle Ball, Inc.

SPORTS & RECREATION

160 Pages, 5 x 7.5

Formats: Trade Paper, EPUB, Mobipocket, PDF

Trade Paper, $12.95 (US $12.95) (CA $14.95)

ISBN 9781600783616

Rights: WOR

Triumph Books (Apr 2010)

eBook

eBook Editions Available

Will it work on my eReader?
Sorry, this item is temporarily out of stock
Google Preview
9781600783616
Media Copy

Overview

Fun and informative, this dual history and guide to all things Wiffle® gives readers an inside look at the enigma of the perforated plastic ball and the unique game that evolved around it. The book recounts the 1953 circumstances in which a down-on-his luck shoe polish salesman and his 13-year-old son concocted the first Wiffle® ball from spare perfume packaging, turning a plastic orb into an American icon. The hard science behind the ball and its seemingly unpredictable tendency toward curveballs is explained in addition to useful guides to handling the ball and enjoying the sport, such as throwing a sinker, a riser, and a screwball. The history of the variation of baseball that accompanies the plastic ball and bat is detailed along with profiles on some of the most competitive players and anecdotes from professional athletes and celebrities who have enjoyed the sport in their personal lives. This one-of-a-kind book will recall fond memories of playing Wiffle® ball and provide a thorough understanding of this quirky American recreational sport.

Author Biography

Michael Hermann
See Author
Michael Hermann is the president of Wicked Cow Entertainment, which oversees brand management for Wiffle Ball, Inc. He is a former local TV anchor and reporter, and a former producer and host of Fox Sports' Reverse Angle. He lives in New York City.

Media

The LA Daily News raves about Wiffle Ball.
Read Now
Michael Hermann talks to the LA Daily News about the allure of Wiffle Ball.
Read Now
The Post-Journal takes a look at Wiffle Ball and the history behind the product.
Read Now
ESPN 980 talks to Michael Hermann about Wiffle Ball.
Listen Now
Michael Hermann talks to WTIC about the history of Wiffle Ball.
Listen Now
Cool Material endorses Wiffle Ball.
Read Now
The Gut is a fan of Wiffle Ball.
Read Now
Spitball checks in with their review of Wiffle Ball.
Read Now
TBO.com gives a terrific review to Wiffle Ball.
Read Now
The Sun Gazette gives a nice review to Wiffle Ball.
Read Now

Book Signings

Past Events

Aug
12
Michael Hermann - "Wiffle Ball" ›
New York, NY
9:00pm
Jun
02
Michael Hermann - "Wiffle Ball" ›
New York, NY
7:00pm

Press Releases

Wiffle Ball:
The Ultimate Guide
by Michael Hermann

 

It's old school and new school. It's unique and ubiquitous. It's yellow and white. It's red, white, and blue. It's one of America's favorite brands: a classic for nearly 60 years and still a fad-proof fan favorite. The Wiffle ball remains the great equalizer, befuddling batters of all ages. It curves, zips, and zooms with a mind of its own, turning anyone into a major league pitcher. With millions of Wiffle bats and balls sold each year, its following is unparralleled with a devotion bordering on obsession.

 

In Wiffle Ball: The Ultimate Guide, author Michael Hermann gives readers an inside look at the strue story of how in 1953 a down-on-his luck shoe polish salesman and his 13-year old son concocted the first Wiffle ball from discarded perfume packaging, turning a plastic orb into an American icon. Take a look inside the Wiffle vault:

 

• Learn how to throw a sinker, a riser, and a screwball. And discover the hard science behind how the Wiffle ball does its swervy, curvy thing.
• Uncover the history behind the Wiffle ball, including never-before-seen photos and illustrations from the Mullany family archives.
• Discover fond Wiffle memories from Bob Costas, Julius Erving, Jim Bouton, Nick Jonas, Grady Sizemore, and many more.

 

In Wiffle Ball: The Ultimate Guide you'll learn the how tos: how to build the best field; how to throw the best sinker ball; and how to best tape up a Wiffle bat. Did you know Wiffle bats were once made of wood? You'll find out why here. Featuring accounts from the most dyed-in-the-wool Wiffle devotees, this book is a people's history of the beloved Wiffle brand.

 

About the Author:
Michael Hermann, a lifelong Wiffle ball fanatic, is president of Wicked Cow Entertainment, where he now oversees brand management for the Wiffle Ball, Inc. His early career included stints as a local TV anchor and reporter, followed by a gig producing and hosting Fox Sports' Reverse Angle. Michael received his B.A. in Journalism and Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and lives in good ‘ol NYC. This is his first book.

 

Contact: Josh Williams, Triumph Books, 312.252-1261, j.williams@triumphbooks.com

 

###