I went to my first baseball game on City Island in 2010. I don’t remember who Harrisburg played or who won, but I do remember getting lost on the way home. I also remember that a baseball stadium in the middle of the Susquehanna River was pretty nifty.
It was less nifty when Hurricane Irene slammed through last fall and pushed the stadium underwater. But Harrisburg bounced back, and baseball continues there, as it has in some form since 1890.
Palmyra resident and former Harrisburg Patriot-News reporter Andy Linker chronicles the history of 63-acre City Island in his new book, “One Patch of Grass.” He writes about visits from historical figures like Babe Ruth and historical moments like the first woman to sign a pro baseball contract.
Linker will hold a book signing from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 14 at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. Third St., Harrisburg. Visit www.midtownscholar.com or call 717-236-1680 for details.
At a Harrisburg-Trenton Thunder game a few weeks ago in H-Burg, I met and chatted with Andy Linker and purchased “One Patch of Grass.” Being an avid and seasoned baseball fan, it didn’t take long to finish his book. This book is a MUST-READ for ALL baseball fans, but especially so those who call or called central Pennsylvania home. “One Patch of Grass” is a mouthwatering recipe of baseball and local history as served up by a lifelong H-Burg sports journalist; it proved too just TOO delicious to resist. I couldn’t put the book down. Andy’s stories are captivating and the players – and others featured in the book – are colorful and, frequently, highly accomplished both as ballplayers and citizens. Andy’s informal, conversational, yet learned and well-researched story-telling brings all of the stories and individuals to vivid life. “One Patch of Grass” is a smorgasbord of baseball facts, lore, lists, statistics, anecdotes, pictures, and personality sketches guaranteed to sate the appetite of baseball-hungry readers anywhere. The book is a fun, interesting, enlightening, and a quick-and-easy read, a must-have for anyone with an appreciation of the game’s history. Sign me, a grateful Trenton Thunder – and Andrew Linker – fan!
High praise, Jim! Thanks for weighing in.
One Patch of Grass looks excellent. I can’t wait to check it out. Thanks for sharing this :}. Reminds me of John Heldon’s new book, Ark, which is a Field of Dreams type of story that takes place on a college campus. I was completely enthralled by the story and am looking forward to the author continuing his series: http://www.ivegotafunnystory.com/
Betty, that does sound interesting! I might check it out as a gift idea for my sports-loving dad.