Wits, Flakes, and Clowns: The Colorful Characters of Baseball

Throughout the twentieth century, baseball has been blessed with a slew of colorful characters, funny men, and "flakes." And though many fans lament the apparent vanishing of such players, there are still plenty of characters in the game today. In Wits, Flakes, and Clowns: The Colorful Characters of Baseball, Wayne Stewart brings to life the funniest, craziest, and cleverest men ever associated with the game. From the hilarious but unheralded Casey Candaele and the witty Andy Van Slyke to All-Stars Jimmy Piersall and Bryce Harper, this book shares many never-before-heard stories about some of the most entertaining men in baseball. In addition, this book features quotes from personal player interviews with the author that span decades, providing a personal, inside look at these zany stars. Wits, Flakes, and Clowns is packed with rich and colorful characters and plenty of humor, as well as unexpected insights into the national pastime. It is a celebration of those unique players who keep fans and teammates on their toes, those known for their wit, their pranks, or for doing just about anything for a laugh. Any baseball fan, but especially those who love the humor of the game, will be entertained by the exploits of the game's most comical players.

Wayne Stewart is a professional writer and sports historian. He has written numerous articles for publications such as Baseball Digest, USA Today/Baseball Weekly, and the SABR Research Journal. He is the author of thirty-two books, the latest of which are All the Moves I Had: A Football Life (2016), written with Raymond Berry, Remembering the Stars of the NFL Glory Years: An Inside Look at the Golden Age of Football (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017), and Remembering the Greatest Coaches and Games of the NFL Glory Years: An Inside Look at the Golden Age of Football (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018). You can learn more about his work at waynestewartonsports.blog.