An opinionated account of the evolution of baseball's central event, by baseball's most celebrated chronicler. Beyond the techniques and training, baseball is essentially a pitcher and a batter and the psychological battle between them-the head game. Here for the first time is the story of that battle and the people who changed the course of baseball by throwing one. Roger Kahn investigates not only grips, speeds, and tactics, but also knowledge, maturity, and competitive fire. With the help of some of baseball's greatest pitchers and pitching minds-from Christy Mathewson, Don Drysdale, Bob Gibson, and Bruce Sutter to today's reigning pitching coach, Leo Mazzone-as well as his own deep knowledge of the game, Roger Kahn speaks with authority, and with the authorities, bringing new light to baseball's most pivotal contest. His acute sense of how people make history makes The Head Game a delightful and enlightening tour of baseball through the pitcher's eyes. This is the kind of baseball book real fans love - full of history, great stories and characters, and opinions - a real insiders view of the game's most fundamental act. Beautifully illustrated with drawings by acclaimed Hall of Fame artist Murray Tinkelman.