What Do Goats, Curses and Cork All Have In Common? Baseball, Of Course. Get Un-Corked" at the Larceny and Old Leather book launch party at Wrigleyvilles Cubby Bear on July 13, 2005.

A little over two years after the infamous corked bat incident, diehard baseball fans plan to toast the launch of a new book that explores and celebrates baseballs mischievous side. Eldon Ham's Larceny and Old Leather: The Mischievous Legacy of Major League Baseball.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 9, 2005 -- Baseball fans celebrate launch of new book by Un-Corking" at Wrigleyvilles Cubby Bear on July 13, 2005. In Larceny and Old Leather: The Mischievous Legacy of Major League Baseball (Academy Chicago Publishers, Cloth, $25.00, 0-89733-533-3), Eldon Ham -- sports lawyer, professor, and author -- traces the games lesser-known, roguish past. His wry chapters, filled with anecdotes and statistics, expose both the hidden and the obvious cheating occurring throughout baseballs history, from corked bats and spitballs to betting and media hyperbole.

Here is a book for both seasoned baseball fans and neophytes whod like to get a look at the game that evolved into an industry. Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa, Pete Rose, and many other lesser known players make their appearance in this fascinating history, as Ham seeks not only to chronicle the legacy of deception inherent within the game, but also to explore why it is, and how it is, that this deception is exactly what makes baseball the most endearing of American games.

This free uncorking" event will feature book signings, special sports guests, tricks by Magician Jeff Scanlan. Silent Auction and Raffle benefiting the Sports is Education Foundation. Featuring great sports memorabilia from Steve Fine Sports AND a chance to win Super Bowl 2006 tickets! (Drawing will be held at the October 20, 2005 Sports is Education Symposium. More information about the Sports is Education Foundation can be accessed at www.sportsiseducation.org.

Cubby Bear

1059 West Addison

Wednesday, July 13th

7pm to 11pm

www.cubbybear.com

Larceny and Old Leather is available from your Bookseller or direct from Academy Chicago Publishers on-line www.academychicago.com or call 800-621-2763. Mention code "larcenyfly" for a 20% discount! Further details about the book, Larceny and Old Leather: The Mischievous Legacy of Major League Baseball, can be viewed at www.eldonham.com.

For more book details, event information, Sports is Education Foundation donations, to purchase raffle tickets or media inquiries contact Cathy Sue Carpenter at Creative Chick Marketing Shop - 312-804-9122. www.thatcreativechick.com.

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