New and Improved

Friends, this is the newer updated blog, different from the old one. The previous blog can be found here: http://jcopelandauthor.blogspot.com/
but I will no longer be posting to it.

Saturday, July 3, 2021

After Jackie now available!

 July 3, 2021

Hi, Everyone!

     This will be just a quick post to pass along some fun news: After Jackie: 15 Pioneers Who Helped Change the Face of Baseball is now available in electronic version through all major booksellers.  The e-book version actually came out July 1. The paperback will be available in late fall in time for the holiday book buying season. This year, because of the pandemic and the fact that so many people are not going to bookstores yet, publishers are really pushing e-books at this time because, well, the past year has found more and more readers purchasing books to read on their electronic devices.  This makes sense -- and is probably a trend that will continue in future years.  E-books take up virtually no space, are easy to download and store, and the screens on electronic devices are getting much better and easier to read.  Right now, some books appear in e-book format only.  In future years, that number will really climb.  Publishers also really like this trend because there are no warehouse/storage feels associated with new releases, no shipping fees, and they now don't have to twist arms to get books placed on the shelves in bookstores. In other words, in most cases it is a "win-win" situation for publishers - and dramatically increases their profit margin. E-books also allow them to take chances with books they normally might now have published.  Yes, there are still many costs related to getting an e-book ready to be sold, but this cost is WAY lower than getting a print book on the shelf. To be perfectly honest, I wasn't particularly wild about the idea of After Jackie appearing as an e-book so far in advance of the hard copy showing up in bookstores.  However, this is the heart of the baseball season, so it does make good sense to have the book ready to go right now, even if it is only in e-book format.  

     Here's the link to the listing on Amazon Books:   https://www.amazon.com/After-Jackie-Fifteen-Pioneers-Baseball-ebook/dp/B096147LVF/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=After+Jackie%3A+15+Pioneers+who+helped+change+the+face+of+baseball&qid=1625337258&sr=8-1

     I also wanted to share a few of the comments folks have already said about the book.  I'll list these below --

“In both baseball history, and American history, Jackie Robinson holds an enduring place of honor and respect.  While nothing will ever diminish his standing, it is also true that those who followed him in integrating their respective teams, faced their own versions of the obstacles and racism Robinson encountered.  And, like Jackie, they were distinct individuals with personal lives and stories beyond their on-field performances and symbolic significance. With that in mind, After Jackie contains vivid and moving stories.  It is also a contribution to the historical record.”

Bob Costas

Ford C. Frick Award recipient and member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame

 

 

 

“Every baseball fan knows Jackie Robinson and all he accomplished.  Lesser known are the other players who broke their team’s color barriers.  Jeff Copeland takes a look at these men and their place in baseball history, as well as their unique stories.  A fun and interesting read for any baseball fan.”

Cassidy Lent

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

 

 

 

    “Jackie Robinson was first in the Majors, but fifteen other players were the first to play as persons of color with baseball’s other big league teams in the mid-century era.  In After Jackie, Jeffrey S. Copeland recounts their achievements, not only on the field, but in their lives.  And not just regarding sports, but about the full context of race and society during the America of those years.  Here are all the good stories, some legendary and others never heard before -- and more than a few surprises.  A superb book – for everyone who loves sports, history, and stories of courage and determination.  Play ball!”

    Jerome Klinkowitz, author of Short Season, Basepaths, and Owning a Piece of the Minors.

 

 

 

     “Jeff Copeland's book is an important addition to the history of baseball. While every fan knows the story of Jackie Robinson, Jeff goes into incredible detail telling the stories of the men who followed Jackie in helping break baseball's color barrier. What these men endured and what it meant to the future of baseball can never be forgotten.” -- Rob Rains, editor of STLSportsPage.com and author of Baseball Samurais: Ichiro Suzuki And The Asian Invasion; Intentional Walk; James Naismith: The Man Who Invented Baseball; and Ozzie Smith: The Road to Cooperstown. 

      I hope all of you enjoy the book.  I sure had a great time doing the background research!  Take care -- and stay safe!

      Happy Reading!

JSC