Sports Reads: "Pinstripe Pride" by Marty Appel

Pinstripe Empire by Marty Appel is a well-known book about the history of the New York Yankees released in 2012, but it is for adults. Pinstripe Pride, which came out this year, isa book about the organization’s complete history for kids just like you and me! 

The Yankees have had a lot of star players throughout their more than 100 years as a professional baseball team. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Whitney Ford, Mickey Mantle, Don Mattingly, Reggie Jackson, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter are just a few. Pinstripe Pride covers them all! 

Yes, all the way from Babe Ruth to Derek Jeter. Not only that, but Appel describes all 40 American League pennants, 27 World Series, and the team’s dozens of Hall of Famers. 

Appel did an outstanding job of writing the book, and the photographs he included — some from the early 1900s — were amazing. These photographs allow the reader to see what the players looked like and get a feel for how life was back then. 

Additionally, Pinstripe Pride includes a foreword by Michael Kay, a longtime Yankees broadcaster. All of these extra features within Appel’s book really take it to another level. 

I would recommend this book to a kid between the ages of 10 and 14 years old because I think it would be most interesting and easy to understand for that age group. I would also recommend this book to all young Yankees fans who want to learn about how the team got to where it is today. 

Appel has written many books for people of all different ages, such as Pinstripe Empire and Munson, which is a New York Times bestseller. I spoke with Appel to find out what inspired him to write his latest book.


How did you become the Yankees public relations director?

I wrote a letter to the PR director in 1968 looking for a summer job.  Two years later I ended up being the assistant PR director. Several years later, the head PR director left his job, and I took his spot. 

What made you start writing about the Yankees?

I grew up in New York and was a big Yankees fan. I also enjoyed writing. Later on I got a job with the Yankees and it all sort of just fell together. 

Which book did you enjoy writing more: Pinstripe Empire or Pinstripe Pride?

Pinstripe Pride. I had always wanted to write a children’s book. This allowed me to reach a more specific audience. 

What gave you the idea to write a children’s book about the Yankees?

I realized about four years ago that there hadn’t been a Yankees history book written for teens and younger children since the 1940s. Also, since Pinstripe Empire was well received, I figured this would be a great opportunity to tackle a Yankees history book for children.  

Has writing these books impacted the way you feel about the Yankees?

Yes, I am very proud to be associated with such a successful organization. Writing these books opened my eyes to all of these wonderful accomplishments.

What would you recommend to kids looking to pursue their dreams of writing sports related books? 

I would suggest reading a lot! Read what topics you enjoy writing most, and they will give you helpful ideas to make your writing even better. Also write a lot to find the topic you enjoy writing about most.


Photos: Simon & Schuster (cover), Marty Appel (Appel)