Baseball Is Just Baseball

A perspective-shifting and deeply pleasurable collection of wisdom from Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki

“[Reveals] a person who values Zen qualities such as simplicity and harmony and who revels in challenge, not achievement.”—ESPN online

When Ichiro Suzuki, already a superstar in Japan, debuted in Major League Baseball, his singular performance on the field introduced Americans to one of the greatest and most unique talents to ever play the game. But his unusually candid off-the-field comments captivated fans in equal measure, revealing a startling and provocative mind.

Curated by acclaimed nonfiction author David Shields, this little prize of a book collects some of Ichiro’s greatest hits, showcasing his dry wit and penchant for distilling simple but profound ideas into unforgettable observations:

“I have no idea what it’s going to be like playing in the majors this year. I can only imagine what it might be like, so I’ll just have to experience it.”

“Please don’t think about the streak too hard. Someday it’s going to be over and today’s the day it’s over.”

“If I ever saw myself saying I’m excited going to Cleveland, I’d punch myself in the face, because I’m lying.”

“Even if there are things that become somewhat stressful, I think they’re interesting. Isn’t it because of those things that I am able to be struck by the significance of being alive?”

Originally published in 2001 and updated in 2012 with a new introduction by David Shields, Baseball Is Just Baseball is a document of not only a popular athlete but an impressively thoughtful human being.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs