Jacob ShaferThe Thing About Barry Bonds And Kanye WestIn 2005, I wrote a story about Tyler Walker, a middling relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. Do you know what a closer is? If not…5 min read·Apr 11, 2021----
Jacob Shafer‘Is That Hopeful? I Don’t Know’In 2007, professor and bestselling author Alan Weisman wrote an enthralling book called The World Without Us. Here’s the…8 min read·May 29, 2020--1--1
Jacob ShaferOf Dicks, Rods & JohnsonsWhich players had the most phallic-sounding names in the history of our national pastime? Funny you should ask…4 min read·May 10, 2020----
Jacob ShaferErrors and Averages: A Eulogy for Bill BucknerIf you’ve heard of Bill Buckner, here’s what you probably know: In the 1986 World Series, he missed an easy ground ball and lost the Fall…3 min read·May 27, 2019----
Jacob ShaferThe Inartful DodgerWe’ve endured a full year of President Donald J. Trump. There have been casualties. Lord sweet Mary have there been casualties.3 min read·Jan 21, 2018----
Jacob ShaferRain and Baseball And Moth Wings And Andy DufresneToday, my son’s Little League practice was rained out. Last Saturday, the big opening day festivities, which were to include bunting (like…6 min read·Apr 12, 2017----
Jacob ShaferNot Another Political Rant (OK, It Totally Is)In early 2009, I was the editor of a scrappy little alt weekly on the island of Maui. It was a sweet gig, even if it involved more gnawing…5 min read·Nov 29, 2016----