Pitching Democracy

Reviews / Votes

Enriched by Yoder's passion for the sport and extensive knowledge of Cold War Latin American politics, this is a detailed study of the links between sport and social change. (Publishers Weekly) In Pitching Democracy, Yoder reveals how Dominicans have formed their own meaning around baseball, not merely as a measure of individual success but as a reflection of their society and democratic ideals. The book shows that baseball is hardly a cultural imperialist US import: the sport has its own long history in Dominican society, producing major leaguers as well as national identity and pride wherever Dominicans reside. (Current History) Scholars have perhaps not looked closely enough at the details of the relationship between baseball, its fans, the Dominican government, and hopes of democracy. In her extensive use of newspaper articles, government and sports ministry-based archival materials, political cartoons, and interviews and oral histories, she shows how a deeper dive into public discussion of sport and the metaphors of baseball, fan expectations and behaviors, and players and their investments in their own country's resources tell a different story than has been offered scholars of either baseball or the Dominican Republic. . . . Yoder does impressive work bringing these intertwined narratives together and providing evidence of the value of sport history to larger questions of political leadership, democracy, and development. (Hispanic American Historical Review) Yoder's work is a shining example that baseball promotes dreams of democracy and merit, [and the book] provides an excellent overview of how, through much effort and against many obstacles, a small nation can fight against political giants. (Journal of Sport History) A thoughtful and engaging political history of the relationship between Dominican baseball and democratic development. One does not need to be a baseball fan (although it's a bonus) to appreciate it. (Journal of Global South Studies)