CHECK IT OUT:

For those of you who follow the fortunes of the Angels, the Dodgers and numerous hometown out-of-state teams, spring doesn’t mean tulips and lambs; it means shouts of “play ball!” and discussions of who looks good in practice, which player is slated for greatness or the most favored coach of the moment.

The Newport Beach Public Library has a core group of librarians who care deeply about the fortunes and foibles of California’s (and other states’) favorite baseball teams.

Reserve these new titles now because the competition is intense for the latest inside information.

“The Rise and Fall of Dodgertown; 60 Years of Baseball in Vero Beach” by Rody Johnson: Follow the history of the Dodgers from Brooklyn, N.Y. to Los Angeles with a stop off at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach, Fla. No matter your opinion of the current state of Dodgerdom, this title will give you the edge in all matters relating to the Dodgers.

“Smithsonian Q & A; The Ultimate Question and Answer Book. Baseball” by David Fischer: Face it — baseball fans love trivia and the Smithsonian has produced the ultimate reference for all things baseball.

Who was the world’s first designated hitter? What is the oldest baseball park still in use? Which pitcher gave up the most homers?

Amaze your friends! Test yourself on answers to historical and modern questions and then nonchalantly drop them into your conversations.

“Baseball Eccentrics; The Most Entertaining, Outrageous, and Unforgettable Characters in the Game” by Bill “Spaceman” Lee with Jim Prime: Dizzy Dean, Dazzy and Ducky, just to name a few, are featured in this tongue-in-cheek guide to bizarre behavior, personal superstitions and individual ranters who are really too much fun to read about. Baseball anecdotes abound. You’ll laugh out loud.

“Watching Baseball Smarter; A Professional Fan’s Guide for Beginners, Semi-Experts, and Deeply Serious Geeks” by Zack Hample: From pitcher-to-catcher signals to split-second decisions about plays, this engaging report is a great way to make the game even more enjoyable for the newbie or the most committed fan. No matter your level of expertise, you’ll find an “ah-ha” moment perusing this dissection of how the game is actually played.

“Dropping the Ball; Baseball’s Troubles and How We All Can and Must Solve Them” by Dave Winfield with Michael Levin: Winfield believes that baseball is hurting from steroid scandals, agents, the media and corporate partners. Presenting baseball as it is in the 21st century, he proposes recommendations for returning the fan-friendly, American game to its origins.

“Take Me Out to the Ball Game; A History of Baseball in America” by Timothy Shutt: Enjoy this fascinating lecture on CD by a Kenyon College professor that gives the entire history of baseball from its origins to modern day. Excellent for the baseball fan commuter or to listen to during that long trip to, let’s see, Dodger Stadium? Anaheim Stadium?

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.