A Baseball Memoir
Just Another Baseball Game
One Fan's Journey to the Postseason
Book One: The Cubs Will Shine In...?
By Lawrence E. Hettinger. A heartfelt memoir documenting over 275 gameday scorecards with descriptions from the fan's point of view, spanning from baseball's first recorded season 150 years ago in 1876.
About the Book
A love letter to America's pastime, chronicling decades of baseball memories through the eyes of a lifelong Cubs fan who found himself at the heart of one of baseball's most memorable Wild Card Games as a Die-Hard Kansas City Royals fan.
275+ Scorecards
Gameday scorecards highlights with personal descriptions from the fan's perspective
1876 to 1989
Book One covers key moments in baseball history from the first recorded season through the 1989 postseason
2014 Wild Card
In-depth coverage of the first 6 innings of the unforgettable KC Royals Wild Card Game
Family Legacy
A personal journey connecting three generations of baseball fans
What's Inside
Book One Covers:
- •Baseball history from 1876 to the 1989 postseason
- •Detailed scorekeeping for the first 6 innings of the 2014 Wild Card Game
- •Personal stories and memories from playing and attending baseball games
Coming Soon - Book Two:
- •The thrilling final 6 innings of the Wild Card Game
- •Coverage from the 1990 to 2016 seasons including highlights of every World Series
- •The conclusion to an incredible baseball journey
Book One Cover Photo Stories
"My grandfather, August Schmidt in his uniform from just before the Great War in 1917. Looking like a double for Shoeless Joe Jackson to me."
"The foul ball hit by Alberto Callaspo the pitch before he put the A's ahead in the top of the 12th inning."
"The author wearing my Little League NY Yankees uniform. Similar stance as my Grandfather. Those darn Yankees were in the World Series every year except 2 of my first 14 years following baseball. Only fitting I was assigned to that team."
September 30, 2014
What People Are Saying
Hear from baseball fans who have experienced and read Larry's journey through America's pastime.
"When you're a fan of baseball you can immediately tell when you meet a true baseball fan. As I opened this book and began reading, I could tell Larry was a true baseball fan. I remember Umpire Frank Secory from my childhood but did not know that he was on the crew for Ernie Banks 1st HR and his 500th HR."
— Pat Hughes
Play-by-play Voice of the Chicago Cubs, Ford C. Frick Award honoree Hall of Fame Induction 2023
"I enjoyed the personal reminiscences intertwined with the play-by-play of games from years past, especially the Cubs of the late 60s."
— Ed Randall
Host of baseball nostalgia show, "Remember When" | Founder + Chief Advocacy Officer, Fans For The Cure
"The lexicon is absolutely beautiful; it's one of the best books I've ever read that actually explains the intricacies of the game."
— Todd Donoho
Retired sportscaster for Los Angeles television station KABC-TV and host of the post-game show for Missouri Tigers basketball on the statewide Tiger Radio Network
"You reference so much credible literature. It gives your book a kind of scholarly air about it, making it more than just your story. It suggests you come at the game as more than just a fan, but a true scholar of the game."
— Kendall Blanchard
Author of The Anthropology of Sport, retired Professor of Anthropology and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Lamar University
"Good story flow with interesting elements to hold reader interest."
— Dr. Max Utsler
Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications
"Your book brought back all kinds of memories for me. I have to laugh now thinking back on how even us little kids thought we had become a Big-league city when the Athletics came to town. And sitting in Municipal Stadium with my Dad and Granddad watching guys like Gus Zernial, Vic Power, and Harry "Suitcase" Simpson, will live forever in my memory. This was heaven for a little leaguer like me. Thanks for writing this entertaining book and for bringing up these remembrances of years ago."
— Mark R.
Former Kansas City resident
"I had such a good time reading and really enjoyed the way you weave stories within the story. It brought back so many happy memories."
— Rick W.
Book Reader
"Because I always read fiction, this wasn't my usual read. The way you laid the book out was clever and kept me in the story. I only wish you had written it back for my rebirth in Chicago in 1980. I could have more easily understood some of the finer points of the game!"
— Peter G.
Book Reader (moved to the USA from England in 1980)
Speaking and Events
Larry is available for speaking engagements, book readings, and special events. His presentation "Talkin' Baseball" has delighted audiences across the Kansas City area.
Presentations
Larry's signature presentation "Talkin' Baseball" brings decades of baseball history to life with stories, scorecards, and memories from the stands.
Book Readings
Join Larry for an intimate reading from "Just Another Baseball Game," complete with behind-the-scenes stories and Q&A with the author.
Private Events
Perfect for baseball clubs, corporate events, and private gatherings. Larry brings his passion for the game to groups of all sizes.
Want to Host Larry at Your Next Event?
Whether it's a baseball club meeting, corporate gathering, or community event, Larry would love to share his passion for the game with your group.
What People Are Saying
Presentation Reviews
"Larry's passion for baseball and storytelling shines through, making it clear how much heart he put into his work."
Heritage Woods of Yorkville IL Presentation
"Larry is a major baseball fan - I should rather report: Fan Extraordinaire! To say he has an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball does not do him justice. Larry exudes the love of the game. I wish I could capture the excitement in Larry's voice as he talked about his heros - Babe Ruth when he was traded to the Yankees, Tony Larussa, Ernie Banks, etc. The dedication that Larry has for the game became evident when he shared his story about obtaining signatures of his Cubs players as a youth."
— Rich D.
Executive Secretary, The Vanguards | Presentation at Mission Hills Country Club, KS
Kauffman Stadium Tour Reviews
"My grandson and I were part of Larry's 11:30 tour yesterday, and it was SPECTACULAR!!! Not only did we see the facility from top to sub-basement, but the facts, stories, and behind-the-scene insights he shared were more than we could ever have hoped for. It was clear that he was not working from a script, but drawing on a longtime involvement and deep love of the team—not just answering every question, but going on to add a story to the facts. Please thank Larry again for us. It was a truly memorable afternoon."
P.S. My grandson found his true spot in the press room.
— Phyllis H.
Kauffman Stadium Tour Guest
"Did the 9:30 MVP with Larry this morning. We have previously done STL, Wrigley, and Fenway. The tour today was the most comprehensive and inclusive that we have experienced. I was a season ticket holder 50 years ago and last attended a game about 15 years ago. Just wanted to have a calm and quiet last experience at the K. This was perfect. Larry was great and the Tour well planned. Congrats to all."
— Bill M.
MVP Tour Guest
Photos
On the field for batting practice
With the Commissioner's Trophy — World Series Champions
In the 3B Dugout Suite at Kauffman Stadium
Get Your Copy
Order your copy of "Just Another Baseball Game" and embark on a nostalgic journey through America's beloved pastime.
Book One
Just Another Baseball Game
The Cubs Will Shine In...?
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Book Two coming soon! Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when it's available.
Get in Touch
Interested in having Larry do a reading or speak at your event? Let us know.
Have a question for Larry? He'd love to hear from you!