The View from the Stands

About the Book

The View from the Stands is both the story of one fan's love of the game and an examination of the effect baseball has had on fans everywhere throughout its history. A collection of stories and insights compiled during the summer of 2002 in each of MLB's thirty parks, The View from the Stands provides us with the fans' perspective on every team and stadium in the league, and on the most important issues currently affecting the game. It gives a voice to the masses of people who fill our stadiums, and it explains how a child's game became the business it is today.

This book examines the entire experience of live baseball, from the uncomfortable seats to the misplaced marketing ventures to the incredible feeling of seeing Bonds circle the bases. Baseball touches our lives in so many unexpected ways. By introducing us to the little boys who rush to the edge of the stands in Wrigley, the recovering alcoholic who found a new family at the Metrodome, and many others from all walks of life, The View from the Stands tells the story of our love of the game-what draws us in and what keeps us coming back for more.

About the Author

Johanna Wagner grew up in Dayton, Ohio, watching the Big Red Machine. Following a 12-year career in theater, she traveled to each Major League ballpark in 2002, to create The View from the Stands. In 2005, Ms. Wagner enrolled at New York University where she earned her Master's in Sports Business from the Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports. Currently, she is developing LoveMyTeam.com and building a consulting business for MLB. Johanna lives in Brooklyn, NY and is still a National League girl.