Free advance copy of The Cheater’s Guide to Baseball
I hold in my hands one rare advance uncorrected reader’s copy of The Cheater’s Guide to Baseball. I’m going to give it away to a USSM reader today.
If you’d like it, autographed or not, leave a comment below and I’ll randomly select someone and send it to them. The one caveat: to prevent mass registrations, your account must have been registered before today. Long-time lurkers, apologies, but your day will come.
Also, a reminder – March 3rd, Peoria. Meet two major league GMs, Jonah Keri, me, and get a Cheater’s Guide bookmark or something similarly exciting. Check it out.
And remember, this is an uncorrected reader’s copy, it’s almost as full of errors and mistakes as the final version.
Update: comments closed.
Comments
225 Responses to “Free advance copy of The Cheater’s Guide to Baseball”
I WANT! I WANT! AUTOGRAPHED! YAY!
Er, I mean, uh, please add me to the list…
I have already ordered a copy for myself but if you give me this copy I’ll get it to my friend who lives here in Portland and writes for a nationally known webpage to review (after I read it of course!).
enter me in drawing please.
I’ve ordered a copy of the book but can certainly find a home for another.
Hi.
Please enter me as well, thanks.
Heh. Will Review For Free Copy.
Oh, and to be clear: it’s going to be random-from-commentors, not comments, so it doesn’t matter if you post 1 or 10 times in this thread. Also, this comment doesn’t make me eligible.
Does this comment make me eligible?
Does this comment make me eligible?
(Ok, somehow I’ve gone from not being able to post at all from work to being able to double post the same exact comment. Sorry…)
Heh. You must’ve been reading Corco’s blog, and known that he’s out of town and away from a computer.
ROTFLMFAO!!!!
I knew there was a reason I registered a while ago.
Me please. I’ve already ordered two, so I’d be giving those away and keeping this rare one.
Sign me up
Deanna may be better at it and have more time to do it, but I have actually been contacted by a publicist to do a book review.
I’d like to participate in the lottery as well.
Book me.
I too have ordered one, but I could then send this one on to John Moe now that he and I have become Close Personal Email Friends.
well, ok, it was two work-related emails. But they were humorous and enlightening, much as I’m sure this book will be ….
Count me in, lottery-wise. Reading is fundamental.
Hi. I’m commenting.
Oh, and based on the algorithm I used, USSM is a 4 seed.
An autographed copy will go great with my Doyle softball shirt.
I’m in.
I would love the copy, signed of course.
In.
I would also love a signed copy.
Ooo, pick me, pick me!
Pick Me! For what’s it’s worth, I will still buy another one, I just won’t have a chance to get an autographed copy.
I’m here to be a gracious winner.
I’m in.
I’ve pre-ordered a copy, but a free one would be even better (signed please!). I’d keep the signed copy, then give the copy I’ve ordered to a friend.
I would love an autographed copy.
You should randomly select me.
Me gustaria recibir una copia del libro.
I’v already ordered a copy, but I’d love a second to give as a gift to all my cheating friends.
They cheat all the time.
At everything.
I should be randomly selected. Why? Because I went to junior high school with the author. Of course, then it wouldn’t be random.
Nice thing to do. I might donate it to Chavez to see if he can do something beyond changing arm slots endlessly. OK, too snarky, thanks for the opportunity!
The book’s with me, leather.
Crossing my fingers…
You know, I just woke up today and thought, “I’m going to post a random comment on USSM today.”
I desire to adjoin my pinpoint to the blazing sphere of conversation.
Oh, yeah, please enter me for the drawing, too.
Get out the rye bread and the mustard Grandma! I’m going to win a copy of this book! (hopefully signed!)
I’ve already ordered a copy of “The Cheater’s Guide”, but has anybody read Goose Gossage’s book yet? I read an excerpt from it, and it was pretty good. I was wondering if it was worth purchasing.
count me in.
please add my name to the growing list of commentors looking for a freebie
I pre-ordered 2 copies months ago, but I would love to win an advance copy!
Have a release copy on order but would love a preview….
I’m trying to figure a way around this “random selection” stuff so that I can be the winner, but so far I haven’t been able to.
Wow! Yay for being the lurker who actually already has an account!!!
I’m not usually lucky enough to win such contests, but I’ll throw my name in the hat irregardless. ^_^
I’ve already ordered a copy from Amazon, but a free one would make a great gift…
Signed please. Nice way to spice up Friday.
I dig free stuff.
Cool idea, DMZ.
But will comments with spelling mistakes be edited out, keeping with tradition?
Count me in.
so how many active unique accounts exist for this?
just wondering what my odds are?
Has it occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, it won’t really be random? The book is a history of rule-breaking shenanigans. Why would the contest be any different?
So, I’m going to win. And you’re all going to call Derek a cheater and witness the beauty of symmetry.
Chance for a rare autographed free book, huh? I guess I’ll throw my name into that hat.
Call in the UN inspectors! I want this “random giveaway” monitored!
DMZ -
The best always come in pairs.
(pause for confirmation after contemplation of human anatomy)
Except WFB. One is enough.
- Dirka Dirka
hmm. or he might decide to further international relations by sending it to someone in, say, Okinawa…
Definately throw me in for the drawing, I was planning on buying it when it came out…
I would love the copy! Autographed if I win!
I would like one!
Cool, I’m in….
Um, do I have to cheat in order to get the book?
Add me to the list, Autographed would be awesome!!!
Fantastic idea. I’m in!
I would be happy to receive it. For the record I did get Seattle Public Library to order at least one copy.
I guess this as good of reason as any for my very first post. (Plus my English is poor, so I probably won’t even notice the errors in the book)
I’m def in for the contest.
Me like freebies…
Full of errors and mistakes? What about the Mariners front office?
Count me in! I would put it next to my Al Martin autographs…from his USC running back days of course….and when he rescued that baby from a lion a few years back…and that picture of him landing a plane after the pilot died…and the other picture of him working in a lab to cure cancer…he does it all, but the book would be a nice addition to the collection
I would like to sign up!
Though I’ve only ever posted like once and it wasn’t even about baseball, I’ll try!
!
Yes, please, count me in. Autographed, of course.
I’m ordering a copy, but as a former bookseller would like the galley proof as a collector’s item.
3 years registered on the site i think. 10 posts or so
I love contests, maybe i’ll win one for once. eh, who am i kidding.
rats live on no evil star
Count me in!
Add me to the list!
Derek, did you get your copy of Topic?
I’ll read the book, but I don’t condone cheating (or getting something for nothing).
Offer something for free and get more thread comments. Brilliant!
Longtime lurker, 4th time poster
i eightysixth
Huzzah for chances at free stuff for doing little to nothing.
Add me to the fun Derek!
Even though I’ve pre-ordered a copy, I’d be glad to take that copy off of your hands. And congratulations on the book!
Wowzers…like a school of feeding pirahnas….
Hey, I’m buying the book anyway….
This sounds neat.
While I want this books, signed preferably, I’d be most happy if neither Corco or Coach get it…can’t explain why really…just seems like they shouldn’t…
Hey! I like books!
I’m from Idaho so I am virtually illiterate but I really like free stuff.
Derek you are an intelligent and handsome man.
Derek,
Please help! I want my kid to make the big leagues and he’ll need all the help he can get!
Even though I haven’t had him yet… That just shows how much help he’ll need…
I’m not very fond of the Mariner Moose.
This is the only tool I can use to teach the ignorant masses of Uruguay the intricacies of the world’s grandest sport.
If I win this promising, inexpensive book I will trade it. It may turn out to be very good – particularly for how much it will cost – but it had some imperfections during development and doesn’t have a proven history of strong sales.
I’ll likely trade the book for something that’s worse and much more expensive, but has a long history of proven sales numbers. There’s a guy out in D.C. that’s selling a high-priced special edition of Battlefield Earth that has a few pages missing, coffee stains, and a torn cover. It’s not a good book, but I think I know something about it’s condition that the seller doesn’t and I’ll be able to repair it.
Sure, Battlefield Earth doesn’t have the upside possibility of The Cheater’s Guide to Baseball, but most people have heard of it and it is a known quantity. I need a book I can count on to be consistent.
I had really had hopes of being there in Peoria March 3, but now it looks like we aren’t moving to Scottsdale after all. Oh, well . . .
Free stuff beats unfree stuff 12 days a week!
I would love the book. C’mon, random draw!
Actually, I think it would actually be nice to try and cheat… seems apropos.
So Derek, if you pick this message, I’ll pay for the book.
I promise to never make up a stupid nickname for you!
I want to learn more about how to cheat in my softball league.
Count me in, I am a dirty dirty cheater who needs more ways to cheat.
I never ever never ever ever never ever ever never nevereverevernevernever get to win anything. pleeeeaaassseee!
#12.Oh man, Corco is gonna be ticked. Hilarious!
Free is always good, I’m in!
No Whammies, No Whammies, Stop!
I can read.
my, but free things really spark thread-length.
enter me.
please.
Oh, what the heck, count me in.
Hmmm a Free book or Mariners winning season? Since The winning season is almost out of the question without the stars aligning and the seas parting an autographed copy of the Cheaters Guild to Baseball would be a most gracious and treasured aquisition for a Suffering Mariners Fan (ME)
Long Live Doyle!
I should have made some modicum of enthusiasm at the prospect of winning a criteria. Next time.
OR, you should have said each entry costs $1….go along way toward that (even) new(er)server!
count me in
Sorry, let me try again.
HOLY CRAP!!! An advanced copy of DMZ’s new book? Autographed? Free? Why I’d even take a lap dance from the Moose to get my hands on a copy of that.
In, in, in! I could put it right next to my uncorrected proof of Larry Dierker’s “My Team.”
I will give you a big active armed forces hug from Ft.Knox for an autographed copy. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’d love it.
Hey-yo.
Yeah free books rule
I would love to have a free copy, though will certainly buy one. Autographed, yes.
Okay, I’ll sign up for the drawing.
Jim Parque needs a copy, too!
I’m in…thanks.
Clearly I am the person this book is destined for.
Post #3 (I think)
I’d love to have such a book.
I would love that book as well.
This random lurker couldn’t remember his freakin’ password, but I’m in now.
I’ve wanted this book since it was a secret, so count me in.
I free book. I am in
Help out a poor, struggling law student who enjoys playing Civilization III and reading USSM
please count me in as well.
I’m in. Thanks!
I’m in – I have some room on my bookshelf for another good baseball book.
Playing off Dave’s comment in 56, I’d like to win this book. In fact, I’ll donate $$ to USSM if I’m “randomly” selected (are you still taking donations). Actually I was thinking of auctioning off this autographed copy and donating all proceeds to USSM.
Pick me Pick me!
#119 – That is both hilarious and disturbing at the same time. Bravo!
Well, as I can’t review a book until I actually get a copy of it, I think you should totally give it to me. I even guarantee that unlike Paul, I will actually read and review it in a reasonably short period of time!
me please…
109 – thank you for that!
I look forward to the release of this book more than I do the 2007 Mariners season. Sadly.
I wish you the best of success with the book and hope it will serve as a springboard to your next book; a Sci-Fi/Baseball history epic called “the cubs of democracy” where politics are decided that baseball is the best way to determine government system and the warring dictators of the Red Sox and Yankees quash the futile systems of anarchists (A’s) monarchies (Royals) and feudalism (Devil Rays) and democracy (cubs).
Wait, that title is already taken?
I guess this contest answers the question that spawned our ridiculous catfight.
I feel compelled to enter, though I really think the book should go to someone like Deanna or Paul Covert.
I want the uncensored version
Sign me up for OJ’s tell-all, too. Oh, wait…
Please add me to the list as I know that it won’t be available here in Taiwan until at least a year after it is the No. 1 best seller in the U.S. (that means next Spring).
David
It’s really too bad that Corco’s on vacation (and a little sad that I even know that) because we’re missing out on the four posts in a row where he argues with himself about whether he wants to win this, finally deciding that he does, all within two minutes.
Your whole family is made out of meat.
Oooh. Pick me, I love uncorrected reader’s copies!
I’d love to be entered in the drawing.
Autographed please!
Sweet, please throw my name into the hopper. Are Oakland A’s fans eligible? Damn, I probably shouldn’t have mentioned that.
I’m in! Pick me. As a father of 10 month old twins I can’t leave the house anyway, so I’ll actually read it…oh yeah, please autograph. Thanks!
I just wrote a scifi story called “Cubs of Democracy”. I don’t know if this is a bizarre coincidence or you knew that somehow.
#159
Yeah, I saw it on your blog and was trying to make a funny/ironic reference. Guess I missed the mark a little, but it was a worthy effort.
If I win, I promise to read the book.
Aahh…a reader’s copy. Good stuff, as I’ve had the oppurtunity to peruse several in my time of employment at a bookstore.
First time poster, even though my account has been around for a while. Kudos to the authors for all the hard work you put into the site.
I could use a free book.
Book me please!
If I win I promise not to post another unsupported hypothesis.
If I don’t win I reserve the right to blame A-Rod.
Thanks!
Count me in for the random drawing….this could be the best thing to happen this offseason…
Wow, this moves faster than a game thread! But it will make for boring reading tomorrow.
Thanks, Derek, count me in.
Bring it!
And this vicarious scoping-out of your authorly success is quite inspirational to me. Thank you!
This post is covered in pine tar and corked.
Pick me! Or don’t.
I have three boys, 9, 9 and 13. I have read many baseball books to them. I think “The Cheater’s Guide to Baseball” would be a great family read and who knows may help their little league and babe ruth seasons!
Also, I have not won anything for a least a month.
(That 42″ plasma screen I won in December is probably my win for a lifetime.)
Pick me, pick me!
Have pity on a poor law student M’s fan who lives 2000 miles from Seattle!
Memmememe!
A poor law student may sue you one day. A poor pharmacy student will, at worst, overcharge you for your prescription.
Of course you would post this on the day that I placed an advance order on Amazon! So will you autograph my paid for copy when I get it?
I’ll take it.
Pick me … if I can post from work again.
I’ll buy it anyways, but I’d love to get an extra copy!
Sign me up for a shot at an autographed copy please! I need something to read on these chilly winter Honolulu nights.
No comment.
I would like to throw my name into the hat too!
Kind of a funny reason to give my first comment.
Less books, more TV.
Please don’t give it to me. I can afford to buy one, and indeed already have.
Yeah, put my name in the hat as well. Cheers.
what about registered lurkers?
Will I be eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping?
Thanks for the opportunity Derek. Please enter me in as well.
A future collecter’s item? Heck yes!
wo xiwang
I wish to add my name. Thanks.
Please add me…thanks!
I’m in. And I think this brings me up to five total comments. yay!
Good luck to everyone. Especially me.
I’m in. It would be fun to win something, for once.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
please break my sweepstakes losing streak!
Throw my name in the hat. If I win I’ll name my next child Doyle.
Cool.
I’ll throw my hat into the ring for this.
Why not?
I wish to add my name to the growing list for selection.
me too, me too, me too….
Add me to the list for the drawing.
Thanks!
Oo oo! Pick me! I won’t have time to read it for 3 months and when I do, I won’t write a review of it, but I still want the first copy!! I promise I won’t spill coffee on it for at least a day! Seriously.
April is too far off for TCGTB, or the beginning of the VE!
(that’s The Cheaters Guide To Baseball and the Vidro Era)
I won’t get it. I never win these things.
*proof that he will win*
We get to Peoria about 3 hours too late for the feed, but an autographed advance copy would be an excellent parting gift
Free stuff! Free STuff!
I like cheating too! But only in baseball -
I’d certainly be interested in a copy.
Well, I haven’t been able to post the last few times I tried, but I’d love it. I’ll even read it and do a review (such as it is) for the site!
Hey..
Count me in…
Who knows,maybe i could convert a few more italians to the beautiful game…
(glug glug)
Unbanned just in time it seems. I’ll take free swag.
Oooh oooh! Pick me! Pick me!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a reader’s copy — is it printed and bound just like the final book? Presumably it doesn’t have a dust jacket with readers’ blurbs on it, since they have to read the book before they can comment on it.
I WIN!
Hmmm . . . this has gotten to be quite a list. I never win against these sorts of odds — but this would be a great time for that not to hold true. (And FWIW, I think it would be cooler to have a reader’s copy than to have one out of the regular print run.)
w00t!11!!1one!
I’m ALL IN.
I would like to have the book
Please pick me.
I put my toe in the pool.
I’d like one lottery ticket, please sir.
Signed, of course.
I’d love to have a copy out here in Michigan!
Save the book, I am already pre-ordered at Amazon, but I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the four of you and you especially DMZ, for the quality work, information and discussion you have provided through the years.