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Betting Baseball--Here's What To Read to Gain Proficiency

29 March 2006


Oddly, with the dozens of books published over the past 25 years on sports betting, little has been done for the baseball bettor in the way of "how-to" material. Some books have a section or chapter on the basics, and of course there are statistical compilations showing past game results. Yet the "meat and potatoes" stuff remains the most valuable -- including the importance and understanding of bankroll control, also known as money management--for without it all gamblers are doomed. Why it's been neglected is a mystery.

Here is a quick thumbnail list or "roundup" of some of the most important works a dedicated, serious player should have in his library -- not just up on the shelf, but ones that should be focused on like college textbooks. If you want to pass the course (pick more winners than losers), you've got to do the homework:

BETTING THE BASES by Mike Lee ($8.95). This 71-page spiralbound was originally published in 1981 and still stands the test of time for explaining the money line; the perils of betting only favorites; when to bet the dogs; the value of homestands; the first-time starter angle.

BETTING TO WIN ON BASEBALL (A Textbook for the Baseball Bettor) by Robert Ross ($29.95). Published in 1995 the 108-page spiralbound work focuses on how to make your own line; the importance of keeping daily records; betting totals; how to evaluate pitchers; team handicapping and managing your bankroll. One valuable section discusses betting post-season games.

BETTING BASEBALL 2006 by Michael Murray ($29.95) is revised annually. Containing 104 pages, it is unique in that the author offers a major section on umpires and their quirks (seems their strike zone interpretation varies). This in turn has impact on the number of runners getting on base, thus, affecting totals. Find an umpire with a wide strike zone, less runners, lower scoring. Murray also examines the impact ballparks have on scoring; how to evaluate pitchers; measuring offense.

KILLER SPORTS MLB ANNUAL ($29.95). This 252-pager, spiralbound has results of all last year's games including the opening line and opening total; with this year's schedule, game by game and room to keep records, track winning and losing streaks. Also contains hundreds of betting angles based on past history (last two seasons) and diagrams of each ballpark.

Howard Schwartz
Howard Schwartz, the "librarian for gamblers," was the marketing director for Gambler's Book Club in Las Vegas, a position he held from 1979 to 2010, when he retired. Author of hundreds of articles on gambling, his weekly book reviews appear in numerous publications throughout the gaming industry.

Howard Schwartz Websites:

www.gamblersbook.com
Howard Schwartz
Howard Schwartz, the "librarian for gamblers," was the marketing director for Gambler's Book Club in Las Vegas, a position he held from 1979 to 2010, when he retired. Author of hundreds of articles on gambling, his weekly book reviews appear in numerous publications throughout the gaming industry.

Howard Schwartz Websites:

www.gamblersbook.com