In Swinging for the Fences , Gene A. Budig offers candid biographical sketches of nine compelling individuals from the sport of baseball, including athletes, coaches, umpires, businessmen, and sportswriters. The book examines Cal Ripken Jr., Bobby Brown, George Brett, Joe Torre, Bob Feller, Mike Ilitch, Marty Springstead, Bill Madden, and Frank Robinson, all of whom the author knows well. Former National League president Len Coleman writes a foreword that sheds new light on the legacy of Jackie and Rachel Robinson.