Behind a Wire Fence

Journey through 1993's Minor League Baseball Season: Interviews, Anecdotes and Insights from the NY-Pennsylvania League's 14 Ballparks and Its Future Major Leaguers.

Delve into Martin D. Cox's captivating chronicle of a summer spent reconnecting with minor league baseball. In the early '90s, a decade after his stint as a Public Address Announcer for the Redwood Pioneers of the Class A California League, Cox found himself yearning for the familiar buzz of the ballpark. Answering this call, he embarked on a journey in the summer of '93 that would take him through every crevice of the Class A New York-Pennsylvania League.

From Erie, Pennsylvania to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Cox watched 36 games, chronicling each one with a meticulous eye for detail. However, it wasn't just the games that caught his attention. With a journalist's curiosity, he interviewed an array of people, from players and managers to fans and bus drivers, painting a vivid picture of the life surrounding minor league baseball.

Cox's book, Behind a Wire Fence, isn't a mere recollection of games won or lost. It's a rich tapestry of experiences, woven from the anecdotes and insights of the people who breathe life into the sport. Every interview brings forth a unique perspective, every ballpark a different atmosphere. Among them all, the historical Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts held a special place in his heart.

The narrative takes exciting turns as it follows the Niagara Falls Rapids, the league champions that year. However, the heart of the book lies in its portrayal of the human spirit that drives the sport. Among the myriad of people Cox met, 53 players and four managers would eventually make it to the Major Leagues.

Behind a Wire Fence is more than a book about baseball. It's a testament to the unyielding passion that fuels dreams, a journey through a summer that encapsulates the enduring spirit of the game. It's a must-read for any baseball enthusiast who appreciates the beauty of the sport beyond the major leagues.