The Men You Love To Hate

They are spit on, cursed at, and riddled with threats. Are we talking a violent video version of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus? Nope, this is an inside look into the world of baseball through the, er... mask of an umpire. After a brief history of the beginnings of baseball, this video batters up with the big shots, featuring the contributions of Hall of Famer umps, such as Bill Klem, Al Barlick, Cal Hubbard and Bill McGowan. Whether it's changing the rules, adjusting protective equipment requirements, or disputing salaries, The Men You Love To Hate offers an exceptional and enlightening view from behind home plate. Fellow umpires John Kibler, Carl Carlucci and legends like Brooks Robinson also relate personal anecdotes to add to the insight. Recommended. Monument is also releasing, at $9.99, three other baseball-oriented titles: the feature films The Jackie Robinson Story and It's Good To Be Alive (Roy Campanella) and the documentary Once There Was a Ballpark. Aud: P. (M. K. Lau)