Baseball and food are two of life's uncomplicated pleasures, stirring up sizzling passion across all generations. InDiamond Dishes, baseball fans and food lovers get a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite Major League Baseball players with stories told through memorable meals, family recipes, and revealing anecdotes about life beyond the diamond. And, oh what great food! America's favorite game has become a bastion for unforgettable recipes from all over the world--from classic dishes from all corners of the United States to spicy Latin American fare. Author Julie Loria recreates the down-home family recipes, favorite authentic meals, and top dishes from on-the-road eateries of twenty of today's top players. An official Major League Baseball publication,Diamond Dishesis not simply a cookbook, but rather a singular and scrumptious off-the-field look at ballplayers flexing their culinary muscles and discussing the roles of family, friends, and food in their lives. With exclusive, full-color photos of the players off the field and in the kitchen, and sixty recipes, this book is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, tastes and aromas that penetrate the hearts and souls of the ballplayers and their fans alike. On the roster: * Josh Beckett (starting pitcher, Boston Red Sox; 2003 World Series MVP Award) * Lance Berkman (aka "The Big Puma"; switch-hitting first baseman, New York Yankees) * Miguel Cabrera * Andre Ethier * Adrian Gonzalez (first baseman, San Diego Padres; first overall pick in the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft) * Roy Halladay * Josh Hamilton (All-Star outfielder, Texas Rangers) * Ryan Howard (first baseman, Philadelphia Phillies, 2006 National League MVP) * Derek Jeter (shortstop, New York Yankees; team captain since 2003, eleven-time All Star) * Ubaldo Jimenez * Josh Johnson * Paul Konerko * Evan Longoria (third baseman, Tampa Bay Rays, 2008 American League Rookie of the Year) * Nick Markakis * Joe Mauer * Dustin Pedroia * Albert Pujols (first baseman, St. Louis Cardinals; eight-time All Star) * Hanley Ramirez (shortstop, Florida Marlins; 2006 National League Rookie of the Year) * Alex Rodriguez (aka "A-Rod"; third baseman, New York Yankees; youngest player ever to hit 500 home runs) * Johan Santana (starting pitcher, New York Mets; two-time Cy Young Award winner)

Julie Loria ranks cooking and baseball high on the list of her lifelong passions. After a career as a marketing and advertising executive, she moved to Paris to pursue a career in the fine arts. While living in Europe she continued to enhance her culinary interests. She and her husband, Jeffrey Loria, owner of the Florida Marlins baseball team, divide their time between New York City and Miami.