Unearthing the Spirit of the Diamond: Al Lautenslager’s “Cincinnati Soul”

Unearthing the Spirit of the Diamond: Al Lautenslager’s “Cincinnati Soul“

In the storied history of American sports, few cities boast a baseball heritage as deep as Cincinnati’s. However, for decades, a significant portion of that history remained in the shadows. With the release of Cincinnati Soul, author Al Lautenslager aims to change that, bringing the vibrant, resilient world of the Queen City’s Negro Leagues back into the light.

The Man Behind the Research

Al Lautenslager is far from a newcomer to the literary world. A resident of Phoenix but a lifelong devotee of the game, Lautenslager is a ten-time published, best-selling author and a marketing expert. Before turning his full attention to the history of the diamond, he built a reputation as a principal of “Market For Profits” and as a “Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach.” His diverse background—ranging from commercial printing to professional speaking—gives him a unique lens through which to view the intersection of community, business, and sport.

A Prolific Portfolio

While Cincinnati Soul is a deep dive into local history, Lautenslager has spent years exploring various facets of baseball and business. His notable titles include:

• Guerrilla Marketing in 30 Days: A business staple co-authored with Jay Conrad Levinson.
• Baseball Confidential: A behind-the-scenes look at the communication between players and managers.
• Managing the Show: An exploration of the heavy responsibilities placed on Major League managers.
• Leveling the Playing Field: A look at women breaking barriers in the front offices of the Big Leagues.

Resurrecting the Legacies of the Tigers and Stars

Cincinnati Soul is much more than a collection of box scores. The book resurrects the inspiring legacies of teams like the Cincinnati Tigers and the Cincinnati Cuban Stars. Lautenslager explores the socioeconomic and cultural backdrop of the era, explaining how these teams were not just sports franchises, but essential pillars of the community and the burgeoning Civil Rights movement.

By weaving together personal stories from players, coaches, and fans, the book offers an intimate look at the barriers these athletes overcame. It highlights how their skill and perseverance helped shape modern baseball on both a local and national stage.

Why You Need to Read It

Early readers and local historians are praising the book for its visceral and heartfelt storytelling. People are drawn to it because it fills a massive gap in the narrative of Cincinnati sports. We need to read it because it reminds us that the “soul” of a city is often found in the stories we nearly forgot to tell. In an era where we celebrate the modern game, understanding the pioneers who paved the way is a necessity for any true fan.

Conclusion

Al Lautenslager has hit a home run with Cincinnati Soul. By documenting the grit and grace of Cincinnati’s Black baseball pioneers, he ensures that the legends of the Tigers and Cuban Stars will never truly retire. This is a must-read for anyone who believes that history is best served with a side of heart and a heavy dose of home-team pride.