Synopsis
Cody Kaufman slept at 56 different locations, rode the bus 11,492 miles, and spent just $2,563 during his 2012 road trip to every ballpark in Major League Baseball. In his new book, 30 Tickets To Paradise, Kaufman shares the wild stories about how he did it, as well as the people, places, and cultures that inspired him along the way.
30 Tickets To Paradise commences in Los Angeles with the crash-and-burn portrayal of Kaufman’s quarter-life crisis, a phase he later overcomes while chasing every Major League ballpark across the United States and Canada. During his journey, he bicycles 625 miles through California, interacts with loony Greyhound passengers, interviews local celebrities, instigates practical jokes, sleeps on random couches, sprints the bases at Tiger Stadium, watches a tragic death unfold, and much more. With both comedic and dramatic chapters, each stop features an unpredictable story and ranking guide that vicariously transports readers on the ultimate baseball adventure. In the end, after a disastrous mistake nearly jeopardizes his goal, Kaufman gains spiritual enlightenment as he achieves his lifelong dream in climactic fashion.
Although themed around baseball, 30 Tickets To Paradise is Cody Kaufman’s true story about adventure, inspiration, and life. His underlying message resonates with adults of all backgrounds, and captivates baseball and non-baseball enthusiasts alike.