Local Sports Columnist Releases First Book

Todd Eschman shares his favorite stories and columns from over a decade of sports writing.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Todd Eschman, a longtime sports columnist for the Belleville News Democrat, has released his first book "Behind the Box Score: A Columnist's Chronicles." The book features 36 of Eschman's favorite stories and columns from his career, covering topics like local sports history, inspirational stories, and personal reflections.

Why it matters

As a respected local sports journalist, Eschman has built a loyal following of readers over the years. His new book provides an opportunity for fans to revisit some of his most impactful and memorable work, offering a unique perspective on the role of sports in the local community.

The details

Eschman's book is divided into six chapters, each featuring four to eight of his previously published stories and columns. The topics range from historical pieces to stories that use sports as a metaphor for life. Some of Eschman's personal favorites include a story about a local softball player who overcame adversity, as well as a feature on baseball player Les Miller that Eschman considers his best written work. The book also includes a personal column Eschman wrote about the passing of a local outdoors columnist.

  • Eschman's first book, "Behind the Box Score: A Columnist's Chronicles," was released in November 2026.
  • Eschman has been a sports columnist for the Belleville News Democrat for over 10 years.

The players

Todd Eschman

A longtime sports columnist for the Belleville News Democrat, Eschman has released his first book featuring 36 of his favorite stories and columns from his career.

Jeffry Couch

The former executive editor and general manager for the Belleville News Democrat, Couch wrote the foreword for Eschman's book.

Laverne Sturman

The late outdoors columnist for the O'Fallon Progress, who Eschman wrote a personal column about in his book.

Bullet Bob Turley

A Troy-born, East St. Louis raised baseball player who was the first American League pitcher to win the Cy Young Award, and later founded Primerica insurance.

Les Miller

A baseball player featured in one of Eschman's stories that the columnist considers his best written piece in the book.

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What they’re saying

“Behind the Box Score is 36 reprinted stories and pictures divided into six chapters with four to eight stories he wrote as features or columns that are either historical or use sports as a metaphor for life: History & Heroes, When Sports Inspire, Hot Takes, Redbird Favorites, Characters & Quotables, and Getting Personal.”

— Todd Eschman, Author (collinsvilledailynews.com)

“His favorite story was about a softball player from Belleville West that was abandoned at a police station in China and adopted by a family in Belleville, IL. The girl overcame club foot to become a great softball player and is now an ER doctor.”

— Todd Eschman, Author (collinsvilledailynews.com)

“One story that Eschman did not particularly care for was a feature about Troy-born, East St. Louis raised baseball player Bullet Bob Turley who was the first American League pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. After retirement he founded Primerica insurance.”

— Todd Eschman, Author (collinsvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

Eschman said to expect more books from him in the future, as he continues to share his passion for local sports with readers.

The takeaway

Eschman's new book provides a unique opportunity for fans to revisit some of his most impactful and memorable sports stories, highlighting the important role that local journalism can play in capturing the spirit and history of a community.