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Baseball
Books Hit a Home Run
By Holly E. Newton
Baseball season is in full swing and
I’ve dug out books that will surely become a home run for
families of all ages!
 One-Handed
Catch, by M. J. Auch, is an amazing story about 11-year-old
Norm, who lost his hand while helping at his father’s meat
market. His dream had been to play baseball when he grew up —
but now his hopes have been dashed. However, his mom insists that
he continue to do all that he can and doesn’t pamper or help
him when he’s experiencing difficulties. For example, when
he asks for help to tie his shoes, his mom acknowledges that he
must learn on his own. How else will he learn? Besides, he won’t
always be around others when he needs his shoes tied.
This book is an inspiring story about
this young boy who constantly challenges himself to overcome his
weakness and not let it overcome him. He has to learn to hold the
bat and hit the ball differently. He has to get a right-handed mitt
and learn to catch a ball and tuck the mitt under his arm in order
to throw it quickly. He has to learn about this game that he loves
in a complete different mindset. And he accomplishes all of this
and becomes a great player by learning one of the most important
lessons in life: never give up and practice as much as possible
every single day.
The author based the story loosely
on her husband, who lost his hand as a youngster and went on to
play successfully in sports and eventually became a successful newspaper
artist and illustrator. Books that have the protagonist overcoming
difficult situations, crises or disabilities can be some of the
best types of books for kids to read because it enables the reader
to see how hard people have to work to accomplish their goals.
 And
while we’re on the theme of overcoming obstacles, the next
four picture books are based on fact and take the challenges head-on.
Champions on the Bench: The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars,
by Carole Boston Weatherford, recounts the 1955 Little League All
Stars for African Americans. Back then the South Carolina teams
were segregated, as with many other states. This picture book, interestingly
illustrated by Leonard Jenkins, tells the story through the eyes
of young Cleveland as he soon discovers that he’s made the
all-star team. His excitement and anticipation is soon dissipated
when his coach tells the team “Boys, I’m afraid the
white teams have refused to play us.” This unfortunate situation
resulted in not allowing these great players to get a chance to
prove how great they really were. The story is poignant and teaches
new generations the importance of treating people equally.
 The
Longest Season, by hall-of-famer Cal Ripken, Jr.,
tells how he and his team, the Baltimore Orioles, lost 22 games
in a row back in 1988. Cal’s father was the manager and his
brother played second base. It was the only time in history when
there were three members of one family on the same professional
team. It was a difficult time for them as they continued to lose
and wondered if they would ever win. Finally, game 23 broke their
losing streak and became their magic number.
Cal is known primarily for his record-breaking
consecutive games played streak. He was also recognized as a power
hitting 6”4” shortstop who helped to redefine the position.
The full spread illustrations, by Ron Mazellan, are beautifully
painted and grasp the intensity of the times.
 Here’s
another story about a hall-of-famer. Campy: The Story
of Roy Campanella, by David A. Adler, describes a
much-loved player who became the first African American catcher
in the major leagues. Probably one of the greatest attributes he
displayed during his lifetime was his positive and cheerful nature.
He didn’t let negative slurs, or behavior, get in his way
when he played ball. His teammates loved him and his fans adored
him. Even when a car accident left him a paraplegic, he continued
to smile and help others achieve all that they could. The oil paintings,
by Gordon C. James, are breathtaking. I only wished there could
have been an actual photograph of him in the back.
 Out
of the Ballpark, by Alex Rodriguez, shares the author’s
story of winning his playoff game and making his family proud. Mr.
Rodriguez plays 3rd base for the New York Yankees and writes about
how hard you must practice to become good. There are bright paintings,
by Frank Morrison, that fill every page. Actual photos of him are
located in the back, along with a special edition baseball card.
 Now
for a fantastic fantasy sequel to Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s
famous poem, “Casey at the Bat”. Casey Back
at Bat is Dan Gutman’s first picture book (he’s
written many favorites including “My Weird School” series
for older kids). It’s the last inning of the last game when
mighty Casey comes to bat. What happens next is so inventive, unique
and funny that this story will surely become a favorite read aloud!
The clever paintings, by Steve Johnson and Lou Fanher, make this
wonderful book take on a vintage yet colorful feeling!
 And
if for some reason, you don’t know all there is to know about
the actual game, you’ll find it all in Smithsonian
Q&A: Baseball. Some of the contents include actual
information about the game itself, while others are about specific
players. There are actual photos throughout. This book would make
a great present for that interested player!
Take me out to the ballgame, or better
yet catch one of these diamonds for a hit out of the park!
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© 2007
Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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