M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

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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