Play Ball Like the Pros: Tips for Kids from 20 Big League Stars - Softcover

Krasner, Steven

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1561452610 ISBN 13: 9781561452613

Publisher: Peachtree Pub Co Inc, 2002

Synopsis

For a high school junior, Skye has a lot on her plate. Her mother has held down two jobs to support the family since Skye's father left, so Skye is given the responsibility of caring for her brother Sunny, who has Down syndrome, all while trying to maintain her 3.5 GPA, training intensely to qualify for the swimming state championships, and struggling to come to terms with her feelings for her boyfriend, who wants more from her than she is ready to give.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 4 Up-The unique format makes this a special instructional book. Krasner uses the expertise of 20 current major leaguers to teach youngsters, coaches, and physical-education teachers how to play every position. The question-and-answer sections between the author and players keep interest while instructing novices. The stars always place strong emphasis on enjoying the game. A real-life scenario, glossary, situation quiz, and a celebrity reminiscence of playing baseball as a child follow each skill. Separate chapters are devoted to catching, each infield position, the outfield, hitting, and baserunning. Aaron Sele, Pedro Martinez, and Paul Quantrill instruct players on the art of pitching, warming up properly, the pitcher as fielder, and which pitches young hurlers should be throwing to avoid injury. Each chapter includes a black-and-white photo of the athlete and line drawings. An excellent purchase for libraries serving young people and those who work with them.
Michael McCullough, Byron-Bergen Middle School, Bergen, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Pointers from experts such as Derek Jeter, Roberto Alomar and Wade Boggs come to light in Play Ball Like the Pros: Tips for Kids from 20 Big League Stars by Steve Krasner, a sports reporter for The Providence Journal. Each chapter focuses on a specific position or skill and features an interview, a glossary of terms, a hypothetical situation (and solution) and one of the player's special memories.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-9. This title is just the sort of finely tuned analysis of baseball that many young players are looking for. Each chapter features an interview with a professional player about the position he plays. The tips given are detailed and insightful. For example, one chapter focuses solely on the best way for a catcher to snag a foul pop-up. The chapters end with a useful glossary (it's nice not to have to shuffle to the back of the book for this), a player's folksy memory of growing up, a bit of baseball lore, and a problem in a game situation that the reader has an opportunity to solve. Some player photos and line drawings are included, but better illustrations would have improved the package. Even so, this is a good reference for young people working to improve their skills. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Peachtree Pub Co Inc
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1561452610
• ISBN 13: 9781561452613
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 181