The Spy on Third Base

A third baseman is sick with anxiety about whether or not to help his team by using his knack for knowing where the batter is going to hit the ball

Grade 2-4 By carefully studying the way opposing players stand at the plate and the way they swing the bat, T.V. Adams is able to predict where they are likely to hit the ball. He puts his skill to use in his team's games with mixed results. Some teammates seem to resent his well-intentioned directions on how to play the hitters, a newspaper reporter mentions T.V.'s talent in a column, and an anonymous caller tells him not to use his "psychic" ability in the next game "or else." The lengthy descriptions of the game action leave little room for developing any of the problems, however, and the solutions come too quickly and simply. Children making the transition from beginning readers to "real" novels may find a use for this otherwise forgettable effort. Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, Mass.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

T.V. Adams is not a real spyhe's simply a very close observer of the playing styles of his teammates and opponents. Because he is often able to predict how a ball will be pitched and batted, others misinterpret his skill as psychic ability and resent him. Heavy on blow-by-blow descriptions of baseball games and strategy, light on characterization and plot, this slim novel will just barely maintain the reader's attention. T.V.'s dilemma would have been more compelling if his character had been more developed. For fans of this prolific sportswriter, the undistinguished plot may be offset by the emphasis on sportsmanship and the sheer abundance of baseball lingo. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-10.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.