March 30, 2010

Books for baseball season


We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
written & illustrated by Kadir Nelson


An outstanding book about the heroes of Negro League Baseball, written in the voice of an everyman player. The reader becomes a witness to the beginnings of the Negro League until its decline with the integration of baseball in 1947. It is a story of determination, racial segregation, poor conditions, low pay, independence, and the love of the game. The players' strength, dignity, pain, and athleticism are expertly captured in Kadir Nelson's magnificent paintings. A must-read for all baseball fans.


by Sally Cook & James Charlton
illustrated by Ross MacDonald

A humorous look at American baseball history, covering topics such as the evolution of baseball uniforms, the naming of teams and players (i.e. nicknames), and the many ways of cheating to win games. Sprinkled throughout are definitions of unusual baseball terms like cranks (baseball fans), frozen ropes (hard-hit line drives), and Annie Oakleys (walks). Ross MacDonald's old-time illustrations perfectly complement the enthusiasm of the text.


by Crystal Hubbard
illustrated by Randy DuBurke

Marcenia dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, even though her parents are not supportive. When Gabby Street, former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, comes to her school to recruit children for his baseball camp, Marcenia is eager to impress him with her skills. But Mr. Street didn't want girls in his camp. So one day, Marcenia decided to take a big risk - steal home!

This is the true story of Marcenia Toni Stone Lyle Alberga, the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.


by Barbara Gregorich

An informative, yet unemotional, look at the history of women in baseball. Most chapters are biographies of notable players such as pitchers Maud Nelson and Jackie Mitchell, base-stealer Sophie Kurys, catcher Lois Younger, and umpire Pam Postema. The book is more suitable for avid rather than casual baseball fans.

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