Play ball like the pros Tips for kids from 20 big league stars

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. ( Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.