Posted on 05/28/2006 5:28:38 AM PDT by moog
As some know, I am a first grade teacher. I got GREAT feedback when I asked people for some great suggestions for books about the military for boys. Now I'm writing along the same lines. I'm asking if anyone knows of some good books on an elementary level about sports heroes, especially baseball, for boys. I would like to introduce next year's class to some.
I grew up reading about my favorite baseball heroes like Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Babe Herman (he reminded me of myself), Lou Gehrig, Christy Matthewson, even Ty Cobb. Every report I did from elementary through early high school was about baseball.
I haven't followed sports as much as I did at one time, even baseball, so I was wondering if people knew of books that could give the kids some positive sports role models to look up to and get them interested in reading. Note that my boys (17)this year all read at above grade level.
It might be interesting to note that the kids choose their mom and dad most often when describing their favorite heroes. That's the way it should be.
My friend Seth Swirsky has written a number of books on baseball in which he has collected the recollections of a variety of people -- from Presidents to pop stars -- about a great baseball moment in their life. Not exactly what you're describing but still great reads for fans of all ages
I HAVE TO GET THAT ONE!!! What is the title of the book?
Stan waa a class act and one of the best players ever, but it seems because of his nature, he gets less mentioned than some of the other greats.
My favorite baseball stories are 1)When "Andy," Roger Maris' best fan caught his last homer he ever hit in baseball (talk about miraculous) and 2)Lou Gehrig's farewell speech--it gets me choked up whenever I hear it.
I read that one a few times as an older teenager / young adult. I should read it again - I remember laughing all the way through it.
Got any melted butter?
:)
You should have seen me my first two years when I was outside teaching PE 7 hours a day in fall and spring.
"I Love This Game." by the late Kirby Puckett.
If there ever was a class act, he was it. Thanks. I'll check it out!!
I got to see Stan The Man's 3,000th hit. It was the spring of 1958 (or maybe 57). The Cardinals were playing at Wrigley Field. They kept Stan out of the line-up because they wanted him to get #3,000 at home. But the game was tight, and they had a runner on 2nd with one or none out. In comes Stan The Man as a pinch-hitter. He lined a double down the left field line... #3,000 and a game winner. And he was a humble and unassuming as a sports hero can be... Class act indeed!
I've had a few people tell me that Steele is a FReeper.
I loved the book "Still a Legend: The Story of Roger Maris" by Harvey Rosenfeld
Maris was a great role model and family man who had a heart of gold. There are some fantastic lessons learned from his upbringing and facing diversity BEFORE he was playing baseball. I wish I had read this book when I was about 12.
GREAT POST!!!!! Now, I REALLY need to get that book. I have the one put out by Chicken Soup (for the baseball soul) that is really good too.
I put many baseball stories into the work we do in class, written by myself.
Sports can sometimes get us away from politics and the rat race of modern life.
I don't know who the author is but a great book is Honus and Me. It is about a young boy loves baseball and collects baseball cards. He helps and elderly neighboor clean out her attic and finds a Honus Wagner baseball card. The card is magical and he can communicate with Honus Wagner. Its a great book. I've read it numerous times with my older boys and look forward to reading with my youngest.
How come no one has mentioned the single best source for this poster?
The newly re-written Chip Hilton series, first authored by Clair Bee and updated by the grandchildren. As a child, I read all of the first series. Even today at age 48 I enjoy the rewritten ones.
No better combination of sports, moral values and ethical living exists.
These books are easily available in today's online world.
Many years ago a book entitled "My Greatest Day in Baseball" was read by thousands of young'uns. It was a compilation of visits with the best baseball players of the time. I recall that an especially good story was told by Dizzy Dean. It is old now, but who knows, you xerox a couple of the best chapters and the kids might also absorb a little history.
That was the only time I ever followed hockey. My family put all other activities on hold to watch each game. :)
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