Baseball Just for Kids: Skills, Strategies and Stories to Make You a Better Ballplayer [Paperback]

Slam Press Grand (Author), Jerry Kasoff (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Instructional baseball book for children 8 to 12 years old. Covers the basic rules, strategies and anecdotal history of the game.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7. Covering basic rules of the game, Kasoff devotes his discussion to baserunning, batting, fielding, pitching, and catching. He alternates giving pointers (dos and don'ts) with historical trivia (the best and the worst). Well-reproduced, black-and-white photos clarify the differences between techniques such as the "square bunt" and the "pivot bunt." Readers will enjoy the jokes ("Why does the pitcher raise one leg when he goes into his windup? Because if he raised them both, he'd fall down"), famous bloopers, and learning the origins of legendary nicknames. The author imparts his love for the game as well as his understanding of youth leagues by reminding young players that sometimes coaches disagree on methods and strategies, but most agree that practice makes perfect. A welcome addition for young baseball enthusiasts.?Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A rarity: an instructional manual written specifically for children, not the adults who coach them". -- USA TODAY, February 26, 1997

"Jerry Kasoff imbues his brief texts with a spirit of fun, not do-or-die". -- Smalll Press Magazine, July 1996

"The author imparts his love for the game....A welcome addition for young baseball enthusiasts". -- School Library Journal, April 1997

Baseball Just For Kids is ideal reading for 8 to 12 year olds and covers the basic rules of the game, plus proven strategies to make them better ballplayers. Young readers will discover how to increase their batting average by 16 points, the do's and don'ts of baserunning, the art of the bunt, secrets of throwing the ball straight and far, pitching with power and control (and how to protect the arm), infield and outfield tips for catching fly balls easier, field grounders better, tag runners, making more double plays and much, much more. Baseball Just For Kids is a treasury of facts and folklore about the game, infield bloopers, World Series records, greatest pitching feats of all time, the best (and worst) baserunners, and of course, baseball's most unforgettable home runs. Baseball Just For Kids is terrific reading combining solid information with great entertainment values and certain to enthuse aspiring baseball players. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 159 pages
• Publisher: Grand Slam Press (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964582678
• ISBN-13: 978-0964582675
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,380,041 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars How-to-play baseball for the child reader., April 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Baseball Just for Kids: Skills, Strategies and Stories to Make You a Better Ballplayer (Paperback)

This book is best for nine to eleven year olds who are interested enough to read about baseball. Kasoff tells the reader how to play each position, how to hit, how to pitch, etc., in clear prose. He also tacks on some baseball trivia at the end of each chapter in an attempt to interest his youthful readers in baseball history. My ten year old liked the trivia. The problem I have with the book is that here and there the playing tips are perhaps a little dated. However, this book teaches more good fundamentals than 90% of the Little League coaches out there, so it's valuable for the child who has to learn it for him-or herself.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, helpful book chock full of trivia!, October 2, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Baseball Just for Kids: Skills, Strategies and Stories to Make You a Better Ballplayer (Paperback)

This is a great book for any kid interested in playing baseball. Kids will get step-by-step instructions and explanations of the how-to's of the game. The book is also full of baseball trivia that all kids and adults will love! I heartily recommend this book to little league coaches, kids, and anyone with any interest in kids playing baseball

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kids will enjoy..., April 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Baseball Just for Kids: Skills, Strategies and Stories to Make You a Better Ballplayer (Paperback)

This is one book kids will read themselves. It is written as if the author is speaking to kids in the dugout rather than speaking to an adult. The auhtor keeps it light, and sprinkles the instructional parts with humor and entertaining baseball trivia. Kids and their parents can enjoy this book together.