Centerfield Ballhawk (Peach Street Mudders) [Paperback]

Matt Christopher (Author), Ellen Beier (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 1994 | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Peach Street Mudders

Jose Mendez wants to be a great batter just like his father was when he played in the minor leagues. But every time Jose picks up the bat, disaster strikes. Will Jose ever be able to match his dad's .375 batting average?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- Jose Mendez feels he has disappointed his father, a former minor league player, because he doesn't hit a baseball as well as he thinks he should. The boy fails to realize until the final chapters that he is a good outfielder and that is where the team needs him the most. Christopher's characters are well developed and support positive values of caring and self-worth. Jose's mother has died, and his father is raising his son and daughter. The child tries to do the right thing, but to his dismay, accidents do happen. The format in this easy-to-read chapter book is open and unintimidating; full-page, black-and-white drawings add to the appeal. --Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Worrying about how he can't match his father's .375 minor-league batting average, Jos‚ (9) barely notices the spectacular plays he himself makes on defense for the Peach Street Mudders. Despite evidence to the contrary, he's convinced that he's a disappointment to team and father both, but finally his father sets him straight. Christopher has come up with stronger plots, but the episodic structure and minor cliffhangers here might appeal to less able readers. Eight full-page b&w illustrations capture the high spots of this ``Springboard Book,'' though Jos‚ makes one of his miraculous outfield plays with what looks like a catcher's mitt, and many figures are awkwardly posed. Rudimentary dynamics in Jos‚'s motherless Hispanic family add a social dimension to the sports action. (Fiction. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 59 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (May 2, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316142727
• ISBN-13: 978-0316142724
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.1 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,994 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ballhawk, August 23, 2002

By 

Jay - See all my reviews

This review is from: Centerfield Ballhawk (Peach Street Mudders) (Paperback)

Christopher has produced an early reader for children to begin reading chapter books (something they are usually very excited about). This one centers on a 9-year old boy trying to become a great hitter to win his father's love. The whole time he doesn't realize that he is an excellent outfielder and his father would love him anyway. A touching story and quick read.

Vocabulary is kept basic, and chapters are kept short. However, the amount of baseball knowledge and terminology is incredible. This book may appeal to many children due to the topic, but if they are not prepared for the explanations of baseball plays, they will lose interest.

Why 4 stars?:
This book was well constructed as far as vocabulary and chapter length to be a beginning chapter book. However, I had to take off one star due to the amount of baseball vernacular that is used and may not be understood by all children. It gets very heavy.