From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?A beginning chapter book that's sure to be a hit. It's 1915 in New York City, and Patrick Doyle and his friends have found a pseudo-baseball field where an old draft horse, Miss Barley, keeps the grass trimmed as well as any lawnmower. Then the Copperheads, a bunch of bullies, try to take over the field. Patrick makes a deal with them: if Doyle hits a home run, Patrick's gang gets dibs on the field forever. The "Doyle" Patrick has in mind is New York Giant Larry Doyle, not himself. The boy frantically writes letters to his hero about his predicament, even sending an expensive telegraph?but the day of the game arrives and no answer. Larry Doyle shows up in the nick of time; with his help, Patrick himself delivers the promised home run, and the Copperheads have to honor the bet. All historically significant notations in the story are explained in an afterword that includes a glossary. Abundant black-and-white drawings capture the suspense and the boys' fear of the pugnacious Copperheads, and show the triumphant hit.?Charlyn Lyons, Wichita Public Library, KS
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Gr. 2^-4. In the summer of 1915, nine-year-old Patrick Doyle and his Irish immigrant friends look forward to playing baseball in their Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. When a rough gang challenges their claim to the diamond, Patrick strikes a bargain that requires the assistance of his hero, New York Giants hitter Larry Doyle. Although help comes in a form different from what Patrick had requested, the results are even better, as the boys win the rights to their field through Patrick's talents rather than trickery. This beginning chapter book features likable characters, a believable plot, and admirable attention to setting details. An afterword provides a historical backdrop for the story, and the appended glossary explains period vocabulary. Pair with Sydelle Kramer's
Baseball's Greatest Hitters (1995), for another perspective on the beginnings of America's favorite pastime.
Kay Weisman
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.