Play Ball Like the Pros: Tips for Kids from 20 Big League Stars [Paperback]

Steven Krasner (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Major League ball players explain the mechanics of how they successfully field, pitch, catch, hit, and more.
Who should a young baseball player turn to when he or she wants to know the best way to handle an infield ground ball with players on first and second? How about New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter or Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia? In this inside look at the fundamentals of baseball, author and seasoned sports writer Steven Krasner offers an in-depth interview with a Major League athlete, a glossary of baseball terms, a historical anecdote, and an example of a real-life game situation and the solution for handling it. Best of all, the players share their childhood baseball memories. More than just a how-to guide for playing baseball, Play Ball Like the Pros is an intimate look at how professionals do what they do, and how the struggles and influences of their early years informed their later successes.
Major League Ball Players featured:
PITCHING
Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox-Stretching and Warming Up
CC Sabathia, New York Yankees-The Art of Pitching
Scott Baker, Minnesota Twins-Fielding the Position
CATCHING
Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs-Throwing Out Base Stealers
Chris Iannetta, Colorado Rockies-Catching Foul Pop-ups
Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers-Blocking Pitches in the Dirt
INFIELD
Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees-First Base
Akinori Iwamura, Tampa Bay Rays-Second Base
Derek Jeter, New York Yankees-Shortstop
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays-Third Base
Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies and Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox-The Double Play
OUTFIELD
Rocco Baldelli, Boston Red Sox-Catching Fly Balls
Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox-Outfield Throwing
HITTING
Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers-Bunting for a Base Hit or a Sacrifice
Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins-Basic Hitting Fundamentals
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies-The Power Stroke
Jason Bay, Boston Red Sox-The Art of Clutch Hitting
ON THE BASES
Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox-Rundowns
Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays-Running the Bases

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 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
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 181 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers; First Edition first Printing edition (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561452610
• ISBN-13: 978-1561452613
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,310,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for little league players and coaches, June 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Play Ball Like the Pros: Tips for Kids from 20 Big League Stars (Paperback)

Buy this book for your entire team before next season and enjoy the best baseball experience of your life! Steven Krasner relays the pros' insight and tips in an easy-reading format that's perfect for kids, coaches, and parents. Krasner's message is that baseball is all about fun-- and practicing the skills and drills in this winner makes the game more fun for everyone.

5.0 out of 5 stars Kids love this book!, October 23, 2009

By 

Paula Parks "Tennisbuff" (Woodstock,GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Play Ball Like the Pros: Tips for Kids from 20 Big League Stars (Paperback)

My boys range in age from 12 yrs. old to 16 yrs. old, and they have really enjoyed the tips that this book provides from major league baseball players. It is well organized and the sections are divided by the offensive or defensive position being played on the field. Easy to read and some pictures provided.