Baseball from A-Z
A book for Kids
Learning about baseball has never been so much fun! From a pitching Ace to a strike Zone, this energetic alphabet book covers all the bases of America’s favorite pastime. Lively, action-packed illustrations will take readers right into the stands to root, root, root for the home team. So put on your favorite team jersey and get ready for the Ballpark… because Baseball from A to Z is one Home run you don’t want to miss.
Read an Excerpt
Extras
More About Baseball from A to Z
Memories. They are as much a part of the America's Pastime as hotdogs. I don't think there is any other sport that connects us to our memories and our past as much as baseball. We remember our first baseball glove. Our first game. The first time we got that hard to get baseball card of our favorite player.
My first baseball glove was Rawlings Mel Stottlemyre model. I loved that glove. At night when it was time for bed, I took it with me and often fell asleep listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio. The dulcet tones of Hall-Of-Fame Announcer Ernie Harwell were my nighttime lullaby on many a summer night.
I have a theory that baseball is popular because it is great theater. It is a sport that has been written about and celebrated, perhaps more than any other. All it takes is one visit to the ballpark and it is indelibly printed on our minds. The love of the game is passed from generation to generation. We seek comfort in knowing the winter is past and spring is here as soon as we hear the crack of the bat and the smack of the well thrown ball into a leather mitt.
My baseball memories are many. I remember seeing Mickey Mantle hit his last home run in Tiger Stadium. At the same park, I remember Al Oliver hitting a home run off the facing of the third deck that appeared to travel faster than the speed of light. I marveled in watching Alan Trammell slip easily to the right field side of second base to throw out Ricky Henderson by a step. I remember living in Virginia in 1984 when the Tigers won the World Series and hoping each night the atmosphere would cooperate and bring the WJR 760 AM signal to my radio.
Most of all I remember taking my son and daughter to their first baseball games. How they marveled at the sights and sounds and smells of the ballpark. I remember watching my son's t-ball games and cheering wildly whenever his tiny bat connected with the ball. When I think of baseball, I think of memories.
That's why I was thrilled to get a chance to write my very own baseball book. I become attached to all of my books and they are all labors of love. After all, if you aren't doing something you love, what's the point? But every time I sat down to write this book, the memories would come flooding back.
I hope it reminds you of some pleasant memories too.
Download the Reading Guide for Baseball from A to Z
A Reading Guide for Baseball from A to Z
This 3+ page download is a great resource! An interview with Mike, some info about him and the book, info about the illustrator, questions for readers to consider and discuss, and a list of projects that span the curriculum, including Language Arts, Math, History, and Music.
The Guide for Baseball from A to Z was created by was created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, a reading specialist and children’s author.
Reviews
Learn the fundamentals of baseball terms from 'Ace' to 'Strike Zone' in this fast-paced alphabet book.
— Cleveland.com
This energetic picture book uses the alphabet as a framework for defining baseball terms. Most of the terms revolve around the types of things that young fans might hear when they attend their first major or minor league game. Common words such as ace, grounder, no-hitter, mascot, and tag, are given crisp, one- or two-sentence definitions. Pamintuan’s bright, cartoon-style illustrations, featuring exaggerated gestures and facial expressions, will easily attract attention, although he doesn’t capture the full multicultural makeup of a modern baseball team. Many definitions include thematic links to others, often on the same double-page spread. For example, a shortstop (S) is shown making a tag (T). Even very young fans will find this fun and informative.
— Booklist
This alphabet book covers the sport of baseball from "Ace" to strike "Zone." The illustrations are colorful caricatures of baseball players and spectators which kids and adults will find funny and entertaining. The illustrator's attention to detail is evident on every page.
— Childrens Literature
Vibrant scenes of ballpark action are the main draw in this alphabetical guide to the game of baseball.
— Publishers Weekly
A good take-along for a first-time outing to the baseball park, Spradlin's book packs in plenty of useful information, starting with A is for Ace: "the best pitcher on each team" Pamintuan's illustrations showcase the players; athleticism and are chock full of action, humor and expression.
— The Horn Book Guide
If the kids in your life need a quick introduction to baseball, show them Baseball from A to Z. From Ace to strike Zone, this picture book presents a full line-up of baseball definitions.
— The New York Journal of Books
Enjoy an Excerpt
↓ Jump to Ordering Options
A
Ace. The best pitcher on each team is called the Ace of the pitching staff.
B
Ballpark. The ballpark is a fun place to spend the day!
end of excerpt
Baseball from A-Z
by Michael P. Spradlin
is available in the following formats:
Digital:
- Sorry, this title is not available in digital formats
Print:
→ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may use affiliate links elsewhere in my site.
share on:
