Many people have a soft spot for baseball, America’s national pastime. Although having some enthusiasm for the sport won’t hurt, the following books are likely to be a hit even with those who don’t have a special interest in the game. For young children is Earnest L. Thayer’s classic baseball poem, “Casey at the Bat,” turned into a charming picture book. For older readers, I recommend two books that showcase that there is something magical about a game of baseball.
‘Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888’ by Ernest L. Thayer
Illustrator C.F. Payne puts pictures to one of the best-known baseball sagas ever. In a style that is slightly reminiscent of Norman Rockwell’s, each adds to the lines of poetry written in 1888 about a fateful game of baseball that takes place in Mudville. Children will enjoy scanning the faces in the crowd, each an individual peering out at the game with a unique expression.The poem itself builds up anticipation, inning by inning, until finally the renowned Casey steps up to bat. Depicted as barrel chested and mustachioed, the heroic Casey doesn’t quite deliver the expected result. This story hints at the adage that pride goes before a fall.
