Ace of the Diamond, Vol. 1 by Yuji Terajima

Ace of the Diamond, Vol. 1 by Yuji Terajima
Ace of the Diamond #1, 200 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Eijun Sawamura had his heart set on the middle-school national baseball championships. But his team is eliminated thanks to a wild pitch thrown by Eijun himself. He’s planning to go to high school with his teammates and try again next year when he’s scouted by the famous Seido High School Baseball team. When he goes for a campus visit, he finds himself on the receiving end of a baptism by fire! His experience forming a battery with up-and-coming catcher Miyuki rekindles his passion for baseball!!

Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

 

Hidden Truths   by Elly Swartz  258 pages

Dani and Eric have been best friends since Dani moved next door in second grade. They bond over donuts, comic books, and camping on the Cape. Until one summer when everything changes. Did Eric cause the accident that leaves Dani unable to do the one thing in the world she most cares about? The question plagues him, and he will do anything to get answers about the explosion that injured her. But Dani is hurting too much to want Eric to pursue the truth... she just wants to shut him out and move on. Besides, Eric has a history of dropping things he starts. Eric knows that and is determined that this will be the one time he follows through. But what if his pursuit brings him into direct conflict with another friend? Where does Eric's loyalty really lie?

This is a Mark Twain nominee for 4-6 graders.  Great story about friendship and always being honest.  I love the role reversal in that the girl is on a baseball team and loves baseball, and the boy is the "geek".  This is perfect for older elementary students.  Nothing inappropriate and they will be able to relate to this story. 

Play Along by Liz Tomforde

Play Along by Liz Tomforde -- 384 pages

Kennedy -- I’m the only woman on staff for the Windy City Warriors, and after years of putting up with a sexist lead doctor, I’m desperate to land my dream job with a new team next year. All I have to do is maintain my professional reputation for my final season in Chicago. But a Las Vegas run-in with the team’s shortstop threatens it all, leaving me with a fuzzy memory and a ring on my left hand. Now, not only am I legally bound to the most persistent man I’ve ever met, but thanks to Isaiah’s scheme to save my job, I have to pretend the whole thing was a planned elopement and not a drunken mistake. Isaiah Rhodes is reckless, impulsive, and frustratingly charming. He’s also my brand-new husband. They got the saying wrong. What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas… sometimes it follows you right back home.

Isaiah -- As the shortstop for Chicago’s professional baseball team, I’ve had my fair share of fun. But that all ended the day Kennedy Kay became a single woman. I’ve crushed on the team’s athletic trainer for years. I’ve flirted to no avail, so imagine my surprise when I woke up in Sin City with a ring on my finger and my favorite redhead in my bed. We agree to stay married for one baseball season, just long enough to keep her job safe, but in my mind, I’m using our time together to prove to her I’m husband material. Kennedy might be reluctant to join in on our game, but it’s one I refuse to lose. So come on, wife… play along.

Mark and Me by Jay McGwire

Mark and Me by Jay McGwire 196 pages Mark McGwire's brother offers a detailed account of how the baseball star got started on steroids, what he used, and the dramatic effect the drugs had on his body and baseball history. Mark McGwire has always been an idol of mine. I like to read about what people think about him and why he used the performance enhancers. But it was so interesting to read how his brother felt about it and his point of view growing up with him.

One Line Drive by Daniel Ponce DeLeon

One Line Drive by Daniel Ponce DeLeon 213 Pages "Daniel Ponce de Leon's journey to a Major League Baseball roster has been roundabout. He attended four different colleges and was drafted four times, and only on the final time did he land a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. After four more years of climbing his way up through the minors, he finally reached AAA, one step from the big leagues. Then, while pitching in a game, Daniel was struck in the head by a line drive. He suffered a large epidural hematoma and skull fracture that resulted in brain swelling and hemorrhaging, and spent almost three weeks in the intensive care unit. Just fourteen months later, fully recovered, he made his first Major League start, becoming just the fifth pitcher in modern Major League history to throw seven innings of no-hit ball in his debut. MLB.com referred to Daniel's performance as one of the greatest debuts in Major League Baseball history. In One Line Drive, Daniel tells the full story of his journey, sharing how he never would have made it without his faith in God and the support of family and friends. Readers will be encouraged not to lose faith but to keep pressing on regardless of any setback or disappointment"-- Provided by publisher. What an inspiring story about a wonderful baseball player. Cardinals are my favorite so it was exciting to read about one of our own players and how he survived and recovered from this life threatening injury. #biography #baseball

A Big Day for Baseball (Magic Tree House #29) by Mary Pope Osborne

A Big Day for Baseball (Magic Tree House #29) by Mary Pope Osborne-75 pages

I intended to read this for last month's challenge, but I ran out of time. I read this a couple of years ago, but it's a good book. Jack and Annie are sent back to April 15, 1947 to Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. At first, they don't realize why they're there, but realize later that it was Opening Day for Major League Baseball and Jackie Robinson was making his debut as the first African-American player. I really enjoy the history and the adventure in the Magic Tree House books and this was a momentous day not just for baseball, but for the country as a whole.

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey - 389 pages

Georgie gets no respect from her family.  They all dismiss her as a child even though she runs her own successful entertainment business as a birthday party clown. 

Travis is back home after retiring from baseball due to an injury.  He feels a failure until he's offered a job as a color analyst.  The only problem is that he has to live down his playboy image as the team wants a family-friendly announcer.

So Georgia comes up with a plan.  Georgie and Travis will "date".  Georgie will be seen as an adult by her family and Travis will look as if he settled down with a girl next door.  But will they be able to keep up the pretense without really falling in love?


I picked up this book after reading a review of it on JCL Reads.  I'm glad I did.  It was a fun, quirky romance that I really enjoyed.  In fact, I went and placed several other books by this author on hold as soon as I finished it.  Hopefully, I like them as much.

Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury

Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury - 326 pages

 Against the advice of her doctor, Mary Catherine moves to Uganda to work at a new orphanage. Whatever time she has left, Mary Catherine wants to spend it helping children – especially since she is unable to have children of her own. The only problem is Marcus Dillinger, the Major League Baseball player she was never meant to fall in love with. But neither Marcus nor Mary Catherine’s other friends – Tyler Ames and Sami Dawson – know just how serious her heart condition is.

  Still, Marcus suspects something isn’t right. After months of silence, a divinely timed letter from Mary Catherine leads him on a desperate life-or-death mission to rescue her and get her to a US hospital before time runs out. Meanwhile, as Sami and Tyler prepare to marry, the group receives shocking news that changes everyone’s plans.

  The team of angels walking is busier than ever in this epic battle between life and death. Brush of Wings is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of faith.

Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury

Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury - 316 pages


Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart.

Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with coach Tyler Ames and LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine’s intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury - 360  pages

In Angels Walking, former baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury. As he tries to put his life back together the way it was before, he discovers the devastating news that his one true love, Sami Dawson, has moved on. When a small series of miracles leads Tyler to form a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s, he realizes that she might have the answers he so desperately seeks. Can a team of Angels Walking restore hope and bring healing for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love?

Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine, in Chasing Sunsets, never yearned for an extravagant lifestyle the way her parents did. Instead, she pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart. But she finds herself drawn to LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger when she volunteers with her roommate Sami at a local youth center, and she discovers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

Finally, in Brush of Wings, Mary Catherine moves to Uganda to work at an orphanage against the advice of her doctor. She may not have long to live, but she chooses to help others with the time she has left. The only problem is Marcus, the man she never meant to fall in love with. He knows something is wrong, and after months of silence from Mary Catherine, a divinely timed letter leads him on a desperate life-or-death mission. Then his friends receive shocking news that changes everyone’s plans. The angels in their midst are doing everything they can to make sure their mission succeeds.

Blockade Billy by Stephen King

Blockade Billy by Stephen King, 132 pages

I am not a big Stephen King fan, but I do like to read novellas. This was a quick read about a former pro baseball coach who is supposedly being interviewed by Stephen King.  We meet catcher Blockade Billy, who is brought up to play for the team.  Even in the beginning, you get the feeling there is just something not right about Billy.  But, the team seems to have never played better without him.  Yet, still some things just are not right.  So, when the police show up at the field one day and Billy's true history is revealed, chills go up and down your spine.  This book also contained the bonus story, Morality.

A Big Day for Baseball by Mary Pope Osborne

A Big Day for Baseball by Mary Pope Osborne-88 pages

Jack and Annie are taken to Ebbets Field, April 15, 1947 for opening day of baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers in this newest Magic Tree House adventure. This is the place and date Jackie Robinson made his MLB debut and he became the first African-American to play in the MLB. This was a fun read and Osborne brings an important event to life for kids (and adults).

Redbird Relics: Treasures from the St. Louis Cardinals Museum by Brian Finch

Redbird Relics: Treasures from the St. Louis Cardinals Museum by Brian Finch-144 pages

I am a big St. Louis Cardinals fan, so this was a very interesting, enlightening read. The Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum has many cool artifacts from the entire span of the Cardinals franchise (including items from other teams like the Browns and the Stars). Additionally, I learned a few things that I didn't know about the Cardinals and some of the major figures of the past and present. One thing I learned is that Branch Rickey was manager of the Cardinals before he became GM and the Museum has a 1919 game-worn Branch Rickey uniform from his time as manager. Also, I learned about Frankie Frisch, Jim Bottomley, Chick Hafey, Joe Medwick, and others that I knew very little about before reading this book. As a result of reading this book, I really want to visit the Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum.

Assassination Classroom, v. 5 by Yusei Matsui

Assassination Classroom, v. 5 by Yusei Matsui

In this volume, we conclude the baseball game with the varsity team and meet a new P.E. teacher.
I am continuing to love this series.  It is consistently funny while actually inserting some philosophical questions for deep thinking.

And I continue to love the Moment of Zen at the end of each book --
"He stole something quite precious to you.  Your tentacles."

Assassination Classroom, v.4 by Yusei Matsui

Assassination Classroom, v.4 by Yusei Matsui - 194 pages

Irina's mentor has challenged her to an assassination to see who can kill Karasuma first.  Then a new transfer comes in - with tentacles and claiming to be Koro Sensei's little brother.  Next, it's time for the baseball exhibition.

Another hilarious entry in the Assassination Classroom series.

The Setup Man by T.T. Monday

The Setup Man by T.T. Monday - 262 pages

Johnny Adcock is an aging relief pitcher with a side job as a private detective for his fellow major league baseball players with sensitive problems.  This premise sounds bizarre but it works and the noir tone elevates the story to a higher level.  The world is fully fleshed out and the characters have depth from the moment you meet them.  As a baseball fan, I truly enjoyed this diversion from the traditional detective format with its look behind the scenes into that elite world.  Just a note - there is heavy violence in this book so it is by no means a "cozy" mystery.

Where Nobody Knows Your Name by John Feinstein

Where Nobody Knows Your Name: Life in the Minor Leagues of Baseball by John Feinstein - 384 pages

Prolific bestselling sportswriter Feinstein turns his eye to a select group of  players, coaches and umpires in AAA baseball and follows them for a season.  The individual stories of people you'll recognize and the the vast majority you won't are interwoven to show the highs of both making it to the major leagues and also the value in knowing you made it further in baseball that a vast majority ever will.  Most who play baseball at any level professionally will never make it to the major league level but Feinstein does a great job of showing that failing to reach that goal doesn't mean the end.  I really enjoyed the peek behind the curtain into the inner workings of minor league baseball and the mechanics of call-ups and player transactions and how they impact the lives of those playing baseball for a living.   

Last Days of Summer: A Novel by Steve Kluger

Last Days of Summer: A Novel by Steve Kluger - 353 pages

The impossible happens when Boston kid Joey Margolis writes to Giants third baseman Charlie Banks.  He writes back.  They start sending letters back and forth to each other -- eventually meeting and changing each others' lives.
I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the idea that a preteen boy could be so annoying that he could actually get a star to write him back, meet him, and become a fixture in his life.  It was a little disconcerting at first to read Banks' letters as they were filled with spelling errors, but it quickly just became part of the character.

My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins & Fenway Park by Steve Kluger

My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins & Fenway Park by Steve Kluger - 403 pages

Even though one of the characters is a die-hard Red Sox fan, I really liked this book.  It was fun and magical to read.  It's the story of three friends during their freshman year told through diary entries, instant messaging, emails and memos.  Over the course of that year, one of the friends comes out and gets his first boyfriend, one determines that she wants to be an actress, and one finds a new little brother in a deaf child he befriends at a baseball game.  And then there are the quests in the book -- to build a baseball field at Manzanar, to exonerate ballplayer Buck Weaver of cheating, and to introduce Hucky to his idol Mary Poppins.  A fun book for all teens.

One Last Strike by Tony LaRussa

One Last Strike: Fifty Years in Baseball, Ten and a Half Games Back, and One Final Championship Season by Tony LaRussa - 432 pages

This book chronicles the Cardinals amazing run in 2011 to the World Series Championship.  There are a lot of looks back across LaRussa's career as well especially when he delves into the reasoning behind his managerial style and sometimes controversial decisions.  It's an interesting "inside baseball" look at a season that became a legend.  The only knock I have against the book is that the lengthy passages of essentially play by play of particular games can get a little boring.  I had hoped for a little more behind the scenes revelations.