Long Ball: The Legend And Lore of the Home Run (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades)
Grade 4-8–Stewart and Kennedy offer an overview of the history and significance of the long ball in this attractively designed book that includes a number of large, full-color photographs. One chapter presents a selective list of 10 great home runs, including Babe Ruth's called shot in the 1932 World Series, milestones by Roger Maris and Hank Aaron, and notable World Series hits. The authors detail the circumstances behind each run, the batter and opposing pitcher, and a short summation of its significance. Subsequent chapters cover some of the great long-ball hitters, from Gavy Cravath to Josh Gibson and Mickey Mantle on up to Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds. Another fascinating chapter covers the longest, shortest, and strangest home runs. The book ends with a discussion of the steroids controversy and its implications for the sport. The authors do a fine job of introducing trivia in a succinct and lively fashion. There's an error in the photo caption on one page: Wes Ferrell, not his brother Rick, holds the career record for home runs by a pitcher. Overall, though, this is an entertaining and informative look at an aspect of the game that will engage fans and browsers alike.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.