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….