The Boys and Girls of Summer:
Baseball Theme Programming Tips to Catch Young Readers

Introduction

Librarians are capturing young readers through so many creative ways. One has only to visit a sampling of Illinois libraries to marvel at the sheer variety of youth programming. As a librarian and as a reviewer of new books on baseball, I want to offer some tips on easy programs with a baseball theme that may enhance or add spice to your programming.

At our library we were fortunate to find grant funding for two major programs. Our most recent event occurred in June 1999, which was funded by an LSTA "Hire an Expert" grant. Our 1997 program was funded by a special North Suburban Library Foundation Innovative Grant. But these programs can be modified and presented even on a shoe string budget.

We used a baseball theme for a variety of reasons. Many boys and girls are involved in sandlot and organized team play, and there is a natural interest in sports for many children. This interest in sports can be broadened to include recreational reading of biographies of favorite players, histories, how-to books and more. Few would dispute that the literature of baseball is enormous; most libraries have a great many books for adults and children on baseball. We want to make use of these books.

The programs we presented were family programs; programs that would involve and appeal to many age groups. The programs were especially worthwhile when we saw adults and children both participating in their own way.

Programming tips

Tie your program into hobbies: Many children collect baseball cards, and through word of mouth it is usually easy to find an advanced adult collector who can talk about the joys of collecting. As the host of the program it is best to get an outline of the upcoming program. The presentation should have certain themes. It is important to stress, for instance, the various ways of organizing a collection. I've co-presented programs in the past and always bring up how cards are paper products just like books and there are great similarities. It is important to keep rare items away from direct sunlight, for example. I've talked about the dangers of certain plastic products that might decompose and migrate onto the paper items that are supposed to be protected and preserved.

With any type of program on collectibles, members of the public always want to know valuations. It is important to obtain a speaker whose first concern is with the fun and educational value of hobbies. The presenter should talk about the rich history of the topic. Most libraries have books on card collecting. Many even carry a magazine or two on the topic.

Offer a young peoples book discussion: At our library we have a young peoples book discussion that meets once a month. I've used books with the baseball theme with great success. These books ably illustrate aspects of American history. This past summer we discussed Baseball Saved Us, written by Ken Mochizuki and illustrated by Dom Lee, which is an excellent book that can be appreciated by a wide variety of ages. The illustrations neatly complement the text as the monotony and dullness of day-to-day life is enforced by seeing brown monotone colored pages. It discusses a time when Japanese-Americans were placed in interment centers during the World War II. Baseball helped some of these imprisoned people retain their pride and hope. The protagonist, a young boy imprisoned with his family, is neither physically imposing or a natural athlete. Yet he learns to master his craft and learns many lessons in the process. By the end of the story real freedom is gained. The born monotone colors are replaced by a vibrant hue. The children in my book discussion had many thoughts about what true freedom means. Even the children who could not fully relate to the historical situation quickly identified with a child who is short and has to overcome physical limitations.

Another excellent book is The Babe and I, by David A. Adler and illustrated by Terry Widener. This book, set

* Paul Kaplan, Public Services Coordinator, Lake Villa Public Library District. This article is dedicated to the memory of Nap Gulley, former Negro League star and longtime Illinois library supporter, who passed away August 21, 1999.

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during the Great Depression in New York, tells how a boy's newspaper selling talents help him and his family. Early in the book we see how the father tried to hide the fact that he is unemployed. He dresses for work everyday but is reduced to selling apples to get by. When his son learns the truth he is determined to help his family by selling newspapers. He deeply feels his father's embarrassment. The son learns that in these dark times the happiness engendered by baseball provides a strong selling point for newspapers. One joyous day after meeting Babe Ruth, he goes to his first baseball game. This book is an excellent vehicle to examine American history and how baseball has been so intertwined with events in our past.

In preparation for the visit to our library of a Negro League player I looked around for appropriate but accessible fictional tales to discuss. There are many good ones. In 1948 major league baseball was already in the first stages of integration. Jackie Robinson was a Brooklyn Dodger. The Bat Boy & His Violin, by Gavin Curtis and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, is a very evocative book. A young boy loves his music but his musical skills seem to set a barrier between his father, a Negro League team manager, and him. Few fans are coming to see his frustrated father's losing team. When the father decided to employ his son as a bat boy significant changes occur. The boy's violin playing helps the team relax and play better. The father gains a new understanding of the value of music, and the boy learns the intricacies and beauty of baseball. The book mentions real Negro league stars.

The Bat Boy & His Violin can even be contrasted with a longer tale that occurs during the same time period. In the year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, by Bette Bao Lord, tells of an Asian immigrant girl who learns what a true American can be through her identification with Jackie Robinson.

Another good tale that middle school readers might enjoy is Finding Buck McHenry by Alfred Slote. In this novel a school janitor is thought to be a former Negro League star. Can he be enlisted to help a troubled team? Slote has written a number of books with a sports theme, and his fast paced plots can easily snare even the most reluctant readers.

A good work of fiction is usually best supplemented by an easy-to-read and well illustrated history. I have found two books especially helpful. Younger readers will love the glorious drawings and short but apt remarks in Leagues Apart: the Men and Times of the Negro Baseball League, by Lawrence S. Ritter and Richard Merkin. Older readers will love Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues, by Patricia and Frederick McKissack. The award winning McKissack family have written a number of striking histories on topics in African-American history.

Have a trivia contest using different reference resources: Children love trivia contests especially when they can win prizes! Make use of online and print sources to make this trivia contest an educational tool.

One question of the contest should focus on word building. Baseball has added so many words to our everyday speech. Many expressions are quite picturesque. Dictionaries come in all sizes and shapes. My recommendation is to make use of the excellent New Dickson Baseball Dictionary.

Another question may focus on indexes, including those online. We used a basic question such as, "Find an article on baseball star Cal Ripken Jr." Some participants found an article using the FirstSearch database funded by the Illinois State Library. Others found an article using print indexes such as the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. One question might make use of an atlas. You might ask children the location of the seemingly obscure birthplace of some baseball star. The atlas is a fine tool to use. We also had children answer the question using an encyclopedia, a basic reference source.

Finally, for extra credit we had children search a listed baseball Web site such as the Baseball Hall of Fame, www.baseballhalloffame.org. The Sporting News has an excellent site, too, that has historical options at www.sportingnews.com.

Have a letter writing contest to baseball greats of today and yesterday: Children can be wonderful letter writers. Devise a program where children write letters to favorite players. As a model take a look at Seth Swirsky's Baseball Letters. Swirsky, an adult baseball fan, was moved to write to players from the past when his first child was born. He had missed baseball during the baseball strike of 1994 and wanted to know if former players still shared the love of the game. Needless to say, he received some deeply moving letters. Letters to current and former players can be sent to their home teams. But the purpose of the program should be to develop writing skills in the children. It is important to post the entries. Any teacher will tell you that it is difficult to get some children to write. But with the proper inspiration the letters will flow.

Make enticing bibliographies and displays: Libraries generally have many books on baseball, and a special program provides an opportunity to highlight them. Bibliographies can focus on different aspects of baseball history. One bibliography might list biographies

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of courageous individuals who overcame prejudice, such as Jackie Robinson or Roberto Clemente. One can highlight some of the great new series in baseball, such as the Latinos in Baseball biographical series, which includes current baseball star Sammy Sosa.

Baseball theme displays are fairly easy to make. Bats, balls, peanuts, hot dogs and the symbols of baseball can be reproduced on cardboard. An imitation scoreboard can be used to chart favorite books. On some of our bare posts we used brightly colored paper to make imitation baseball pennants heralding teams of yore.

Bring baseball and history alive by hosting a former player: Librarians may know of former players in their town or nearby towns. Illinois has a very distinguished baseball history. There has been a renewed interest in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that played from 1943 to 1954. Some readers have heard about the Rockford Peaches and the Peoria Redwings. They may even know about the Springfield Sallies or the Chicago Colleens. This league has now been immortalized in the famous film, A League of Their Own. It would be a great boon to have one of the former players speak. Contact information can be found in Sue Macy's wonderful A Whole New Ball Game.

Women in baseball is a great subject full of interest to many readers. If one cannot find a former player, a senior sportswriter from the local newspaper may be able to help fill in the picture. Memorabilia collectors might make interesting speakers, too, as they talk about items in their collection.

There are so many interesting themes. Our 1997 program commemorated the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the color barrier of major league baseball by Jackie Robinson. We made a display of our many books and annotated bibliographies on Robinson and the Negro leagues. We sought to deepen this experience by bringing in some former Negro League players who were colleagues of Robinson or who know him first hand.

These players explained to the children that there was a time when African-Americans were not allowed to play in major league baseball, so they formed their own talent rich leagues. Despite the adversity they encountered, these guests were warm and rich individuals who the children really responded to. The guests we had in 1997 were Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe, William "Bobbie" Robinson and Nap Gulley. Both Radcliffe and Robinson are in their 90s but both are spry and full of life. All three are longtime Illinois residents who have spoken to children in schools.

In my introduction to Radcliffe I held up a book by Michael Cooper on Negro League baseball. The book jacket has a photo of Radcliffe tagging out the mighty slugger Josh Gibson at home plate during an all-star game at Comiskey Park. The photo was taken more than 50 years ago, and the children wanted to see the photo up close. I also pointed out that older readers wanting to know more Radcliffe should dip into a rich and enjoyable book written by Kyle McNary.

Radcliffe earned his colorful moniker-after New York scribe, Damon Runyon, witnessed him both pitch and catch in a double header and dubbed him "Double Duty." Radcliffe had a long career as both player and manager. He played with all the greats and was especially close with pitching great Satchel Paige.

William "Bobbie" Robinson, was a star defensive third baseman in the 1920s and 1930s. The great manager of the New York Giants, McGraw, once witnessed Robinson make a triple play. Some 60 years later the story was still fresh in Robinson's mind. Robinson, a quiet man, still worked as a bricklayer in Chicago into his 90s.

Negro League baseball player Nap Gulley explains the intricacies of baseball.

Gulley starred as a pitcher in the 1940s and threw three no hitters. He barnstormed with Jackie Robinson during the off season and got to know him quite well. When Gulley encountered racism in the Brooklyn Dodger organization, it was Robinson who offered him encouragement and advice.

Our guests spoke about the tremendous courage of Jackie Robinson. The children learned that when Robinson integrated baseball it had wide effects on American society. Their message was reinforced by the adults who helped the children choose books and materials for further reading.

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In 1999 we were fortunate to have one of our guests, Nap Gulley, return to further our discussions. Gulley told us how Jackie Robinson was a college educated individual and that his education played a role in his success. Gulley then talked about his own experience. He emphasized the importance of reading. He told the children how he grew up without a public library and how he used to pass time on the road reading from the great philosophers. He mentioned that some players in his day were illiterate and that he had to write letters for them and how literacy is a cause that we should all work to support. He told the children to learn as much as they can telling the, "You can't wait for your chance. You have to make your chance."

The Negro League players we hosted added a special dimension to our program. Although they all faced discrimination, they lived inspirational lives. We all marveled at their courage. We also marveled at the ways they spun their tales and the rich language they employed. When I asked Nap Gulley how fast Satchel Paige threw a ball he answered by saying, "Do you know what a grain of rice looks like? Well that's what the ball looked like when it whizzed across home plate." When my son asked just how fast "Cool Papa" Bell could run, Nap Gulley answered by way of a tall tale. "The players were not paid for games that were rained out. But when 'Cool Papa' was on a team they never had to worry about rain-outs. He was so quick and fast that he ran around with a bucket catching all the raindrops."

These players caught all the raindrops for us. Their appearance was a sunny one that made people smile, think and want to read more.

Conclusion

Baseball theme programming doesn't have to be involved or complicated. Baseball seems to be a natural family attraction, and one of the chief benefits of baseball theme programming is that is appeals to all ages. The most worthwhile programs illuminate aspects of American history. A trivia contest, a book discussion or a guest speaker do not require a lot of work. The programs do require careful planning, however, because the programs have to be accessible to a variety of age groups. The programs also should be challenging enough so that reading and library research skills are gently promoted.

References

David Adler and Terry Widener, The Babe and I, (San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace, 1999).

William Brashler, The Story of Negro League Baseball, (New York, NY: Ticknor & Fields, 1994.

Michael Cooper, Playing America's Game: The Story of Negro League Baseball, New York, N&Y: Lodestar Books, 1993).

Gavin Curtis and E.B. Lewis, The Bat Boy and His Violin, (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1998).

Paul Dickson, The New Dickson Baseball Dictionary, (New Your, NY: Harcourt Brace & Co., 1999)

Margot Fortunate Galt, Up to the Plate: The All American Girls Professional Baseball League, (Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Pubns., 1995).

Henry Horrenstein, Baseball in the Barrios, (San Diego, CA: Gulliver Books, 1997).

Bette Bao Lord, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, (New York, NY: Harper, 1984).

Sue Macy, A Whole New Ball Game: The Story of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, (New Your, NY: Holt, 1993).

Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick McKissack, Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues, (New York, NY: Scholastic, 1994).

Kyle P. McNary, Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe: 36 Years of Pitching & Catching in Baseball's Negro Leagues, (Minneapolis, MN: McNary Publishing, 1994).

Ken Mochizuki and Dom Lee, Baseball Saved Us, (New York, NY: Lee & Low, 1993).

Carrie Muscat, Latinos in Baseball: Sammy Sosa, (Childs, MD: Mitchell Lane Pub., 1999.

James A. Riley, The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues, (New York, NY: Carrol! & Graf, 1994).

Lawrence S. Ritter and Richard Merkin, Leagues Apart: The Men and Times of the Negro Baseball Leagues, (New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books, 1995).

Alfred Slote, Finding Buck McHenry (New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1993).

Seth Swirsky, Baseball Letters: A Fan's Correspondence with His Heroes, (New York, NY: Kodansha, 1996).

Manfred Weidhorn, Jackie Robinson, (New York, NY: Atheneum, 1993).

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