7.07.2013

Something To Prove


The Great Satchel Paige 
vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio

This post joins other
Nonfiction Monday blogs
hosted today by Abby the Librarian
and joins It's Monday!
What are you reading?

Carolrhoda Books (Lerner Publishing)
(pub. 1.1.2013) 32 pages 

A True Tale with A Cherry On Top

A uthor: Robert Skead
     and Illustrator:  Floyd Cooper

haracters: Satchel Paige and Joe DiMaggio

O verview from the jacket flap: 

      "In 1936, the New York Yankees wanted to test a hot prospect named Joe DiMaggio to see if he was ready for the big leagues. They knew just the ballpayer to call - Satchel Paige, the best pitcher anywhere, black or white.
      For the game, Paige joined a group of amateur African American players, and they faced off against a team of white major leaguers plus young DiMaggio. The odds were stacked against the less-experienced black team. But Paige's skillful batting and amazing pitching - with his 'trouble ball' and 'bat dodger' - kept the game close.
      Would the rookie DiMaggio prove himself as a major league player?
      Or would Paige once again prove his greatness - and the injustice of segregated baseball?"

T antalizing taste: 

    "Satchel was the marvel of the country. He might even have been the greatest pitcher in the world. but because of the color of his skin, he was not permitted to play in the major leagues...
    Satchel decided to throw the nervous rookie [Joe DiMaggio] his 'whipsey dipsey do.'  He started the windmill delivery, kicked his leg high, and hurled the ball. Joe watched the pitch dip and dance - and he swung and missed. He took a deep breath, readied his bat, and steadied his legs for the next serving. 
      Time to cut loose my 'four-day creeper,' thought Satch.
       ... DiMaggio beamed. 'Now I know I can make it with the Yankees. I finally got a hit off Ol' Satch,' he said."

and something more: Just imagine what Satchel Paige could have accomplished if he had been given the same opportunity to join the big leagues as Joe DiMaggio?

10 comments:

Gigi McAllister said...

Wow! Really looks like a great book. I'll bet my 4th graders would enjoy it.

Tara @ A Teaching Life said...

I loved this one, too - and the illustrations were also perfect. Baseball and summer - a wonderful combination!

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

Hi Gigi, Thanks for stopping by! Yes, I think your 4th graders would definitely enjoy it -- just saying the words "whipsey dipsey do" and "four day creeper" is such fun!

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

Yes, Tara. I couldn't agree more -- baseball = summer!

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

Yes, Tara. I couldn't agree more -- baseball = summer!

shelf-employed said...

Yes!

Jeff Barger said...

What a great story! I didn't know this piece of baseball history. Plus, I am a fan of Floyd Cooper so that is a big bonus.

Speaking of baseball, my family visited San Francisco last week and got to see where my brother-in-law works. Right across the street from AT&T Park! We walked past the Willie Mays statue on our way to Fisherman's Wharf.

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

Jeff, So glad you stopped by to check out this book. I thought of you when I featuring this baseball story. It seemed like a good fit for you!

Whew! You came during our SF heat wave! No fog those days. I'll email you a great nighttime photo of that Willie Mays statute that someone took when I went to a game there last year.

Jackie Higgins said...

We love baseball!! We live near St. Louis so obviously, Cards fans!! I'll have to check this one out. It may be a little higher level for my boys but I'll pin it for later.

Jeanne Walker Harvey said...

Hi Jackie! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, I think your two little guys will like this book when they are older -- great play-by-play description of this momentous baseball game.