Brothers at Bat
It's the 1930s and the Acerra family is about to go down in history as the longest-playing, semi-pro baseball team consisting of brothers. This book needs to move to the top of your list if you are building a collection of baseball picture books. Full of drama, family values, action, and excitement., Brothers at Bat is an exceptional book that is so much more than just baseball.
Baseball Books for Kids Are Winners
Many lucky boys (and girls, too!) have the good fortune to play baseball with a little league. It can be a right of passage for many kids who suit up for their very first baseball game. New cleats, baseball bats, gloves, and unique numbers on back of their jerseys can make the littlest of tykes feel like professional players.
Whether a child quits after the first season or enjoys a nice, long baseball career, one thing is certain. These children's baseball books all offer stories that are relatable, even for those of us who have only ever been in the stands. Kids who love sports will want also want to read the best children's books about football next!
Fun Baby Baseball Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Baseball is an American pastime that can be enjoyed equally by players and spectators. It is never too soon to introduce a young child to this sport that helps to bond generations of family and friends. Be sure to check out this list of the best sports books for babies to round out a toddler's baseball book collection.
We've gathered together some awesome baseball board books for toddlers, babies, and preschoolers.These books introduce the basic concepts of the sport. Hint: Think about picking up a few of these books as a baby shower gift for a baseball loving family.
My First Baseball Book
Simple baseball terminology and bold baseball imagery make this book the perfect first baseball book! Toddlers with love learning about baseball basics and delight in learning all the words associated with this sport.
Goodnight Baseball
This is the sweetest story for baseball-loving toddlers. Join a little boy who has just returned from a baseball game at a big stadium. As he gets ready to go to sleep, he says goodnight to all of the baseball sights and sounds experienced that day. A gentle, rhyming story that will quickly become a bedtime favorite.
Let's Play Baseball
This is the cutest, chunky little board book perfect for budding baseball fans. Lift the flaps to discover all kinds of surprises like baseballs, bats, and other fun pictures about the sport.
Peedie
Buying the first baseball cap for a baby is a special occasion. There is nothing cuter than a tiny cherub sporting the cap of a favorite team! In this simply adorable board book, a forgetful gosling NEVER forgets to wear his cherished red baseball cap. It is so important to him that he hides it in a secret place to keep it safe. This creates quite the conundrum when our yellow friend's memory fails him.
Little Baseball
A simple, introductory book to baseball for the tiniest fans! Fun riddles and colorful illustrations will hold little one's attention and sturdy pages will withstand lots of handling. This is part of a Little Sports series, so look out for soccer, basketball and more.
Let's Play Baseball
Toddlers will carry this little baseball book around all day! The padded cover, shape, and stitching makes it almost feel like a real baseball. Simple baseball terms are covered in this introductory book for future players.
My First Dino-Baseball
Bold, digital artwork brings this baseball book for toddlers to life. There is an exciting game at play between the Green Sox (herbivores) and the Rib-Eye Reds (carnivores) as these larger-than life dinosaurs hit, field, pitch, and catch the ball. Sparse, rhyming text provide just enough narrative for youngsters ready for their first baseball book.
Baseball Baby
This little boy enjoys his very first time playing baseball in the park. He spends the afternoon practicing and making lots of mistakes. The day ends on a high note with a scoring run! This fellow goes to bed feeling happy about his successful day playing a game he loves. The rhyming verse makes this book fun to read out loud.
Baseball!
This chunky board book is a great gift for tiny baseball fans! There is a soft finger puppet shaped like a baseball attached to the book. Little ones will enjoy singing along to the famous anthem "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" as they explore the colorful pages of this cute book.
Best Children's Baseball Books for Kindergarten and Up
There are so many life lessons to be learned in the game of baseball. We have searched high and low for the best picture books, both fiction and non-fiction, that capture the essence of the game. If your child plays baseball, watches baseball, or is simply up for reading a really great book about this sport, we guarantee there is a book on this list for you.
This collection includes fun and funny stories about the game itself. But many of these baseball picture books are lessons in history, culture, diversity, and adversity that are more far-reaching than simply a competition on the field.
Randy Riley's Really Big Hit
Randy Riley isn't an athlete. He's a scientist who happens to love baseball. In this visually entertaining, rhyming book by Chris Van Dusen, find out how a little boy genius uses his knowledge of baseball and his telescope to save his town. He has the hit of a lifetime in this book that is just sort of about baseball.
Be a Good Sport, Charlie Brown
This is the book you want to read young kids who need to learn that winning isn't everything. Charlie Brown sure needs to learn this lesson with the help and advice of his Peanuts friends. There is a very helpful index of baseball terms and some words of wisdom from Charles Schulz about losing.
Curious George at the Baseball Game
If you are getting ready to take a child to a professional baseball game, this is a fun book to read ahead of time. Follow our favorite monkey as he explores a big stadium, gets into a little bit of trouble, and generally has a very exciting day.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
Winner of the Coretta Scott King award and many others, this non-fiction account follows Negro League baseball from its origin in the 1930s until Jackie Robinson crossed over to play in the major league. Told in the first person, this is powerful story of the many men who overcame segregation, discrimination, and terrible conditions to play the game they loved.
H is for Homerun: A Baseball Alphabet
This book is a fun introduction to the game of baseball through short poems on each page. Every letter represents an aspect of the game. Even those familiar with the sport will learn something new in this alphabet pictorial. The watercolor illustrations are intriguing and realistic enough to draw readers in and make them feel like they are on the field or in the stands. A solid baseball book to add to your child's collection.
The Berenstain Bears Go Out for the Team
You can always count on Mama Bear to deliver the most sensible advice. Brother and Sister both play for the local Little League team. They are excited about getting new uniforms and playing the game. However, they are unprepared for the level of competition and pressure to win applied by the other cubs on the team. This baseball book is a great selection for kids not accustomed to the pressure in sports.
Casey at the Bat
The popular baseball ballad is introduced to young kids within the context of a little league game. Captivating illustrations perfectly depict the moment leading up to a player striking out at the most important moment of a baseball game. Young baseball players will appreciate the pressure to get a big hit and almost every single kid will relate to the letdown when things don't work out.
My First Book of Baseball
If you are looking for a comprehensive book about baseball for young readers, this Sports Illustrated guide is right up your alley. All of the basic terminology and definitions are covered. Readers are also taken through an entire baseball game from the first pitch to the last out. Packed with interesting facts told in a highly entertaining manner.
The Kid from Diamond Street
This true baseball story takes readers back to 1922 when a 10 year old girl played for a professional baseball team in Philadelphia. It was a women's team and Edith Houghton was the youngest, smallest player who drew the biggest crowds. Her skills on the field made history and prove that baseball is not just for boys.
Satchel Paige
An intriguing biographical picture book about Satchel Paige, a dynamic baseball player and the first African American to pitch in a Major League World Series game. Readers are taken back to Paige's days playing for the Negro semi pro league, where he quickly became known for his trademark pitches. Baseball lovers will find this book to be a fascinating look at the history of baseball and a talented player whose broke through racial barriers in the game.
Home Base
Breaking stereotypes, a mother/daughter duo demonstrate grit, courage, and determination. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree in this baseball picture book about girls. A mother breaks a stereotype in her job as a brick layer, just as her daugher defies the odds as a talented pitcher on an all-male baseball team. A fun, reaffirming book about breaking barriers and celebrating wins!
Pete the Cat: Play Ball!
Our favorite musical cat is back in this baseball book for beginner readers. Pete learns a valuable lesson when the baseball game doesn't end in his favor. Bold, colorful illustrations and a highly relatable story make this book a winner despite the outcome of the game!
Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia has been around since 1963 and she's still making us laugh every day! Her literal approach to everything tickles the funny bone. In this easy reader, Amelia is a substitute on the Grizzlies baseball team. Grab this book to find out her interpretation of baseball jargon and the silliness that ensues on the field.
The Littlest Leaguer
Readers will have a soft spot for Harold from the very first page of this book. The littlest of all the players, Harold can't seem to do anything right on the baseball field. He seems resigned to his spot on the bench until one crucial game when Harold has a chance to prove that being small can have its advantages.
The Thing Lenny Loves Most About Baseball
Little Lenny's love for the game of baseball is palpable in this heartwarming book about perseverance and hard work. This enthusiastic boy practices all day long, and when he's not on the field, he is obsessing over his big book of baseball facts. Unfortunately, his knowledge and hard work does not always translate into results on the field. Then one day Lenny experiences sheer joy when he makes a game-saving catch. He may never have talent like the legends he reads about, but Lenny experiences the thrill of the game nonetheless.
The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game
An amazing, true story of overcoming incredible odds and changing the course of baseball forever. When William Hoy was cut from the local team for deaf baseball players, he refused to give up on his dreams. He worked harder than ever and eventually earned a position on a professional baseball team. It turns out that this was just the beginning of an uphill battle for Hoy. Not only did he deal with the discrimination from his fellow players, but he had to convince the umpires to use hand signals for strikes, balls and outs. Little did Hoy realize that this special request would permanently change the way hand signals are used in baseball.
Baseball Saved Us
An incredible story based on true events about a Japanese American boy. He and his family were living in an internment camp after the Pearl Harbor during World War II. In addition to feeling despondent about being forced to leave their homes, the families were forced to endure long, hot days and freezing nights in the desert. So Shorty, with the help of his family and the rest of the people in the camp, built a baseball diamond and formed a baseball league. This baseball story about survival, hope, and dignity is also an intriguing history lesson.
The Awesome Baseball Activity Book for Kids
With 100 pages full of baseball activities, this book will keep kids busy for hours. There are mazes to complete, puzzles to solve, word searches to do, and pictures to color. This comprehensive book is packed with baseball trivia and facts that will entertain baseball fans of all ages. Grab this book for long car rides or rainy days when playing baseball is not an option.
Baseball for Kids: A Young Fan's Guide to the History of the Game
This is the best history book a little baseball fan will ever read! This awesome book takes readers on a journey back to the origins of baseball. Kids will learn about how baseball was invented and the evolution of the game, including tidbits about uniforms and equipment. The book covers significant events, like the integration of African-American ballplayers into the league, as well as the construction of iconic ballparks. Stories of baseball legends are told in great detail. There are amazing photographs to explore, puzzles to solve, and trivia games to play, too.
Dino-Baseball
A thrilling competition plays on the baseball field between the vegetarian Green Sox and the carnivorous Rib-Eye Reds. The two teams battle it out in a game that is tied until a very exciting ninth inning. The incredible illustrations, with the dinosaurs practically popping off the pages, bring the game to life. The verse includes a lot of real baseball terminology perfect for little ones just learning the game.
Catching the Moon
The true story of Marcenia Lyle, more famously known as Toni Stone, will inspire readers to chase their dreams against all odds. As a baseball-loving black girl who grew up in the 1930s, finding an organized team to join was nearly impossible. She outplayed all the boys in pick up baseball games all summer long. So when a reputable baseball manager, Gabby Street, arrives to recruit for a baseball camp run by the St. Louis Cardinals, Marcenia is eager to participate. When she is told that girls are not welcome, this only fuels her ambition to play. Her sheer determination, hard work, and refusal to quit pave the way for her to become the first female professional baseball player.
Baseball Around the World
Even though baseball is considered an American pastime with roots firmly planted in US soil, the game is enjoyed in countries around the world. Young readers who love the sport will thoroughly enjoy the journey as this book takes them into ballparks around the world. They will learn what vendors sell (hint: hot dogs are not a staple in every ballpark), and how rules vary in different places (for example, some countries allow games to end in a tie). There is plenty of history (i.e. the gold rush brought baseball to Australia) and lots of inspiring stories about players who achieved incredible feats.
Chapter Books about Baseball for Tweens
There are so many awesome chapter books about baseball that it was hard for us to narrow down the list for this post. We've done our best to put together a comprehensive list of some amazing books with baseball as the underlying theme. These chapter books are a combination of fiction and non-fiction stories that intertwine the game of baseball with adolescence. So whether or not a kid is a baseball aficionado or just a bookworm who likes to discover new books, here's a list of the best baseball books for tweens.
The Boy Who Saved Baseball
Tom Gallagher has the weight of the world resting on his shoulders, or so it seems. He needs to lead his team into winning a critical baseball game, otherwise his town will lose their one and only baseball field. The odds are stacked against Tom and his team until one day a mysterious boy arrives by horseback. Is he the hitter that will win the game and save baseball for the town? Does he possess the secret to hitting? Kids will be biting their nails and cheering for the underdog until the very last page.
The Rhino in Right Field
This fast-paced baseball book is packed full of humor, action, issues and interesting topics of discussion. In fact, this would be a terrific book for parents to read along with their kids. A baseball-loving boy wants to try out to be a batboy, but his immigrant parents are requiring that he work on the day of the contest. A little bit of sneakniness and blackmail may be what's in order. Oh yeah, and then there's the rhinoceros behind right field (they play in the zoo park) who gets in the way as well.
Batting Order
Mike Lupica is one of the most prolific authors of sports-themed chapter books. Batting Order is one of our favorite baseball stories. The big kid on the team, Ben, has a powerful swing but can make contact with the ball. He swings for the fences every single time he's at bat. Matt, much smaller in stature, is the better, smarter baseball player. Can he fix Ben's batting problem before the end of the season? Baseball fans will enjoy watching an unlikely friendship develop as two very opposite boys come together to play the game they love.
Who Got Game? Baseball: Amazing but True Stories
A fantastic, fact-filled book about baseball with stories that will surprise even the most knowledgeable aficionado. Overcoming adversity, beating the odds and defeating stereotypes are at play throughout this colorfully illustrated baseball book. Find out who surprisingly hit more home runs than Hank Aaron, who struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and numerous other mind-blowing facts and stories about this unifying game.
Swindle
Collecting baseball cards of cherished players is a hobby that has been passed on for generations. Cards, stored in protective plastic sleeves, contain pictures of coveted players and baseball heroes. In this action-packed book, a conman named Swindle snags a six-grader's favorite baseball card. This page-turner will have readers on the edge of their seats as they follow a group of misfits on their mission to retrieve the card.
The Kid Who Only Hit Homers
Well, isn't this every baseball player's dream? Truly great chapter books about baseball teach many valuable lessons about what it means to win, to be a team player, to persevere, and so much more. This classic book by Matt Christopher tells the story of a boy who transforms into the best hitter on his team practically overnight. This popular baseball book will capture the hearts of readers who really want to understand what it take to be a stand-up athlete and friend.
The Hero Two Doors Down
A moving story about a little boy who has the good fortune of living in the same neighborhood as his hero- Jackie Robinson. The year is 1948 and a black family moves into a predominantly Jewish area of Brooklyn. The one and only Jackie Robinson, who already broke barriers as a baseball player, is not afraid to tackle the prejudice and discrimination he faces moving into a new section of town. Wonderful lessons about history, friendship, and baseball throughout this book for middle grade readers.
Baseball Biographies for Kids
For kids who want to take a deep dive into the history of baseball, this chapter book is a good place to start. Fascinating information about baseball legends from the past 60 years is covered in in this fast and fun read. This book is chock full of stats for each of the featured players. Kids will have fun completing their own lineup using the information about each of these major baseball talents.
Baseball in April and Other Stories
An award-winning, critically acclaimed collection of short stories is a must-read for tweens who love baseball. The author based this book on his own childhood playing baseball in California's Central Valley. The smart, passionate, tough Latino kids show up at the fields every day to participate in the sport they love. Readers will relate to the players' experiences, like the pressure of try-outs, meddling family members, and balancing other activities along with their commitment to baseball.
Much Ado About Baseball
Trish and Ben, fierce competitors in math contests, find themselves on the same baseball team. Their rivalry is getting in the way on the baseball field, and the team cannot win a single game. When math puzzles start mysteriously appearing in Trish's mailbox, she needs Ben's help to solve them. Perhaps not coincidentally, they start to see success playing baseball. But as the puzzles continue to get harder, much more is at stake on the field. A fast-paced book about friendship and teamwork.
A Big Day for Baseball
With the help of magic baseball caps, Jack and Annie travel back in time to 1947. They land in Brooklyn, New York where they are batboys for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In nine innings, they must solve a puzzling mystery. Along the way, the duo meets legendary player Jackie Robinson and learns about his role in opening doors for other players.
Baseball Genius
Kids will have a hard time putting down this best-selling book by Tim Green and Derek Jeter. Jalen DeLuca loves playing baseball, but his father does not have the money to cover his travel team expense. So Jalen makes a bad decision by breaking into a professional player's home to steal some valuable baseballs. Jalen knows he can resell them to foot the bill for his own team. But his plans go awry when he gets caught in the act. Thinking quickly, Jalen tells the player about his uncanny ability to predict pitches before the pitcher throws the ball. He offers to put his skills to use in exchange for not pressing charges. What begins as a seemingly straightforward negotiation soon becomes a complicated and tangled web of deceit. A nail-biting, middle-grade novel about baseball that even reluctant readers will enjoy.
Honus and Me
Joe Stoshack is a kid who knows everything about baseball, except he lacks the skills to play the game. Feeling sorry for himself, he takes a crummy job cleaning out a neighbor's attic and discovers a hidden treasure. Buried among all the junk is the most valuable baseball card in the world. But Joe quickly learns that this Honus Wagner card has a special power that takes him back to 1909. That was the year Honus played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in an epic World Series. Could this be an opportunity for Joe to learn how to be a better player from an all-time baseball great? For more fun books, check out the other titles in the Baseball Card Adventures series.
The Lucky Baseball Bat
A classic book about baseball that has been entertaining readers for more than fifty years. Marvin moved to a new town, far away from all his friends and previous teammates. Eager to meet new kids, he joins a group playing baseball on an abandoned field in town. Unfortunately, when Marvin's lucky bat disappears, so does his confidence as a player and he can no longer hit the ball. A timeless story about grit, determination, and friendship teaches readers a lot about the game of baseball and life itself.
It's a Numbers Game! Baseball
It's no secret that baseball is a math-driven game in which managers pour over statistics and analyze data to achieve results on the field. This hardcover book by National Geographic covers a lot of material for kids who can't get enough baseball mathematics. The bold, colorful graphics bring these numbers to life. Children will learn cool facts like how to time base stealing and what percentage of baseballs are hit to different parts of the field. There is enough trivia packed into this book to satisfy the most curious readers.
A High Five for Glenn Burke
A sixth grade boy named Silas chooses Glenn Burke, a major league baseball player who came out as gay, for a school research paper. Silas also plays baseball and has his own secret that he decides to share with his close friends. After he reveals what he has kept hidden, Silas wonders if he has made a big mistake. A relatable, coming-of-age story about being true to yourself and finding your place on the field.
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Best Children's Baseball Books Teach Valuable Life Lessons
The best baseball books for kids take you right to the ballpark from the comfort of your favorite reading spot. A good author knows how to recreate all the fun excitement of a real baseball game- cheering fans, dramatic plays, home runs, strikeouts, and missed plays. Even more importantly, good baseball picture books teach lessons about working hard, never giving up, and being a good team player. So whether or not your child wants to pick up a bat and glove, these amazing children's baseball books promise something for every reader. For more stories about team sports, here are the best kids' books about soccer.
Baseball Toys and Gifts for Kids
Along with some good books, these baseball-themed gifts are guaranteed to be a big hit for kids who love the game. Here is a list of the cutest baseball decor for bedrooms, baseball toys for toddlers who are just working on their eye-hand coordination, and other baseball gift ideas for kids of all ages.
Little Tikes T-Ball Set
Sluggers will love to practice their swing with this durable, plastic t-ball set. It comes with a bat, 5 balls, and an adjustable base that will grow with the child. This colorful set can be used both indoor and outdoors.
Slammin' Sluggers Baseball Game
If kids can't play a real baseball game outside, this fun game is the next best thing. This two-player game comes with over two hundred pieces. Kids can customize their players and the billboard with any of the 30 MLB teams. Kids can make the pitcher throw curve balls as well as fast balls, control the fielders, and run the players around the bases.
This seventeen-inch soft baseball pillow is perfect for snuggling and bedtime. It adds a fun touch to bedrooms decorated in a baseball theme. Filled with lots of stuffing, the baseball pillow is plump, soft, and easily washed.
3D Baseball Night Light
This remote-controlled night light brings a child's bedroom to life at night. Kids will have fun changing the colors and patterns reflected across their walls and ceiling. It comes with four different parts- a player, a baseball glove, a ball and a hat- for kids to rotate.
Baseball Gifts for Babies
Pulling together a baby gift all about baseball is such a fun idea. For new parents who love the sport, all of these baseball-related baby items will be a big hit. Buy a few baby baseball books and add a little onesie, plush, or squishy baseball to round out the gift. Some other thoughtful ideas include baseball nursery decor items, blankets, and stimulating baseball toys for the stroller or car rides.
Baby Baseball Bat With Sensory Toys
A soft nine-inch bat makes stimulating crinkly sounds when babies squeeze it. The ball squeaks and the bat rattles when baby shakes it. The teething ring is an added bonus to this fun to this baby toy.
Bearington Baseball Security Blanket
An 18" x 18" baseball-themed security blanket is perfect for cuddling. Made with soft velour and a satin lining with baseball stitching. The adorable plush bear with a baseball cap, attached in the middle, makes this blankie extra special.
Baseball Onesie
This crisp, white baseball onesie makes a statement with its bold, embroidered, red stitching. A high quality item, this outfit for newborns is great for photo shoots, parties and baby's first baseball game.
Cool Baseball Facts for Little Athletes
Baseball is a sport that unifies people across all demographics and bridges the gap between generations. Its rich history is part of the fabric of our country. Legends have been born on the fields for their athletic feats, but these players often symbolize more than their accomplishments with a bat, glove, and ball. They represent greatness, hope, promise, success, grit, determination and inspiration. Here is a list of interesting facts about baseball that will cultivate a child's love for the game and everything it represents. After reading children's baseball books, share some of these fascinating baseball facts with your little ones.
- The first recorded competitive game of baseball was played in Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1846, the KnickerBockers lost to the New York Mutuals after four innings with a score of 23-1.
- Baseball is said to be enjoyed by 500 million people all over the world, with the heaviest concentration of fans in the US, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.
- The very first World Series game was in 1903 between the Pittsburgh Pirates (National League) and the Boston Americans (American League). Boston won the series five games to three.
- African Americans were not permitted to play in the MLB during the first half of the 20th century, so they formed the Negro Leagues. All of that changed when Jackie Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
- The lifespan of a baseball in the MLB is about 7 pitches. Approximately 7-10 dozen balls are used in every major league baseball game. Each of these ball has 108 double-sewn red stitches.
- The oldest MLB stadium is Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. The park, originally built in 1912, has since gone through several expansions and renovations. Fenway Park has hosted 11 World Series games since its construction.
- There have been several fathers and sons who have played in the MLB at the same time. The very first duo to play for the same team, however, was Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. They played for the Seattle Mariners at the same time, and even hit back-to-back home runs during one momentous game.
- It should come as no surprise that hot dogs are the most popular food consumed at ballparks. Recent data indicates as many as 26 million hot dogs are consumed every year at baseball games.
- Baseball teaches kids how to handle disappointment and failure. While this may not be the primary reason parents sign their children up to play on a team for the first time, they will quickly learn that failure is as much a part of the game as success. Striking out at the plate is inevitable. Kids need to learn how to swallow their disappointment, hold their heads high, and try again next time. The same is true for balls they drop and other errors made in the field. Easy balls roll under legs, simple pop-ups fall at feet instead of into gloves, and balls are often overthrown. When this happens, kids often get mad at themselves and feel discouraged. This emotional reaction is normal and healthy as long as they learn to control outbursts and learn from the experience.
- Children learn how to perform under pressure. Lots of kids feel nervous when they are standing at the plate facing a pitcher. Sometimes the outcome of an entire game depends on whether the batter gets a hit or strikes out. Even when the stakes are not as high, it is still common for children to feel anxious when it's their turn to take a swing. Knowing that everyone in the stands and in the dugouts are watching is nerve-wracking. The fear of striking out in front of everyone is very real. At the same time, the prospect of hitting a home run fuels the emotional rollercoaster. This kind of pressure is part of almost every sport. For example children's books about soccer capture the stress a goalie feels every time the ball approaches the goal line. Experiencing this type of pressure at a young age has lifelong benefits. Kids may feel stress taking exams, interviewing for jobs, speaking publicly, and in a whole lot of additional scenarios. Learning how to handle this uncomfortable feeling on the baseball field will help them cope in other situations.
- Kids figure out how to be team players. Every single player on a baseball team contributes to the outcome of the game. One person is never single-handedly responsible for a win or a loss, even in situations when a single player's home run or a strike-out ends the game. While that final play may be the last straw, the outcome of the game is really based on the collective effort of all the teammates. Once players understand this concept, they are on the path to becoming great team players. They provide words of encouragement to those who mess up and cheer loudly when others have an amazing play in the field. Also, they understand that their own successes and mistakes are just part of the larger picture. Playing on a baseball team teaches them the importance of teamwork, a lesson that will carry over into school, work, and other areas of their lives. For more reading about being part of a team, check out the best children's books about basketball, too.
- Life is unpredictable and so is baseball. The only thing that is guaranteed in life is that nothing stays the same forever. Friends come and go, families get together and split apart, good health can be fleeting, jobs force families to move to new places, old dogs die and new puppies make families whole again. The bottom line is that kids need to learn resilience during times of uncertainty and change. In a single game of baseball, players face an incredible amount of surprises and unpredictable events. Batters face any number of surprise pitches. Fielders have to be ready at any moment for a ball to come their way. Underdogs win games and the better teams lose plenty. Believe it or not, all of these experiences on the baseball field prepare children to handle all the curve balls life throws at them.
