In case ya missed it the first 6,897 times, She Who Must Be Obeyed is what ya might call a Baseball Nut. Once the season starts, it’s Dodgers Girl from here to kingdom (or Series) come!  (Don’t tell her I said that, okay?).

Go Dodgers!

Wait. Where was I?

Oh yeah. Baseball book. Anyway, when we heard about this cute little book narrated by a talking baseball named Bennie – I’m not makin’ this up – one of us stepped right up to the batter’s box and started swingin’. Like this: 

A Ball’s Game – The Ball Talks

By Stefan Mathis (Indie author, 2023)

Genre: Baseball!

Pages: 93 (Kindle version)

It’s root, root, root for the home team as rock ‘n roll and baseball join forces in this ebullient and effervescent story by ace author Stefan Mathis.

This charming story introduces us to a Rawlings Official Major League Baseball – ROMLB for short – and Bennie’s quest to wind up in a loving home. An “all-American kid,” Bennie is a talking baseball and one of 2.2 million major league baseballs produced every year. And he has plenty to say in this delightful read that brims with wit and warmth.

Who Knew?

Among other things, Bennie walks readers through how and where major league baseballs are constructed and materials used. “The human race can put a man on the moon,” he observes, “but cannot make a machine that can properly stitch a baseball.” Who knew?

Bennie is eventually shipped to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. “The Trop” is home to the Tampa Bay Rays. Bennie explains two ways you can get an ROMLB. How to stay safe when catching a foul ball at a major league (or any other) stadium. The best place to sit to increase your chances of getting a foul ball. The difference between a minor league ball and a major league ball. Lots more!

Mud

By the way, did you know that every game-ready baseball in the MLB has been hand-rubbed with mud before each game? Do you know why? Or who “the General” is? You will after reading this delightful book! It also covers baseball basics and history in a vivid and vivacious manner. Like scoring. Hits and runs. Innings. The 7th inning stretch. Umpires. Section seating. A “relief ace.” Kerplunk! Pitcher’s duel. “Three times lucky.” The rays tank. And if you see what looks like a giant orange when you’re flying into or out of the Tampa Bay area, you’ll know why if you read this book.

Cameo

There’s even a “cameo” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. (“I love rock and roll, put another dime in the jukebox, baby…”) That “joined forces” thing. You’ll get that if you read the book.

“It’s Going, Going…!”

For those of us who love baseball and mere mortals, A Ball’s Game hits a home run. The writing style is dynamic and lively. The story is structurally sound, with a distinct beginning, middle, and end. The tone is light, upbeat, and eminently engaging. It’s a clever blend of information and entertainment.

But you don’t have to be a baseball aficionado to enjoy this creative and clever read. Anyone who appreciates a rich and whimsical story will want to buy some peanuts and crackerjack and not care if they ever get back from this old ball game!

Go Blue!

Our Rating: 4.5