MUDBALL

Did Babe Ruth really point to the bleachers and then proceed to hit a home run to that spot? This question has been argued ad infinitum since 1932. Andy Oyler’s exploits of 1903 are also part of baseball lore, if somewhat more obscure. Oyler is the shortest player in the league and he can’t buy a hit. He comes to bat in the ninth inning with two out and the bases loaded. Suddenly there’s downpour, turning the field to a muddy mess. Somehow, he hits the ball. As the opposing team scrambles through the rain and mud, the three runners score and so does Andy. Thus, Andy Oyler has hit the shortest grand-slam home run ever. Tavares employs short, simple sentences spiced with players’ confused shouts. Pencil illustrations washed with pale watercolors are filled with humorous details and delightfully expressive faces. Did it really happen? It doesn’t matter. Play Ball! (author’s note, bibliography) (Picture book. 6-10)