Book Jacket

 

rank 5466
word count 23428
date submitted 31.07.2010
date updated 01.08.2010
genres: Non-fiction, Biography, Harper True...
classification: universal
complete

Ball Crazy: Confessions of a Dad-Coach

Hal Jacobs

How can such a simple game create such deep connections? A baseball dad-coach reflects on his sandlot -- and his son's travel-ball -- experiences.

 

Throughout the course of his twelve-year-old son's baseball summer, a father reflects on the gap between his son's youth baseball experience – that of uniforms, regimen, pressure – and his own childhood, growing up playing sandlot in Florida where the trees on the field outnumbered the players. "Ball Crazy" offers insight into why some men become so obsessed with their child's team, and does so by describing the action, intensity and magic of games (in a way that even nonfans can relate). It's an honest look at the effect of competitive youth sports on the psychological and physical health of both players and parents.

 
rate the book

to rate this book please Register or Login

 

tags

adolescents, baseball, fathers and sons, parenting, youth baseball

on 3 watchlists

9 comments

 

To leave comments on this or any book please Register or Login

subscribe to comments for this book
Barry Wenlock wrote 636 days ago

Hi Haal,
Being a Brit, I didn't know much about baseball until I read your book. You write very well and I enjoyed it (first three chapters). I thought your match description in chapter one was very exciting. Ball game! I also liked the part where your tatoo-ed father pauses and gives you 'the look', unsure if you're joking or not. Mantle, not Mouse (even I've heard of him). The game in chapter three is also well depicted, and some of the boy's character's begin to evolve...and the joy of the parents...being 'King of the Hill' is a great feeling for a youngster.
Backed with pleasure,
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

Linda Lou wrote 649 days ago

hullo Hal. I haven't really followed baseball but it appears that you and your son have traveled the road. Already shelved and backed.
Please take a look at my book if you have not and thanks for that.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

name falied moderation wrote 659 days ago

Dear Hal,
love the book cover and the pitches both short and long ( mmmm forgive the pun and it was not intentional) I have not read it all, but I will carry on reading and comment further on as I would like to get this book of yours backed to assist it on the climb to the top.
Backed for sure my me. ..I would really appreciate it if your would look at my book, COMMENT , and back it. If not that is OK also
The VERY best of luck with your book

Denise
The Letter

soutexmex wrote 659 days ago

Hal: I read Chapter 10 and this is really, really good. If this is America's pasttime, this is also a window into her soul. This should be mandatory reading for the sideline parents. I even loved the pitches. Think you will do well here. BACKED!

I can use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

lizjrnm wrote 660 days ago

This is so compelling to read even though it's non-fiction! Wonderful.

Liz
The Cheech Room

PATRICK BARRETT wrote 660 days ago

I found myself happily reading away at this although as a Brit I haven't the faintest idea about baseball. We call it rounders and it is only played at school. This is a testament to your writing skills, well done. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

Burgio wrote 661 days ago

BALL CRAZY
I’ve had experience coaching girl’s soccer (and dealing with an over zealous parent) so your pitch jumped out at me. I like the way you give a straight forward account (both good times and bad) of what coaching is like. I think you’ll find an audience for this among parents who are wondering if their child should play an organized sport. I’m adding this to my shelf. If you have a moment, would you look at mine (Grain of Salt)? I’m in 3th place but only holding on by my teeth. Burgio

Andrew Burans wrote 661 days ago

I really like what I have read so far and relate to it well. My 2 sons played "Little League" and I coached. As I kept reading I kept remembering and more than once you brought a smile to my face other times, like yours, the memories were not so pleasant. Your straight forward and descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read and is perfect for this genre. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

John Connor wrote 661 days ago

Not usually my genre, but the writing is good, informative, and also has the ability to involve the reader (rather than put the reader outside of the experience with too many explanations and asides.

Read with pleasure, and backed accordingly.

1