The Boy Who Saved Baseball

John H. Ritter
56 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2003

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Book Brief

John H. Ritter

The Boy Who Saved Baseball

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

California • Contemporary

Theme
Teamwork

•

Wins & Losses

•

Friendship
Topic
Sports
First Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

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Super Short Summary

The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter follows 12-year-old Tom Gallagher, a daydreaming boy who loves baseball, as he and his friends fight to save their town's historic baseball field from developers. They challenge a superior team, the Lakeside Vikings, and with the help of a reclusive baseball legend, Dante Del Gato, and a mysterious newcomer, Cruz de la Cruz, they prepare for the game of their lives.

Inspirational

Adventurous

Exciting

Hopeful

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,208 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John H. Ritter's The Boy Who Saved Baseball enchants readers with its compelling blend of sports and personal growth. Positive reviews praise its vivid characters and inspirational plot, while some critique it for a predictable storyline. Overall, it’s regarded as an uplifting and engaging read for young baseball fans.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Boy Who Saved Baseball?

A reader who would enjoy The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter is likely a middle-grade student with a passion for sports, especially baseball. Fans of novels like Dan Gutman's Honus & Me or Mike Lupica's Heat will appreciate its blend of competitive sports, teamwork, and personal growth.

4.2

4,208 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

A 12-year-old boy who loves baseball and keeps a journal he calls his Dreamsketcher. He is bookish, quiet, and good with computers, ultimately helping with a software program for baseball hitters.

A mysterious and confident character who arrives in Dillontown at a critical moment. He exhibits bravery and eloquence, distinguishing himself as someone enigmatic and pivotal to the plot.

A reclusive former major league baseball player considered one of the greatest hitters. He becomes involved with helping the local Dillontown kids while grappling with his past and reservation towards the public.

An elderly community physician and landowner in Dillontown, who faces a moral dilemma regarding the sale of his land. He is portrayed as a character both loved and detested in his community.

A tall and fearless girl who complements Cruz with her strong character. She is known for her humorous and outspoken nature and develops a budding romantic interest in Tom.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

California • Contemporary

Theme
Teamwork

•

Wins & Losses

•

Friendship
Topic
Sports
First Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

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