The Great Satchel Paige
vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio
This post joins other
Nonfiction Monday blogs
hosted today by Abby the Librarian
A True Tale with A Cherry On Top
A uthor: Robert Skead
and Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
C haracters: Satchel Paige and Joe DiMaggio
O verview from the jacket flap:
"In 1936, the New York Yankees wanted to test a hot prospect named Joe DiMaggio to see if he was ready for the big leagues. They knew just the ballpayer to call - Satchel Paige, the best pitcher anywhere, black or white.
For the game, Paige joined a group of amateur African American players, and they faced off against a team of white major leaguers plus young DiMaggio. The odds were stacked against the less-experienced black team. But Paige's skillful batting and amazing pitching - with his 'trouble ball' and 'bat dodger' - kept the game close.
Would the rookie DiMaggio prove himself as a major league player?
Or would Paige once again prove his greatness - and the injustice of segregated baseball?"
For the game, Paige joined a group of amateur African American players, and they faced off against a team of white major leaguers plus young DiMaggio. The odds were stacked against the less-experienced black team. But Paige's skillful batting and amazing pitching - with his 'trouble ball' and 'bat dodger' - kept the game close.
Would the rookie DiMaggio prove himself as a major league player?
Or would Paige once again prove his greatness - and the injustice of segregated baseball?"
T antalizing taste:
"Satchel was the marvel of the country. He might even have been the greatest pitcher in the world. but because of the color of his skin, he was not permitted to play in the major leagues...
Satchel decided to throw the nervous rookie [Joe DiMaggio] his 'whipsey dipsey do.' He started the windmill delivery, kicked his leg high, and hurled the ball. Joe watched the pitch dip and dance - and he swung and missed. He took a deep breath, readied his bat, and steadied his legs for the next serving.
Time to cut loose my 'four-day creeper,' thought Satch.
... DiMaggio beamed. 'Now I know I can make it with the Yankees. I finally got a hit off Ol' Satch,' he said."
and something more: Just imagine what Satchel Paige could have accomplished if he had been given the same opportunity to join the big leagues as Joe DiMaggio?
Satchel decided to throw the nervous rookie [Joe DiMaggio] his 'whipsey dipsey do.' He started the windmill delivery, kicked his leg high, and hurled the ball. Joe watched the pitch dip and dance - and he swung and missed. He took a deep breath, readied his bat, and steadied his legs for the next serving.
Time to cut loose my 'four-day creeper,' thought Satch.
... DiMaggio beamed. 'Now I know I can make it with the Yankees. I finally got a hit off Ol' Satch,' he said."
and something more: Just imagine what Satchel Paige could have accomplished if he had been given the same opportunity to join the big leagues as Joe DiMaggio?
