A Little Slugger's Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Baseball and Life

by Patrick Renna, Tommy Parker (Illustrator)

Overview

From The Sandlot actor and die-hard baseball fan Patrick Renna comes practical advice full of wit and humor about baseball (and life)!

With over a dozen "unwritten" rules about baseball and the game of life, this is a must-have for any baseball fan. Featuring anecdotes from Patrick Renna's experience playing The Sandlot character Hamilton Porter, this little slugger’s guide encourages readers young and old to "keep swinging" and "find a glove that fits" so that they can hit home runs on and off the field. Full of witty quips, wisdom, and stories about unforgettable moments throughout baseball history, this gift book is sure to be a favorite for all fans of America’s greatest pastime!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593890035
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	02/25/2025
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	9 MB
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Patrick Renna is an actor perhaps best known for his role as Hamilton “Ham” Porter in the 1993 feel-good movie The Sandlot. He is the cofounder of the Hambino Foundation, which supports youth sports organizations in underserved communities throughout the United States. In 2022, he launched Hambino Athletics, a sportswear clothing brand inspired by the character.

Tommy Parker is a freelance illustrator based in Devon, UK. His work is 
both character- and color-driven, and whilst graphic, it retains a tactile warmth and quirkiness. He aims to show intimate moments in accessible worlds that have been featured in editorials, book covers, branding, and advertising campaigns. Occasionally, you’ll also find him at the University of Plymouth as an Associate Lecturer. Visit him online at tommyparker.co.uk.

Editorial Reviews

"Best suited for sports-loving adult fans looking for a way to pass on life lessons and love of the game."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2024-11-09
Actor Renna, best known for his role in the 1993 filmThe Sandlot, offers baseball-themed anecdotes and affirmations.

Heartfelt reminders that life’s a marathon, not a sprint, may be familiar, but many young readers will find them revelatory. The author also stresses that failure is just as much a part of life as success, encourages children to embrace individuality and work hard despite being the underdog, and emphasizes that practice shows commitment and “prepares you for the big game or the test.” All these lessons will be relatable to young people, and many are supported by real-life stories: basketball superstar Michael Jordan’s short-lived stint in minor league baseball, an unexpected victory during Game One of the 2015 World Series, and Renna’s willingness to swallow his fear when, as a young teen, he was handed a new script just an hour before shooting a pivotal scene inThe Sandlot. Each tidbit stands alone, but taken together, all 20 tenets provide a lively road map to life. The colorful spot art features images of diverse young baseball players, plus some visually appealing double-page spreads filled with movement and action. White space is used thoughtfully, allowing readers to reflect on how these words of wisdom might apply to them.

A solid base hit, with guidance on the great American pastime—and life itself.(Informational picture book. 7-11)

Kirkus Reviews