Shine the Light: How Sandlot Baseball Connects People in a Disconnected World

The sandlot movement is a different animal, drawing players of all ages back to their roots. If you remember playing baseball in yards and alleyways or an open field, you’ll be glad to know the tradition continues in grownup leagues across the nation.

A lifelong fan of baseball—both from a watching and a semi-pro player—author Jim Matthews spent his professional days as a television newscaster and sports broadcaster in Austin, Texas.

After what he thought would be his last semi-pro game, en...