Baseball Almanac's favorite read of 2021

When the Pros Played on the Sandlot

Did you ever wonder what “your” childhood heroes’ childhood was like? I did, so I decided to find out.

Just Like Me: When the Pros Played on the Sandlot is the first book to tell the story of professional baseball players’ memories of playing baseball and softball as kids. What I found is a collection of stories from the Pros you and I can directly relate whether we were the best player on the team or simply the kid that could blow the biggest bubblegum bubble, I listened in amazement as these pros told stories that could have come from our childhood; stories of playing pick-up games, begging our parents for that brand new glove and what to do when you’re on deck and “mother nature” calls. In the player’s own words, you will be taken to the ball fields of the professional player’s youth and come to realize that you experienced some of the same joys and heartaches as the Pro and, in the end, realize that the Pro’s experiences are just like your own both on and off the ball field.

Players interviewed for this book include Hall of Famers, Negro League, and All American Girls Professional Baseball League stars and fan favorites from Major League Baseball. Each player has recounted many amazing stories growing up playing baseball and softball, stories of amusing and impactful events that shaped both their adult life and professional baseball career. 

by Kelly G. Park
Page Count: 232
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: August 26, 2020
Imprint: Sunbury Press
Genre: Sports, Biography