Out of the Ballpark: A Picture Book for Kids (Ages 4-8) About Dreams, Hard Work, and the Joy of Baseball

by Alex Rodriguez, Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

Before he hit more than 600 home runs . . .
Before he was named American League MVP . . .
Before he was AROD to hundreds of thousands of fans . . . He was Alex.
Just a kid who wanted to play baseball more than anything else in the world.

Genres: Sports, Picture Books, Baseball, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez, commonly nicknamed A-Rod, is a natural-born American citizen of Dominican ancestry. He is best known as a power-hitting third baseman for the New York Yankees baseball club, after having played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.

Since 1996, his first full season, through 2007 he leads Major League Baseball in home runs (HR), runs scored, runs batted in (RBI), total bases and extra-base hits. He is currently first in runs scored and total bases; second in extra base hits and RBI, and 4th in hits among all players in baseball history prior to their 31st birthday. In addition, to this point in his career Rodriguez has more HR, RBI, runs scored and more base hits than all-time leaders Hank Aaron (RBI), Barry Bonds (HR), Rickey Henderson (runs scored), and Pete Rose (hits) did prior to their 31st birthdays. He is the youngest player ever to hit 500 home runs, breaking the record Jimmie Foxx set in 1939.

He has been cited as among the best all-around players currently in baseball.

On October 28, 2007, Rodriguez, at the recommendation of his agent, opted out of the final three years of his contract with the Yankees. On December 13, 2007, Rodriguez announced the signing of a new 10-year contract with the Yankees, reportedly worth $275 million and $30 million more if he breaks the all-time home run record of 762, making it the richest contract in baseball history.

Reviews

[Amy Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written by Alex Rodriquez, a Yankee baseball player that is very popular. Because of that popularity, I think kids and parents will like the book. The story is pretty routine and predictable but the illustrations are unique and there are photographs of Alex and his family at the end of the book.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Celebrity author, books are one thing but when they use their life to tell a fake story, it doesn’t always work. This book very much reads like Alex Rodriguez is sharing the glory days of his youth. It’s overly long and tad bit tripe and feels like a giant fish story. I do think the illustrations are great and I love how in the end they included real pictures and Ted bits about Alex Rodriguez’s life. I think that is more interesting than the book is a hole.

[Stephanie Witt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography. This autobiography by Alex Rodriguez could be a great book to get some students interested in reading who might not like it otherwise. Because it is about a famous athlete, it will speak to a different crowd of students. It's also an entertaining read that will keep students engaged but shares real experiences that A-Rod had as a child.

[George Ginnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is based on a fictional description of the youth Alex Rodriguez playing baseball. Alex illustrated a love for the game of baseball and willingness to work to improve. Although, Alex was nervous he never shied away from playing the game. He wanted the opportunity to be successful and in this fictional story (and in real life), he eventually was.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The earlier exploits of Alex Rodriquez and his love of baseball, and his first championship victory. He focuses on his hard work, and dedication to always get better at playing the game, and applying it to everything you do in life.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictional but inspirational story written by Alex Rodriguez and based on his life. It is beautifully illustrated and contains a note by Alex Rodrigues and photographs of him as a boy and young baseball player at the end of the booik.

[Dominick Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a kid who wants to be the best baseball player ever but just keeps messing up so he wakes up earlier and tries harder just to become the best and win the championship game

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations. Bonus surprise at the end with the family pictures.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A.Rod wrote a book about baseball. Huh.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holt-Delhi PJ story time 04-27-2022

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story shows the dedication and love of a sport. The young, "fictionalized" Alex Rodriguez gets up early to practice baseball and does well in school so that he can be a championship little league player. The final page with Alex hitting a grand slam is the ultimate baseball ending.

In the back of the book, Alex Rodriguez writes a note to the young readers about how he was successful in life. There is also a photo album showing Alex growing up, his best friend J.D. who is a character in the book, and the real Caribes team. Also, a portion of the proceeds for the book go to the AROD Family Foundation.

The pictures have bright primary colors and appear to be oil paints. Frank Morrison does a good job of capturing the motion of playing ball in the still shots, especially the two-page spread of the team celebrating. But, I wonder about the decision to make Alex's character more light skinned than he is in person.

[Corinne · Rating 1 out of 5]

We got this book because we thought it would be a fun little sports story we could read to Darin. IT WASN'T! I've never read a more boring children's story in my life, I swear! Nothing interesting happens. There's nothing different about this story. It's just your average "hey, we were in the big game and won" story. There's nothing special.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If not for the disappointing decisions ARod made as a professional, I would give this book a higher rating. My child picked this book at the library insisting we read it because it was about baseball. The story itself is a good one. However, it forced an honest discussion with my child about whether ARod is a worthy role model.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific book in praise of tenacity and hard work. The end pages are the best because the baseball player, Alex Rodriguez, attributes his success to diligence and encourages others to work hard, too!

[Tricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

written by/about/for alex rodriguez. lots of words. kinda dull. maybe would give to a boy who specifically was interested in baseball.

[Bottom Shelf Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://bottomshelfbooks.blogspot.com/...

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nicely illustrated and some great advice for young kids. I was reminded of my own young experiences playing ball as a kid. I can almost smell the grass.

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez writes this book that you can read to a student who loves the sport or maybe to your class right before a field trip to a baseball game.

[Allisa Zamarripa-Garza]

Love this book!!!

[Cameron]

It was so good. When I was 5, I read it every night before bed.