Pitching for Success: Character Lessons, the Joe Nuxhall Way

by Doug Coates

Little Leaguer Dominic is struggling with his pitching and his temper. He doesn t want to cheer for his teammates when he is pitching poorly or mad. But his passionate coach who is also his father teaches Dominic how to be a kinder and more patient player with the help of baseball legend, Joe Nuxhall.

Joe Nuxhall was the youngest pitcher to ever pitch in the Major Leagues. After his pitching days were over, he became an announcer for the Reds Organization from 1967 2004. He wasn t just known for his abilities as a ball player and announcer, he was also known for his kind heart and compassionate manner.

Dominic s father uses Joe to teach Dominic that you do not have to be a baseball player to be part of the Major Leagues. He also teaches Dominic that you can be both popular and nice.

People who don t know you but know of you, may be impressed by your statistics. But people who do know you are more impressed by your good character traits such as attitude, sportsmanship, acceptance, courage, compassion, and appreciation.

Pitching for Success teaches young readers not just how to be a good person, but why.

69 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Riley's Winning Catch; Good Character Prevails is a middle-grade reader for 4th - 8th graders. Riley is a teenage girl with Down syndrome who wishes to play on a girls' softball team. But she is afraid of rejection and teasing. Riley finds a caring coach who teaches character development along with softball.

Pitching for Success: Character Lessons, the Joe Nuxhall Way, a children's reader - grades 3-6th. I live in Hamilton, Ohio, the hometown of the late, the great Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher, broadcaster, and advocate for children, Joe Nuxhall.
I give character presentations to elementary schools and other youth groups across Ohio and Kentucky. I am a Board Member of the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields in Fairfield, Ohio.

Picture book - Bobby Button Goes to School debuted last year. This is the first of many adventure books about Bobby Button. Ideal ages 2-6
Email me: doug@authordougcoates.com

Reviews

[Steve Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well crafted story for kids, athletes, and coaches alike. A story for kids that promotes good character and sportsmanship is always a positive for a teacher. I enjoyed the contrast in sportsmanship examples. My only complaint here is that I wish this tale was drawn out longer. Regardless, this will be a read aloud in my class for years to come!

[Devyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I want to thank the author for providing the copy. This was a sweet little kid's book perfect to teach young boys and girls about good sportsmanship and baseball.

[Johnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book to read with a child who likes baseball and get some life lessons in, too. Emphasis on the positive, while teaching that winning isn't every thing and losing doesn't have to be devastating. Looking forward to sharing this with my grandchildren.