Saved at Home

book—this time, “Baseball” is the narrator on a journey
through American history. Ball accompanies the reader
through five periods of history in which baseball has
shaped history, and history has changed baseball.

Ball is captured along with Morgan during a Civil War
battle. Ball says, “I couldn’t believe that I was a
Confederate prisoner of war—a Civil War POW.” He
traces their journey home together, ending with an
encounter with President Abraham Lincoln.

Ball loves Mama and helps her win a spot in the
All-American Girls Professional Baseball League started
during World War II. He says, “She smelled like Chanel
No. 5 and tasted like chicken soup.” Ball chronicles the
family’s war contributions on the battlefield and home
front. Ball is caught by Oliver during a game at Dodger
Stadium celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. Oliver tells
Ball, “I’ve always dreamt of catching you, #42. Thank
you for finding your way into my glove.” Ball and Oliver
learn about Robinson’s contribution to baseball and
history.

Ball helps a little girl deal with the Cold War’s frightening
hold on America. They concentrate on the Mantle-Maris
home-run race instead of the two superpowers’ Arms
Race. “With these two power-hitters maybe we could win
the World Series. Mantle and Maris were our superpowers.”
Ball wonders what his path will be as Carmen puts in his
last stitch. “She told me I was special and that there were
great things in store for me.” What would Ball do to help
America after September 11, 2001?