Play Ball! Official Rules and Regulations

In a welcome twist, this dual-language title features two hosts for the separate programs: Everybody Loves Raymond's Ray Romano for the English version, and American Family's Edward James Olmos for the Spanish version. Also welcome are the reminders that Little League baseball should be about fun, teamwork, and good sportsmanship--both for the players on the field and the parents in the stands. Pro players talk about the importance of Little League in their careers, and even share some of their embarrassing moments (such as getting hit in the head with a fly ball or getting cut from a team for being too young--experiences youngsters can identify with). Vin Scully, the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, offers a history of Little League: formed in 1939 by Carl Stotz in Williamsport, PA, exported in the 1950s outside of the U.S. (Panama and Canada), and growing worldwide ever since. In the final sections, coach Dusty Baker cover the rules of the game in easy-to-digest segments, starting with the differences between Little League and pro ball (such as field dimensions and distance between the pitcher's mound and home plate) to regulations covering pitching rotation, batting, equipment specifications, field decorum, and more. An excellent introduction to Little League history, culture, and rules, this entry in the four-volume Play Ball! series (which also includes Basic Hitting, Basic Pitching, and Basic Fielding) is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: E, I, J, P. (C. Block)