In this ALA Jr. Literary Guild selection by John H. Ritter, a rough-and-tumble band of batsmen from a California boomtown insist they're the country's best baseball team. To back up their boast, they make a wager with the 1881 champion Chicago White Stockings. Into this high-stakes climate rides 12-year-old baseball virtuoso Jack Dillon with his newfound friend, Billy the Kid. This sets the stage for a fun-filled, rip-roaring baseball shootout. "The Desperado Who Stole Baseball has it all-rich baseball lore, a rollicking Western adventure, and storytelling gold. A terrific book."-Mike Lupica, author
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"interesting story that mixes the "wild west" with baseball. Popular figures, such as Billy the Kid, are used, as well as real baseball terms/things, such as the Chicago White Stockings. This story would appeal more to boys, and a knowledge of baseball would help the reader."
— Sara (4 out of 5 stars)
" Some people might not believe this, but when I was in fifth grade, my teacher was John H. Ritter's wife. He was writing this book while I was in fifth grade and he brought in pieces of it and we helped edit a bit. "
— Owennlsn, 1/10/2013" Amazing read aloud for my baseball-loving son. Used several parts to showcase different writing crafts. "
— Sheryl, 9/3/2012" book was okay, but not as good as John Ritter's other baseball book: The Boy Who Saved Baseball. "
— Julie, 7/28/2012" It was a cute book! "
— Kevin, 6/8/2012" 10 year old son liked this "
— Powers, 5/22/2012" Awesome, friends can come from many background, but they'll still be friends. "
— Brendan, 8/8/2011" Amazing read aloud for my baseball-loving son. Used several parts to showcase different writing crafts. "
— Sheryl, 11/2/2010" Some people might not believe this, but when I was in fifth grade, my teacher was John H. Ritter's wife. He was writing this book while I was in fifth grade and he brought in pieces of it and we helped edit a bit. "
— Owennlsn, 6/7/2010" book was okay, but not as good as John Ritter's other baseball book: The Boy Who Saved Baseball. "
— Julie, 4/19/2010" I guess I wanted to read more about baseball. "
— Bunni, 1/2/2010" Awesome, friends can come from many background, but they'll still be friends. "
— Brendan, 5/23/2009Robert Ramirez came to audiobook narration fresh from his MFA in classical theater. Initially answering a casting call for a narrator who spoke Spanish, Robert has used his Mexican-American background to imbue authentic flavor and dialogue in audio titles. His powerful command of language and rich voice reflect his interest in dialects. Ramirez is the winner of eight AudioFile Earphones Awards.