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Ballpark Mysteries #2
The Pinstripe Ghost
Batting second—and perfect for Halloween — book #2 in an early chapter book mystery series where each book is set in a different American ballpark!
Mike and Kate are waiting for Kate's mom at a boring press conference in Yankee Stadium when the team official says something that makes Mike perk up his ears. There are rumors that the ghost of Babe Ruth is haunting the new stadium! A chill air blasts down a service hallway before every home game, along with various thumps and bumps. Is the Bambino really searching for his missing locker?
The Pinstripe Ghost includes a fun fact page about New York's Yankee Stadium.
Cross Ron Roy's mystery series with Matt Christopher's sports books and you get the Ballpark Mysteries: fun, puzzling whodunnits aimed right at beginning readers.
Mike and Kate are waiting for Kate's mom at a boring press conference in Yankee Stadium when the team official says something that makes Mike perk up his ears. There are rumors that the ghost of Babe Ruth is haunting the new stadium! A chill air blasts down a service hallway before every home game, along with various thumps and bumps. Is the Bambino really searching for his missing locker?
The Pinstripe Ghost includes a fun fact page about New York's Yankee Stadium.
Cross Ron Roy's mystery series with Matt Christopher's sports books and you get the Ballpark Mysteries: fun, puzzling whodunnits aimed right at beginning readers.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
64 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
David A. Kelly
66 books95 followersDavid A. Kelly is the author of over 30 children's books, including the bestselling Ballpark Mysteries series, the MVP series, the brand-new Football Mysteries series, and more.
Mr. Kelly is also the author of the early reader, Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse and the picture books Tee Time on the Moon and Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and Secret Mud that Changed Baseball.
He has written about travel and technology for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Sun Times, and many other publications. Mr. Kelly lives in Newton, MA, with his family.
For more information, visit David’s webpage – www.davidakellybooks.com. He's available for school and library visits, in person or virtually.
Mr. Kelly is also the author of the early reader, Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse and the picture books Tee Time on the Moon and Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and Secret Mud that Changed Baseball.
He has written about travel and technology for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Sun Times, and many other publications. Mr. Kelly lives in Newton, MA, with his family.
For more information, visit David’s webpage – www.davidakellybooks.com. He's available for school and library visits, in person or virtually.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 19, 2025
More interesting than the last one. 3.7 stars
April 2, 2011
After I read Ballpark Mysteries #1: The Fenway Foul-up (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) by David A. Kelly, I knew young readers would eat up this new series like a box of Crackerjack. And as soon as I got my hands on Ballpark Mysteries #2: The Pinstripe Ghost (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)), I knew I was right.
This time around, Mike and his cousin Kate are in the most famous ballpark in America--Yankee Stadium for a spring weekend series against the Seattle Mariners. But so is Mr. Robert Williams, the famous author of 'Ghosts in the Ballpark: A History of Haunted Baseball Stadiums and Super-natural Superstars.' Suddenly, everyone seems to be talking about the ghost of Babe Ruth and whether or not he'll show up this weekend. Mike and Kate are determined to find out and start unraveling clues as they begin to meet some of the characters hanging around the new stadium.
Just as in Ballpark Mysteries #1: The Fenway Foul-up (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)), young readers will enjoy reading along as Mike and Kate don their super-sleuth caps and explore one of the world's most famous ballparks. Kelly weaves in just the right amount of interesting facts about the stadium and sets the scenes so well, you'll feel as though you're soaking up the sun and breathing in the smell of hot dogs and popcorn. Dugout Notes at the back of the book introduce young readers to 'The House that Ruth Built' and fun facts like how Babe Ruth sometimes liked to wear the same underwear for days because he didn't feel like changing it. Now these are the facts every young Yankee fan should know!
This time around, Mike and his cousin Kate are in the most famous ballpark in America--Yankee Stadium for a spring weekend series against the Seattle Mariners. But so is Mr. Robert Williams, the famous author of 'Ghosts in the Ballpark: A History of Haunted Baseball Stadiums and Super-natural Superstars.' Suddenly, everyone seems to be talking about the ghost of Babe Ruth and whether or not he'll show up this weekend. Mike and Kate are determined to find out and start unraveling clues as they begin to meet some of the characters hanging around the new stadium.
Just as in Ballpark Mysteries #1: The Fenway Foul-up (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)), young readers will enjoy reading along as Mike and Kate don their super-sleuth caps and explore one of the world's most famous ballparks. Kelly weaves in just the right amount of interesting facts about the stadium and sets the scenes so well, you'll feel as though you're soaking up the sun and breathing in the smell of hot dogs and popcorn. Dugout Notes at the back of the book introduce young readers to 'The House that Ruth Built' and fun facts like how Babe Ruth sometimes liked to wear the same underwear for days because he didn't feel like changing it. Now these are the facts every young Yankee fan should know!
November 14, 2020
In this ballpark mystery, 2 young cousin investigators (Mike & Kate) take you on a ghost hunt around Yankee stadium to find the ghost of none other than Babe Ruth.
Through twist and turns, you will discover the truth about who’s actually sneaking around and what secrets still lie within the stadium walls.
By the end of the story, it will have you asking yourself whether or not you believe in ghost...
This WOW book would be appropriate for 2nd and 3rd grade. It’s perfect for independent reading as well as introducing book series (it’s the 2nd) and covering mysteries. Students will enjoy the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter and the unsolved mystery at the end of the book!
Through twist and turns, you will discover the truth about who’s actually sneaking around and what secrets still lie within the stadium walls.
By the end of the story, it will have you asking yourself whether or not you believe in ghost...
This WOW book would be appropriate for 2nd and 3rd grade. It’s perfect for independent reading as well as introducing book series (it’s the 2nd) and covering mysteries. Students will enjoy the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter and the unsolved mystery at the end of the book!
April 7, 2025
This series gets better and better.
Kate Walsh and Mike Hopkins are cousins. Kate's mom is a sports reporter so she and Mike get to go to baseball games a lot.
This book is centered at Yankee Stadium - where the NY Yankees are playing the Seattle Mariners. And of course there is a mystery - the mystery of Babe Ruth's ghost.
Is there really a ghost? Does the ghost appear in the book? Kate and Mike will solve the mystery. Never fear.
Kate Walsh and Mike Hopkins are cousins. Kate's mom is a sports reporter so she and Mike get to go to baseball games a lot.
This book is centered at Yankee Stadium - where the NY Yankees are playing the Seattle Mariners. And of course there is a mystery - the mystery of Babe Ruth's ghost.
Is there really a ghost? Does the ghost appear in the book? Kate and Mike will solve the mystery. Never fear.
February 22, 2018
Genre: Mystery
Grade Level: 2nd to 4th
One Unique Feature: Two young characters, Kate and Mike, go on a ghost hunt in Yankee Stadium. This book is unique in the fact that it combines both sports and mysteries all into one story. I believe Kelly provided many hints into who the ghost could be, yet the ending was still unexpected and very engaging.
Grade Level: 2nd to 4th
One Unique Feature: Two young characters, Kate and Mike, go on a ghost hunt in Yankee Stadium. This book is unique in the fact that it combines both sports and mysteries all into one story. I believe Kelly provided many hints into who the ghost could be, yet the ending was still unexpected and very engaging.
August 25, 2020
I love these mysteries because they are really just a fun way to tell about baseball stadiums and their history. This one was set in Yankee stadium. One thing I learned this time is that originally baseball players’ uniform numbers corresponded to their spot in the batting order. Interesting. Another fun mystery.
November 29, 2017
It was a quick easy read. I recommend ages 7+.
July 25, 2017
Ohhhhhh, Scary (not)
August 1, 2018
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series. The outcome of the mystery was pretty interesting, and it definitely kept my 7 year old guessing till the end. Good series for young kids.
September 15, 2018
Needed something quick to read on the treadmill while I am waiting for one of my many books on hold to become available. Quick easy read for kids
November 26, 2020
Better than the Dodger one.
August 23, 2022
Didn't think this book was as good as the previous one in the series. But nonetheless, I think students are still going to love this series!
August 16, 2023
Not the best of the series, but +1 ⭐️ for making the Mariners beat the Yankees.
March 13, 2017
Ballpark: New York Yankees
The second Ballpark Mystery involves perhaps the most storied franchise in Major League Baseball: the New York Yankees. Not many teams evoke as much love and hatred as those pinstriped ball players. But love them or hate them, the Yankees have seen a veritable cavalcade of historical stars, including Babe Ruth.
The mystery in this volume of the series is nicely done. Most of the time I can figure out the culprit at least halfway through the book but the books maintain a high enough quality to remain entertaining as Mike and Kate (and younger children reading along) put the pieces together. But tracking down the ghost haunting Yankee stadium remains a true mystery until the reveal. The red herrings are well placed and the device used to capture the culprits is much subtler than the usual gambits employed by the young sleuths.
The dugout notes have some nice facts about Babe Ruth and the history of Yankee stadium, with most of the focus on the original stadium.
The second Ballpark Mystery involves perhaps the most storied franchise in Major League Baseball: the New York Yankees. Not many teams evoke as much love and hatred as those pinstriped ball players. But love them or hate them, the Yankees have seen a veritable cavalcade of historical stars, including Babe Ruth.
The mystery in this volume of the series is nicely done. Most of the time I can figure out the culprit at least halfway through the book but the books maintain a high enough quality to remain entertaining as Mike and Kate (and younger children reading along) put the pieces together. But tracking down the ghost haunting Yankee stadium remains a true mystery until the reveal. The red herrings are well placed and the device used to capture the culprits is much subtler than the usual gambits employed by the young sleuths.
The dugout notes have some nice facts about Babe Ruth and the history of Yankee stadium, with most of the focus on the original stadium.
November 16, 2016
The Pinstripe Ghost is the second book in the Ballpark Mysteries series written by David A. Kelly. This book is perfect for young baseball fans ready for chapter books. Cousins, Mike and Kate, spend three days at Yankee Stadium while Kate's Mom is at a press conference. There are rumors about the ghost of Babe Ruth haunting the stadium. Young baseball fans will love reading as Mike and Kate collect clues about the mysterious happenings at the stadium. Students will also read about what consequences there are for breaking rules. The security chief gives Mike and Kate special passes VALID FOR ANY GAME thanking them for solving the stadiums' ghost mystery.
I love the Dugout Notes about the Yankees and Yankee Stadium at the end of the book. I never knew what a rule breaker Babe Ruth was. I grew up in Brooklyn and went to many games at the old Yankee Stadium (and Shea Stadium where the Mets played).
I am always looking for quality, high-interest chapter books for my 2nd graders. This book will motivate young readers to read the other books in the series: The Fenway Foul-up, The Wrigley Riddle, and The L.A. Dodger are other titles in this series. I would use this book for read aloud exposing students to the mystery genre, in small groups for book clubs, and for the children who love baseball.
Genre: Mystery
RL: 2.6
I love the Dugout Notes about the Yankees and Yankee Stadium at the end of the book. I never knew what a rule breaker Babe Ruth was. I grew up in Brooklyn and went to many games at the old Yankee Stadium (and Shea Stadium where the Mets played).
I am always looking for quality, high-interest chapter books for my 2nd graders. This book will motivate young readers to read the other books in the series: The Fenway Foul-up, The Wrigley Riddle, and The L.A. Dodger are other titles in this series. I would use this book for read aloud exposing students to the mystery genre, in small groups for book clubs, and for the children who love baseball.
Genre: Mystery
RL: 2.6
December 5, 2016
•No awards
•Grade 1-3
•Mike and Kate are off to the ballpark, but not just any park: Yankee Stadium. However, no one told them that the park was haunted by none other than the great Babe Ruth. Kate and Mike work together to figure out if this ghost is the real deal, or a foul ball of a story.
•This book is a good book to intrigue both mystery lovers and sports enthusiasts to read. It focuses more on the text, having a few pictures included with text. The entire story is about a hundred pages long, making it possible for those who lack the reading stamina to make it through it.
5) This book can be used to encourage readers who like sports books but do not often read fiction books. Another use for this book may be to encourage thinking ahead in the story. Since it is a mystery book children can be encouraged to try to predict the end using the clues they have been given so far.
•Grade 1-3
•Mike and Kate are off to the ballpark, but not just any park: Yankee Stadium. However, no one told them that the park was haunted by none other than the great Babe Ruth. Kate and Mike work together to figure out if this ghost is the real deal, or a foul ball of a story.
•This book is a good book to intrigue both mystery lovers and sports enthusiasts to read. It focuses more on the text, having a few pictures included with text. The entire story is about a hundred pages long, making it possible for those who lack the reading stamina to make it through it.
5) This book can be used to encourage readers who like sports books but do not often read fiction books. Another use for this book may be to encourage thinking ahead in the story. Since it is a mystery book children can be encouraged to try to predict the end using the clues they have been given so far.
July 11, 2016
I'm really getting into this series! Each story is set at a different ballpark; this one at Yankee Stadium. There is a ghost, but surprisingly, it's not Babe Ruth's ... or is it?
At the end of the book are some fun fast facts about the Yankees and Yankee Stadium. For example, did you know that Yankee Stadium was the first baseball park to be called a stadium. It was much larger than other ballparks. Yankee Stadium often had crowds of 70,000 or more. It opened on April 18, 1923. On opening day, the Yankees played the Boston Red So. They beat them 4-1. The stadium was also the first triple-decker. That meant it had three seating levels.
At the end of the book are some fun fast facts about the Yankees and Yankee Stadium. For example, did you know that Yankee Stadium was the first baseball park to be called a stadium. It was much larger than other ballparks. Yankee Stadium often had crowds of 70,000 or more. It opened on April 18, 1923. On opening day, the Yankees played the Boston Red So. They beat them 4-1. The stadium was also the first triple-decker. That meant it had three seating levels.
August 27, 2014
They were trying to catch a ghost, but it wasn't really a ghost. Some boys were trying to sneak into Yankee's stadium so they could watch the game without having to pay. They went through a vent cause the vents were huge. It felt like cold air and like a ghost was in the stadium. How they got in was one of the people - his father was an air conditioner and they were air conditioning the stadium and he took some of the keys so they could unlock the vents.
July 8, 2011
I got this free through goodreads first reads! As an elementary school teacher, I'm always looking for books that might get kids hooked on reading. Ballpark Mysteries #2: The Pinstripe Ghost is definitely going on my classroom bookshelf.
September 13, 2016
These are great mysteries for my second grade son. He loves learning about baseball while hearing a mystery. They are a lot like the A-Z Mysteries which he devoured. We will be listening to all of these in the car and I am buying a set for my intermediate school library for some of my lower readers.
July 3, 2017
Is the ghost of Babe Ruth really haunting Yankee Stadium? Mike and Kate are on the case again when a famous author, who has written a book about ghosts in ballparks, comes to Yankee Stadium. An adequate mystery for younger readers and I love the "dugout notes" at the end of the book.
June 16, 2013
A baseball mystery for kids. Fun story with facts about the stadium. I didn't read the first one in the series but could follow this one without having read the first one. Enjoyed reading the dugout notes in the back. A great series for baseball fans.
August 19, 2011
This book was a huge hit - think it made one of the favorite lists - keep up with the great writing!
Want to read
August 25, 2011I won this book from First Reads. Looks like a good book. Thank you.
July 14, 2011
Boooooo! I was looking for a book to share with 4th grade boys at a lower reading level. Very uninteresting!
February 11, 2012
Currently reading with my four-year old son who is a baseball fanatic.
March 12, 2012
I also likes how David Kelly puts real facts and landmarks in his books but at the same time making them fun to read! It's almost like a vegetable brownie, healthy for you, but yummy!
March 31, 2013
Why did they think that the ghost was real?
October 13, 2013
an easy read for a child especially one interested in baseball.
August 25, 2014
i liked it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews