Take Me Out to the Ballgame

by Jack Norworth, Jim Burke (Illustrator)

In this rendering of the beloved song Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Jim Burke captures an exciting era of America's favorite pastime - as well as the incredible story of one controversial contest that went down in the history books: In 1908, the year the anthem was written, one of the all-time most memorable match-ups in baseball history occurred when the New York Giants faced the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs with their greatest weapon - Christy Mathewson, the greatest pitcher in Giants history and America's first true sports superstar. Filled with fan-pleasing trivia and nostalgic paintings, here is a remarkable orchestration that brings the sights, sounds and smells of the ballpark, a century ago, vividly to life.

Genres: Picture Books, Baseball, Childrens, Music, Sports, History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1992

Reviews

[James Govednik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tribute to the song and to the game. Rich historical information is included with the lyrics and illustrations, with plenty to satisfy baseball fans. Each page of lyrics includes illustrations in the style of the early 1900s and historical background information. Includes the lesser known verses of the original. Ages 10 and up.

[June Guymon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute way to introduce the song to children

[Cynthia]

I liked that this book was written but it’s actually a song. The illustrations were so vivid and had a lot going on. It truly felt like you were at a baseball game when you saw the illustrations on every page.

[Whitney Leanhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and all the illustrations that were provided. This remind me of my childhood and going to baseball games with my family.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a great book of baseball history, for kids in a number of age ranges.
The multilayered text & illustrations will make this book an evergreen on your bookshelf. I'm currently reading to my 2 1/2 year old-since he knows the words to this classic 7th inning stretch tune from his daycare music class. My son loves the pictures and the song-we read/sing our way through the book.
The book also tells us the story of the 1908 classic match up between the New York Giants and Chicago Cubs at the Polo Grounds. There are tid bits of history and trivia throughout(line-up's for both teams, back story of the rivalry, etc) and an introduction by award winning writer & lover of all things baseball and New York history, Pete Hamill. These extra's in the book in make it last up to an elementary reading level.
Perfect for story time & independent reading, and for lovers of baseball of ALL AGES.

[Carlye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaction:
I love this book. It reminds me of exactly like the ballgame. Which this weekend I'm going to a Tigers game so that gets me all amped up! Also, even at some ball games they end up standing up and singing this song (usually around the seventh inning stretch). The pictures actually do pretty good justice of very one waiting to get in the gates and then all the hoots and hollering with all the banner and such for their teams. Also, I like that it puts peanuts in the the pictures. Peanuts are a big symbol at ball games. Also, they put Crackerjacks in the pictures. I haven't seen or heard anything about Crackerjacks in forever. I don't know if they are that big at baseball games or at least as big as they were before. Also, I like that at the end it says a little background information on the song and the writer of the song.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book. As one who grew up going to ballgames, this brings back the simple pleasure of going to a baseball game. My seven-year-old said, "It's just the words to the song." That is true. But when I sat down to look at the illustrations with him (and my 8yo and 3yo), we pored over the gorgeous colors and details of a time gone by. I want this book. It's pure nostalgia.

[Danie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to follow pictures and plain words tell the song of take me out to the ball game. Great for toddler group esp good for those with special needs to focus better with music. Text can be sung along instead of read.

[Cws]

JAR7OS-Nor how the book came to be-delightful book using the song as it's basis

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sing along or read the story of one of the greatest baseball rivalries ever- Cubs-Giants. Perfect for little baseball fans.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply the words to the song, but the illustrations are great.