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Ballpark Mysteries #9
The Philly Fake
It's the ninth inning! The Philly Fake is book #9 in our early chapter book mystery series, where each book is set in a different American ballpark!
What better city to spend the Fourth of July than Philadelphia? For Mike and Kate, the holiday is all about hot dogs, history, and baseball! But the Phillies are in no mood to celebrate. They keep losing, and some people blame the lovable Phillie Phanatic! Can Mike and Kate help the Phanatic clear his name?
The Philly Fake includes several pages of "Dugout Notes," fun facts about Philly's ballpark.
Cross Ron Roy's A to Z Mystery series with Matt Christopher's sports books and you get the Ballpark Mysteries: fun, puzzling whodunits aimed at the younger brothers and sisters of John Feinstein fans.
What better city to spend the Fourth of July than Philadelphia? For Mike and Kate, the holiday is all about hot dogs, history, and baseball! But the Phillies are in no mood to celebrate. They keep losing, and some people blame the lovable Phillie Phanatic! Can Mike and Kate help the Phanatic clear his name?
The Philly Fake includes several pages of "Dugout Notes," fun facts about Philly's ballpark.
Cross Ron Roy's A to Z Mystery series with Matt Christopher's sports books and you get the Ballpark Mysteries: fun, puzzling whodunits aimed at the younger brothers and sisters of John Feinstein fans.
112 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2014
23 people are currently reading
103 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 24, 2021
3.5 STARS I really liked the setting in Philadelphia and the history of the city, such as the kids getting to see the Liberty Bell, and learning about Ben Franklin. As an adult reading this, I found the motive for our criminal a bit weak and I think it would have been better if The kids also get a bit too much into "out of bounds" territory for me here, going into employees only areas and potential danger, but, that's the parent in me talking.
FULL REVIEW OF THE SERIES:
This series has a lot going for it. The characters feel well-drawn (though it’s not heavy on characterization) and the mysteries are quite well done for this age group, not dummied down yet with enough well-placed clues that astute young detectives will figure out whodunit before the big reveal (while including enough red herrings to keep them guessing most of the way).
I like that Mike and Kate feature equally in the book (it’s not a “boy” book or a “girl” book), they both like baseball (but neither is an incredible talent), they are both smart (without being unrealistic brainiacs), both good at solving the mysteries. They feel very relatable and like normal kids. I think boys and girls would equally enjoy this book. I appreciate that Kate is learning Spanish, and that she often researches the locations they travel to ahead of time. There’s a bit of humor and usually a cheesy joke or two for kids who like that, courtesy of Mike (but fortunately no potty humor). They are respectful to one another and there’s no bickering or rivalry. The parents don’t feature much, but again, the relationship is positive. Kate’s parents are divorced, but it is presented as amicable.
I imagine many kids will come to these books because they have a love of baseball but we came to them with very little knowledge of the sport. I chose them because they were well-reviewed and my son has enjoyed mystery books in the past. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was with the baseball aspect, and it really sparked my son’s interest in the sport. Usually there are a few “ballgame” moments with Mike and Kate watching some plays on the field, but it’s more focused on the mystery than the game play. Of course, all the mysteries involve either ballplayers or some aspect of the team or stadium. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the distinctive characteristics of each ballpark. I also appreciate that many of the books give a glimpse into some local culture or history and local landmarks of the city. The back matter provides further notes about the players, ballparks, city, and history mentioned within the story. They are effortlessly educational while being primarily entertaining.
As a parent, I do have a few qualms about the kids running around in large ballpark stadiums (including out-of-the-way places not frequented by crowds) and surrounding areas in unfamiliar cities without a parent around. They also go off with adults they barely know (usually staff at the ballpark, so not exactly “strangers” but…) some of whom they suspect of committing crimes (usually involving theft or some sort of threats to the ballpark or a player) but at least the kids are always together and, of course, it’s the way the kids are able to be heroes and solve the crime themselves. Some of the books are a little heavier on the exposure to danger than others but most are pretty tame and, of course, all ends well. Also, the kids sometimes look for evidence in an office or a person’s backpack or something like that because they suspect the person of having committed the crime—but, of course, they have no warrant or legal right to do so and sometimes it’s a little close to trespassing or, at least, significant snooping. But, again, the positives of the book outweigh these few quibbles for me.
Overall, I highly recommend the series to young readers who enjoy mysteries and baseball. My son loves them and we have read almost every one in the series. I personally like them better than Magic Treehouse and I think they would appeal to fans of Magic Treehouse type books, too.
FULL REVIEW OF THE SERIES:
This series has a lot going for it. The characters feel well-drawn (though it’s not heavy on characterization) and the mysteries are quite well done for this age group, not dummied down yet with enough well-placed clues that astute young detectives will figure out whodunit before the big reveal (while including enough red herrings to keep them guessing most of the way).
I like that Mike and Kate feature equally in the book (it’s not a “boy” book or a “girl” book), they both like baseball (but neither is an incredible talent), they are both smart (without being unrealistic brainiacs), both good at solving the mysteries. They feel very relatable and like normal kids. I think boys and girls would equally enjoy this book. I appreciate that Kate is learning Spanish, and that she often researches the locations they travel to ahead of time. There’s a bit of humor and usually a cheesy joke or two for kids who like that, courtesy of Mike (but fortunately no potty humor). They are respectful to one another and there’s no bickering or rivalry. The parents don’t feature much, but again, the relationship is positive. Kate’s parents are divorced, but it is presented as amicable.
I imagine many kids will come to these books because they have a love of baseball but we came to them with very little knowledge of the sport. I chose them because they were well-reviewed and my son has enjoyed mystery books in the past. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was with the baseball aspect, and it really sparked my son’s interest in the sport. Usually there are a few “ballgame” moments with Mike and Kate watching some plays on the field, but it’s more focused on the mystery than the game play. Of course, all the mysteries involve either ballplayers or some aspect of the team or stadium. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the distinctive characteristics of each ballpark. I also appreciate that many of the books give a glimpse into some local culture or history and local landmarks of the city. The back matter provides further notes about the players, ballparks, city, and history mentioned within the story. They are effortlessly educational while being primarily entertaining.
As a parent, I do have a few qualms about the kids running around in large ballpark stadiums (including out-of-the-way places not frequented by crowds) and surrounding areas in unfamiliar cities without a parent around. They also go off with adults they barely know (usually staff at the ballpark, so not exactly “strangers” but…) some of whom they suspect of committing crimes (usually involving theft or some sort of threats to the ballpark or a player) but at least the kids are always together and, of course, it’s the way the kids are able to be heroes and solve the crime themselves. Some of the books are a little heavier on the exposure to danger than others but most are pretty tame and, of course, all ends well. Also, the kids sometimes look for evidence in an office or a person’s backpack or something like that because they suspect the person of having committed the crime—but, of course, they have no warrant or legal right to do so and sometimes it’s a little close to trespassing or, at least, significant snooping. But, again, the positives of the book outweigh these few quibbles for me.
Overall, I highly recommend the series to young readers who enjoy mysteries and baseball. My son loves them and we have read almost every one in the series. I personally like them better than Magic Treehouse and I think they would appeal to fans of Magic Treehouse type books, too.
March 7, 2017
Ballpark: Philadelphia Phillies
Someone is causing the Philadelphia Phillies' bats to break, which is costing the team wins. The prime suspect is the team's mascot, the Phanatic. Of course, it wouldn't be a mystery if the obvious answer was correct. So Mike and Kate team up to find the real culprit. The culprit's scheme, like all the ones in this series, is a bit contrived, but the resolution manages to bring everything together well enough to be satisfying. These mysteries are basically a kids' version of "Law & Order: Baseball Parks," after all.
I liked the inclusion of all the historical landmarks, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Tying that in with the team mascots was very well done.
My four year old son was shocked to discover who the real culprit was. But he was also somewhat confused about the difference between the Phanatic and the guy inside the costume, Phil; probably didn't help that the team name is also Phillies to confuse the issue even more. My son also loved the inclusion of fireworks for the Fourth of July.
The dugout notes contained some information about historical Philadelphia as well the Phanatic and Phillies. This of course makes sense given the prominent role some of the historical landmarks and people play in the story.
Someone is causing the Philadelphia Phillies' bats to break, which is costing the team wins. The prime suspect is the team's mascot, the Phanatic. Of course, it wouldn't be a mystery if the obvious answer was correct. So Mike and Kate team up to find the real culprit. The culprit's scheme, like all the ones in this series, is a bit contrived, but the resolution manages to bring everything together well enough to be satisfying. These mysteries are basically a kids' version of "Law & Order: Baseball Parks," after all.
I liked the inclusion of all the historical landmarks, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Tying that in with the team mascots was very well done.
My four year old son was shocked to discover who the real culprit was. But he was also somewhat confused about the difference between the Phanatic and the guy inside the costume, Phil; probably didn't help that the team name is also Phillies to confuse the issue even more. My son also loved the inclusion of fireworks for the Fourth of July.
The dugout notes contained some information about historical Philadelphia as well the Phanatic and Phillies. This of course makes sense given the prominent role some of the historical landmarks and people play in the story.
January 24, 2024
Very good book
I like this book because it is the Phillies. I thinks this is a great book for my friend. I gave this review because I liked how they found out who was breaking the bats.
I like this book because it is the Phillies. I thinks this is a great book for my friend. I gave this review because I liked how they found out who was breaking the bats.
June 18, 2017
Another book in the series that's well done! Lots of great facts thrown into a very engaging mystery.
September 25, 2017
i liked it
July 13, 2018
Cute kids book. Set in Philly and starring the Phillie Phanatic with a little mystery.
November 10, 2021
A fun little mystery. I found out that there’s a giant light up Liberty Bell for home runs at the Phillies stadium. I love learning about the different stadiums.
September 4, 2025
[3.5 stars]. Everett still loving this series. I even like learning fun facts about the different ballparks.
August 9, 2015
Cousins, Kate and Mike, are baseball fanatics. Lucky for them, Kate's mom happens to be a sports reporter, so they get to tag along on plenty of trips to the ballpark. Each game offers up a new mystery, and Kate and Mike put their heads together to solve the puzzle. Like when Kate's mom took them to see the Phillie's play. Hot dogs zoomed through the air as the game geared up. The Phillie Phanatic rode out on his ATV, drawing attention from the crowd. Everyone was exited, watching the game, when suddenly, during a crucial play, the bat shattered into pieces. Disappointment echoed through the crowd. The Phillie's lost, all because of the broken bat! Kate and Mike come to find out that there's been a rash of broken bats for the team, and suspicions are high. When they hear that the culprit may be the Phanatic, they just can't believe it. After meeting Ben Franklin, Kate and Mike start adding up the clues, but what they uncover will shake things up even more. Who is behind the bats breaking? What happened to Phil? Is Ben Franklin keeping a secret? You'll have to pick up The Philly Fake: Book 9 of the Ballpark Mysteries to fill in all the cracks. ;)
The Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly are fun stories, especially if you like baseball. I'm not a sports fan, but those who like baseball facts will enjoy these books. Mike and Kate are both clever and work well together. The writing sets the scene and makes you want to go to a ball game. I'd recommend these books to readers age six and up or anyone who loves baseball. The Ballpark Mysteries are great for parents to read with their sports loving kids. I also liked the Doug Out Notes at the end- it's fun to learn things!
I was given a free set of this series in exchange for my honest review.
The Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly are fun stories, especially if you like baseball. I'm not a sports fan, but those who like baseball facts will enjoy these books. Mike and Kate are both clever and work well together. The writing sets the scene and makes you want to go to a ball game. I'd recommend these books to readers age six and up or anyone who loves baseball. The Ballpark Mysteries are great for parents to read with their sports loving kids. I also liked the Doug Out Notes at the end- it's fun to learn things!
I was given a free set of this series in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2015
Another adorable Ballpark Mystery book, this time set in Philadelphia. Mike and Kate have to solve the mystery of who is breaking the Phillies' bats. Along the way, they (and the reader) learn some American history, get to know the ins and out of the ballpark, and become friends with the Phillie Phanatic (the mascot). Great book for 1st-4th grade baseball lovers.
November 30, 2016
I didn't really know much about the Phillies before I read this book, but this team really is steeped in tradition and they honor their city's history, well. This story does the same. Very well written!
February 13, 2016
I liked it. I would have rated it 3 and 1/2.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews