Mudball

Mudball
Written by Matt Tavares
2005

Mudball tells the story of Minneapolis Miller, Little Andy Oyler, during one of the muddiest games of all time. The Millers were playing against the St. Paul Saints and Little Andy Oyler was at the plate...the shortest player in the whole league. He could not seem to get a hit. Oyler was beginning to doubt his abilities to be a productive part of the team, and was even contemplating quitting. As the game went on, it began to pour. Once again it was Little Andy Oyler's turn to bat. There was one out left in the game, and the Minneapolis Millers were down by three. As the pitcher threw the ball, it slipped as it left his hand. The crowd heard the unmistakeable sound of the ball hitting the bat. What happened next would amaze and astound players, coaches, umpires, and fans alike. The game went down in history, and the events of the game seemed to be all that was needed to break Little Andy Oyler out of his slump.

Mudball is a suspenseful page turner that is sure to keep the attention of young sports fans. It's the story of the underdog who is beginning to doubt his abilities...something that many students deal with at some point in their lives, whether it's in sports or academics. I had never heard of Little Andy Oyler before reading this book, but it has led me to do further research on the history of baseball in America, and I have no doubt that it will do the same for many young children and adolescents.