Joey Pigza Loses Control: Part 2

By JACK GANTAS

As the pitcher, Joey Pigza stands in the middle of this diamond on a small dirt mound (or what Joey refers to as his 'island').

He then throws the hard, fist-sized baseball toward the man with the bat, who is standing next to a square-ish home base, or home plate.

The man with the bat tries to determine if the pitch is a good one to hit, and if it is, then he swings the bat and tries to smash the ball as hard as possible. As soon as he hits the ball the batter runs for first base.

Joey's job, as pitcher, is to throw such fast, accurate pitches that the batter cannot hit them, or can only hit them in a feeble way so that they can be fielded for an easy out.

There are many ways to make an out in baseball, some easier than others. If the pitcher delivers three accurate pitches over home plate that the batter doesn't hit, whether or not he swings, then the pitcher has struck out the hitter.

Publisher: Random House

Price: $16.95

Age group: 8-11 years