THE STORY BEHIND THE BOOK

“THE DEAL IS ON STRIKE THREE“

When Peter and Rudy got together to collaborate on a book inspired by a Baseball Classic, “Casey at the Bat,” they never could have dreamed about the journey they would begin.  What started out as a simple story about a baseball game quickly took on a life of its own.  As they painstakingly developed each page, they began to incorporate messages for the children who would read the book.  The Messages within the book are about the importance of Family, the Deception of Temptation, and doing the right thing.  They hired an illustrator, and went through page by page making sure that every detail was just perfect.

They sent a copy of the book, before publication, to Tom Seaver.  Maybe we can get an endorsement, they thought.  A few weeks later, Rudy received a phone call from Mr. Seaver.  “I read your book,” he said.  “Did you like it?” asked Rudy.  “As a matter of fact, I did,” Tom answered.  Rudy asked, “Can I count on you for an endorsement?”  He fell silent as Tom said “No.”  After a brief pause, Rudy laughed and said, “I guess you didn’t like it that much.” But Rudy fell off his chair when Tom Seaver said, “Actually, I would like to write the Foreword.”

Next they chose Bob Feller.  Rudy had seen Bob Feller at events, and had a deep respect for this great Pitcher of the past and even greater American, whose life story is something out of a movie script.  Days later, he couldn’t believe it when his secretary said, “There’s a Mr. Feller on the phone for you.”  Bob opened the conversation with his usual directness.  “You sent me a book.  What do you want me to do with it?” Rudy gathered the courage to say, “Well, Mr. Feller, I was hoping you would think this was a good book for children to read, and that you would give me an endorsement.” Mr. Feller shot back, “I’ve read just about every book there is about baseball, and THIS book...” he paused, and Rudy held the phone away from his ear because he was afraid of what Mr. Feller might say next, “...is the best children’s book about baseball I’ve ever read.”  Rudy couldn’t believe it!  Bob Feller, one of the greatest men to ever put on a baseball uniform had these words of praise for the book!  He couldn’t wait to call Peter and tell him the news.  Two days later a one line quote signed by Mr. Feller arrived in Rudy’s office.  That was followed by a phone call from Mr. Feller’s representative who said that Bob would like to replace the quote with a complete Introduction to the Book!

The book was published with the Foreword and Introduction.  But Peter wasn’t finished.  “Who else,” he said, “has the character and convictions that we are trying to pass on to the kids?” Cal Ripkin Jr. was the answer!  Peter managed to get the book into Mr. Ripkins’ hands.  He could hardly believe it when word came back to him, “Cal Ripkin, Jr. would like to endorse your book!  Cal’s remarks will appear in the second printing.”

So two kind of regular guys from Long Island wrote a book, got three Hall of Famers to become involved, and have had a positive influence on thousands of children.  Never believe there is something you can’t do if you believe in yourself and what you are doing.  

~ Article originally published in The Bullpen, Official Publication of the Babe Ruth League