John H. Ritter's The Boy Who Saved Baseball enchants readers with its compelling blend of sports and personal growth. Positive reviews praise its vivid characters and inspirational plot, while some critique it for a predictable storyline. Overall, it’s regarded as an uplifting and engaging read for young baseball fans.

A reader who would enjoy The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter is likely a middle-grade student with a passion for sports, especially baseball. Fans of novels like Dan Gutman's Honus & Me or Mike Lupica's Heat will appreciate its blend of competitive sports, teamwork, and personal growth.

The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter follows 12-year-old Tom Gallagher, a daydreaming boy who loves baseball, as he and his friends fight to save their town's historic baseball field from developers. They challenge a superior team, the Lakeside Vikings, and with the help of a reclusive baseball legend, Dante Del Gato, and a mysterious newcomer, Cruz de la Cruz, they prepare for the game of their lives.

Inspirational / Adventurous / Exciting / Hopeful / Heartwarming

**Tom Gallagher**  
A 12-year-old boy who loves baseball and keeps a journal he calls his Dreamsketcher. He is bookish, quiet, and good with computers, ultimately helping with a software program for baseball hitters.

**Cruz de la Cruz**  
A mysterious and confident character who arrives in Dillontown at a critical moment. He exhibits bravery and eloquence, distinguishing himself as someone enigmatic and pivotal to the plot.

**Dante Del Gato**  
A reclusive former major league baseball player considered one of the greatest hitters. He becomes involved with helping the local Dillontown kids while grappling with his past and reservation towards the public.

**Kennesaw Mountain “Doc” Altenheimer**  
An elderly community physician and landowner in Dillontown, who faces a moral dilemma regarding the sale of his land. He is portrayed as a character both loved and detested in his community.

**María Flores**  
A tall and fearless girl who complements Cruz with her strong character. She is known for her humorous and outspoken nature and develops a budding romantic interest in Tom.

John H. Ritter

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Boy Who Saved Baseball reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Boy Who Saved Baseball | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Boy Who Saved Baseball and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 11

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Prologue-Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-22

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Chapters 12-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-30

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Chapters 23-30 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Essay Topics

The Boy Who Saved Baseball Further Reading & Resources

The Boy Who Saved Baseball

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Boy Who Saved Baseball?

Reading Age

Book Details