Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

One Last Time: Good-bye to Yankee Stadium

One Last Time: Good-bye to Yankee Stadium

Ray Negron
Illustrator:  Laura Seeley 
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 9
HarperCollins, 2009   ISBN: 978-0061471629

Ray the batboy has been called up to the Boss's office. When he gets there the Boss, Mr. Steinbrenner, tells him that Yankee Stadium is "falling apart." The "old lady" has to be torn down. It pains the Boss to do this because the stadium has had such an illustrious history. It is a place full of memories and he wants to make sure that the memories are not forgotten. He asks Ray to make sure that all the great players of the past get a chance to say good-bye to Yankee Stadium while there is still time.

Ray goes out to find the Babe, Joe DiMaggio, Billy Martin, and the other great Yankee players. Soon everyone is together. They come to the magic room and Ray escorts them into the stadium so that they can play their last great game in "old lady."

In this book Ray Negro once again brings magic to the world of baseball. This time he pays a tribute to a famous baseball institution, Yankee Stadium. Using the spirits of great Yankee ball players the author reminds us of memorable Yankee Stadium moments. He also gives thanks for all the great players and great games that the stadium gave baseball fans of all ages.

Surely Lou, the Babe, Joe and the others would be pleased that their beloved stadium has been memorialized in this special way.