Bat Boy: Coming of Age with the New York Yankees    by Matthew McGough Order:  USA  Can Anchor, 2007 (2005) Hardcover, Softcover, Audio, CD, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Kerrily Sapet It's the dream of every Little Leaguer and many adults, too. Stepping onto the field of their favorite professional baseball team and rubbing elbows with their favorite players ranks near to heaven for many baseball lovers. Often faithful fans wonder just what it's like in the locker room or in the bullpen. How does it feel to shag fly balls during batting practice on some of the lushest, white-lined grass you'll ever step foot on, or joke around with a sports idol? For sixteen-year-old Matthew McGough, a New York Yankees fan, this dream came true. Batboy: Coming of Age with the New York Yankees by Matthew McGough, tells the story of his baseball adventures as a bat boy at Yankee Stadium. In 1992, after watching a bat boy at a game, McGough decided to write a blind application letter to George Steinbrenner, pleading his case to sign on helping the team. After a brief, gruff interview, McGough was in, starting on Opening Day. His clubhouse days over the next few years were filled with adventure, joking around, hard work, and life lessons. His work involved running errand for players, cleaning up the locker room, shining spikes, and more. There was also the fun ... blackjack-playing roadtrips with the team, a date set up by the bullpen, sleepovers in Yankee Stadium, and wearing his own Yankee pinstripes - all while trying to keep up his grades. The story is filled with funny escapades, but also thoughtful moments of insight on the path to adulthood. In McGough's story, readers watch him stumble through his early days at the stadium, as gradually he builds up his confidence. During his time as a bat boy, he meets some of the Yankee greats - Don Mattingly, Jim Abbott, Derek Jeter, Mickey Mantle, and Joe DiMaggio. Batboy: Coming of Age with the New York Yankees tells a wonderful tale of growing up and learning lessons about honor, responsibility, and self-confidence. Many of these lessons he learns through his friendships with the ballplayers. For McGough, it is a time of magic, as he realizes his fondest dream. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews