Specs

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2 --``Specs'' Toporcer was utility infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1920s. Motomora's brief outline of his life and career can be considered biography only in the loosest sense. He emphasizes the ``wham! slam!'' part of the game, making Toporcer appear a better player than he really was. Specs was not a slugger; his lifetime average was .279, and he was nearing the end of his career when the climactic event of the book takes place. Youngsters who wear glasses (if they've already forgotten Reggie Jackson and Dick Allen) may be reassured that they, too, can play baseball, but everyone will have to look elsewhere for any real details of the life of Toporcer. With its large, colorful illustrations and brief upbeat text, this is pleasant enough for beginning readers; use it as a sports story, not as biography. --Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA