Chicago has a lot of fantastic sports teams and remarkable sportsmanship when it comes to supporting our athletes—both current and future. We have World Series winners, and we also have teams that haven’t quite made it there yet. Having two nephews who are incredible baseball players, I know that with or without pro-ball careers or series titles, athletes are hard-working and talented. What I admire most about them is the genuine camaraderie they share and the way they support and uplift one another.
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I want to recommend a book that reminds me of a notable Mexican-born pitcher for the Chicago Cubs: Javier Assad. Javy was born in Tijuana, Mexico and is scheduled to represent Team Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
¡Viva Valenzuela! Fernando Valenzuela, #34 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was a pitcher who transformed baseball in America. He sparked a phenomenon which became known as “Fernandomania!” While speaking English and adapting to a new culture was challenging, Valenzuela was fierce and confident on the field and brought his team to the 1981 World Series. He drew countless new Mexican American and Latino fans to the sport, inspiring future generations to imagine themselves on the field.
Call Me Roberto! Roberto Clemente of Carolina, Puerto Rico fought racism and prejudice, persevering to become one of the best players for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was recognized as both a National League MVP and a World Series MVP. Not only is this book chock-full of baseball history, its stylistic illustrations move and sway like the swing of a bat.
The Girl Who Changed Little League: For a glimpse at a completely different type of baseball player, check out the story of Maria Pepe. This NJ girl was a huge fan of the Yankees, and loved hitting, pitching, catching and sliding when girls weren't allowed to play in the Little League. Thanks to a group of strong women who advocated for fairness, and Maria's bravery, she made history and changed the rules, because baseball fields are for everyone!
Brain-Building Activities
- Draw a picture of your family but draw everyone as if they were a star athlete--dancers, rugby or football players, golfers, or any sport you like!
- Play hide and seek with an object: hide it anywhere in the room, another person has to find it.
- Construct an obstacle course. (Remember to be safe and ask for adult support.)
- In 2025, Sports Illustrated Kids challenged children to create a jersey for their home teams and someone made a clever Cubs-themed shirt with hot dog condiment stains all over them. How would you design your favorite Chicago sports team jersey now? Feel free to ask a parent to send us your picture at cplkids@chipublib.org.
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