Creighton, Don. Secret Little Leaguer, The. 1966. Personal library.

Eleven-year-old Charley Baker shook his head. *I'm not trying out. My parents don't believe in baseball."

Charley's dark hair fell over his forehead. His green eyes looked longingly at the application to sign for Little League tryouts. Butch's blue eyes popped with astonishment.

"But you've got to! I've already told the manager you would. Where have your folks been all their lives?"

"It's pretty hard to explain. Seems like they think nothing is important but brains."

However, Charley stuck the application form in one of his books as he went away.

From that day on, Charley Baker kept his school activities a secret from his family (or so he thought). Charley understood that he was not the most studious one in his family. His report card proved that point. But Little League baseball gave him the outlet which he needed to become an individual. His private little hiding place for his glove and uniform was a tree house, where he spent many hours.

As Charley developed self-confidence in his playing, his place on the Tiger team proved to be an asset to the Millbrook Little League. The Wildcats, Lions, Stags, and other opposing teams learned Charley Baker was no pushover.

Charley was never so happy in his whole life; however, keeping things a secret from his family worried him some. Soon, various members of his family began to learn of his secret. But each one, in turn, faithfully that kept the information to himself.

Then one day Charley discovered that his mother knew how to figure batting averages, and that she even liked baseball! Charley's greatest surprise came when he learned that his father had known all along that he was a Little Leaguer-and that he was proud that Charley had done something on his own.

Boys and girls alike will enjoy the games and intrigue described in The Secret Little Leaguer. In addition to a lively Little League tale, the author effectively establishes an appealing story of closely knit family life.

11-year-old Charley has a secret, he plays baseball!

This is an entertaining and instructive juvenile baseball story about Charley keeping it a secret that he has joined Little League, thinking that his family discourages athletics and only cares for scholastic achievement.