Burke creates a rollicking glimpse of baseball's early days. It's 1908, and Katie is devoted to her beloved New York Giants and their ace pitcher, Christy Mathewson. While she and her beau enjoy a hotly contested game, Burke adds tidbits of trivia. Readers learn about Mathewson, the Polo Grounds, pitching, umpires and hand signals, and Cracker Jack, which was introduced in 1893. Fans will enjoy these anecdotes, and many more. The lively paintings capture the infectious excitement of the big game, and Pete Hamill contributes a stirring introduction. Report writers will have to look elsewhere for the complete story, but, overall, Burke has fashioned a sparkling introduction to an exhilarating period in baseball history.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA