Wait Till Next Year - A Book Review

 By Doris Kearns Goodwin

This is a memoir of a childhood time during the 1950s in the suburbs of New York City. It was a magical time of neighborhood rivalries when the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees all called New York home. 

Ebbets Field Postcard (Source: Wikipedia Commons)

Doris Kearns Goodwin was a very young girl as the 1950s began, and shared a deep love for the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team with her father, who taught her early on how to keep score. This was a time before night games began, so daytime baseball games were the norm. Doris would listen to the afternoon Dodgers game on the radio, faithfully filling out the scorecards in the little red score book her father had given her, then describe the narrative of the game to her dad each evening when he returned from work. From this humble beginning came the start of her coming-of-age story related in the memoir “Wait Till Next Year”. 

Synopsis of the Memoir

Wait Till Next Year - A MemoirCheck Price

Doris’ stories as a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, peopled by Jackie Robinson (her favorite player), Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider and Pee Wee Reese, also included her recollections of her family, neighborhood and childhood friends. She describes what it was like to grow up in Rockville Centre, Long Island in a time when neighbors were extended family; a time defined by post-war suburban growth, early television broadcasts and Cold War anxiety.

A delightful memoir of a girl, an era and a game! A growing-up time which came to a close for Doris with the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn in 1957 (along with the Giants) and the death of her mother. 

Author Doris Helen Kearns Goodwin

Goodwin is an American historian, biographer and political commentator who specializes in US presidents. She worked as a fellow under Lyndon B. Johnson, which inspired her writing as a presidential historian. Her Wikipedia story is here. 

Summary 

I was given this book by a friend who knew what a huge baseball fan I am. The gift came from a recent evening at the Kansas City Royals ballpark where, between innings, we had a discussion about the many baseball-related books we’ve each read. 

In addition to enjoying the book from a baseball-fan standpoint, I really enjoyed it from the fact that Doris Kearns Goodwin is just three years younger than I am and her descriptions of her life in the 1950s and the baseball teams and players she talks about were SO familiar to me, growing up in New York State in the 1950s. It was like she was describing MY childhood days! 

Plus, I was mostly a NY Yankees fan (still am), but also followed the Brooklyn Dodgers during their time as a New York team. I never forgave them (just like a lot of other Dodger fans) for leaving Brooklyn and never cheered for them again. Doris Kearns ended up moving to Massachusetts as an adult and gave up on the Dodgers; becoming a Boston Red Sox fan! 

Wait Till Next Year is very well written, well worth reading by anyone. It will especially appeal to fans of Baseball, and people who were young in the 1950s. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have passed it along to my brother, another huge baseball fan! 

*Book review of “Wait Till Next Year” was written by Wednesday Elf 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

 Review of a novel by Stephen King

Cast of Characters:

Trisha McFarland. Age nine. Main Character

Tom Gordon.  Closer. Pitcher, number 36, for the Boston Red Sox baseball team. 

Time Sequence: June, 1998

Synopsis of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon : A NovelCheck Price

The story begins at ten o’clock on a June Saturday morning in Maine. Trisha is in the family car on her way, with her divorced mother and older brother, for a short hike along the Maine/New Hampshire branch of the Appalachian Trail. At ten thirty, she was lost in the woods!

Trisha had not meant to get lost. During the hike, she was trailing behind her mother & brother who were arguing again over the brother wanting to go back to Boston and live with his dad. Trisha got tired of listening to them, so when they reached a fork in the trail, she stepped off to the lessor trail to go to the bathroom. When done, she thought she could just cut across through the woods to rejoin the main trail. Instead, she got confused and ended up walking in the wrong direction.

The story occurs over the space of a week, with Trisha’s wanderings and poor choices of direction getting her more & more lost, including way beyond the search areas where search & rescue teams were looking for her. 

To keep from being too frightened, especially the first night alone in the dark, she uses her Walkman to listen to a game on the radio of her favorite baseball team (The Boston Red Sox), with her favorite player, Tom Gordon. 

Trisha also began to conserve her small store of food meant originally for lunch on the day hike. This included one tuna sandwich, some chips, celery sticks and Ding-Dongs, plus water and one other drink! 

As the days go by, Trisha keeps walking, first following a stream because she heard that streams usually end somewhere near civilization. When the first stream peters out, she follows another. She mentally replays conversations with her dad on weekend visits, especially those about the Red Sox and Tom Gordon, also her dad’s favorite team. In one conversation, Trisha remembers dad saying: 

“I believe Tom Gordon can save 40 games this year (1998). I believe right now he’s the best Closer in the major leagues — that if he stays healthy and the Sox hitting holds up, he could be pitching in the World Series come October!”  

Eventually, as days pass, the batteries in the Walkman die. So, Trisha begins to keep her mind occupied with imaginary conversations with her hero, Tom Gordon. 

Summary

The entire story (with a few side lines from minor characters) is narrated by and involves mainly Trisha McFarland (and, of course, her baseball hero, Tom Gordon). How she copes when she runs out of food and water and later becomes ill, is a testimony to the endurance of youth and the belief that things will work out. 

Stephen King does a marvelous job keeping you riveted to each section of Trisha’s journey alone in deep woods. Only, Trisha doesn’t believe she’s alone; she’s convinced Tom Gordon is with her, encouraging her to keep going.

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is a bit of a departure for Stephen King. Rather than a true horror story, (which is a genre I definitely stay away from; thereby seldom reading books by King), it is more a psychological thriller. And, since it involved baseball, and the fact that it is a fiction story involving a real-life baseball player from the 1990s, (whom I had just recently read about), I found myself drawn to it. I am glad I did, as I really enjoyed it.

Summary

Tom Gordon is best remembered in Boston for his dominant 1998 season out of the bullpen, where he set a then-major league record of 43 consecutive saves and a franchise record of 46 saves. Thereby, bringing Trisha’s dad’s earlier statement of 40+ games into focus.

Tom ‘Flash’ Gordon played for the Red Sox from 1996 through 1999. Find his stats and career information and how he acquired the nickname ‘Flash’ here.  He is currently the radio color commentator for the Boston Red Sox.

*Family Note: Former Major League Baseball pitcher Tom "Flash" Gordon has three sons, two of whom followed in his footsteps to play in the major leagues. 

*Book Review of "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" was written by Wednesday Elf

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Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters

For truly unique, you can't beat 'handmade'. Etsy has some very talented clock-makers. Below are a few from my favorite Shops.

You can also browse throughout Etsy to search for your own unique ideas. Click here to get to Etsy

Owl Wall Clock | Decoylab on Etsy

DECOYLAB is a designer/illustrator in Kansas City, Missouri who makes very unique timepieces using wood and paper.

Small Owl Wall ClockCheck Price

 

Pictured here is an Owl Wall Clock, from her collection for the nursery/kids room that are simple, modern and fun! 

This clock is made with laser cut, ¼ thick 3 ply bamboo and clock parts .The clock measures Size: 6" w x 8” h x .75” d. Made with sturdy 3ply bamboo (¼” thickness)

Clock for your Craft Room

Funny Knitting Time ClockCheck Price

 

If your 'hobby' is in the field of fiber arts, like me, time spent in your craft room would be fun with a clock that represents your favorite craft, like this one about Knitting! 

This very amusing clock design fits a crafters' thoughts exactly. When you are engaged in working with your favorite craft, time tends to either 'stand still' or be ignored because of the pleasure it gives you. Thus, this delightful hobby clock will fit in your craft room perfectly! 

Knitting clock is created using solid oak or maple in several sizes, and the wood is laser cut with a laser engraved design.

Sports Clock

MLB Wood Clock Sports DecorCheck Price

 

There are a variety of sports-related handmade clocks on Etsy. Since MY favorite sport is BASEBALL, I chose to display a clock with my favorite MLB team - the New York Yankees. 

Handcrafted out of wood, these sports clocks with your favorite team are Laser-cut out of fine wood and hand painted. They measure an average of 14 x 14 inches.

Created by a Vero Beach, Florida designer for their TimeOutPaintedDesign Etsy Store, here’s what they say about **Why You'll Love It:**

These clocks are not just about telling time; it’s about celebrating our love for sports with style. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, soccer, or any other sport, this handcrafted piece adds a personalized touch to your decor. It also makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions for the sports enthusiasts in your life. --- Add this charming sports clock to your collection today and enjoy a perfect blend of elegance and enthusiasm in your home!

Summary

So browse through the handmade clocks on Etsy and find just the clock design that suits your needs.  Perfect for various rooms throughout your home, hand-crafted clocks also make lovely gifts for friends and family. 

Take a lesson from the clock;

it passes the time by keeping its hands busy.

                                                ~Evan Esar

For more reviews of ‘clocks’ on ReviewThisReviews, click here

*This guide to “Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters, was originally published on November 12, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Baseball Diamond Review

 

How the "Baseball Diamond" Got Its Name

The playing field of most sports are rectangles, including a football field, a soccer field, a basketball court and tennis courts.  So how come the playing field of baseball is a Diamond?

The basic definition for the Baseball Diamond describes the surface on which the game of baseball is played. It is the infield square formed by home, first, second and third bases.

A baseball diamond is actually a square. It only looks like a diamond if you look at it from behind home plate or any of the bases. The distance between each base is equal, with four 90-degree angles and having 90 feet between each base. 

A baseball “Diamond” is really a square turned on its side! 

Baseball’s Playing Field

Baseball is unique in the world of sports. In addition to having a different shaped playing area, it is the only sport with no time limit. Whereas, football has four 15-minute quarters, soccer has two 45-minute halves, basketball has four 12-minute quarters (NBA), and hockey has three 20-minute periods (plus two 17-minute intermissions), baseball, on the other hand, has 9 innings with no set time limit. Each inning continues until  the team at bat incurs three outs, however long it takes.  And, if the game is tied after the end of the ninth inning, an unlimited number of innings is played until a winner is declared. 

More ‘Diamond’ Terms in Baseball

In addition to baseball’s playing field being called a ‘Diamond’, the term is attached to a couple other areas of the game.  

During the 1930s, ballplayers were called diamond artists or diamondeers. The fans were known as diamond bugs. 

Summary

So, the next time you go to a stadium to watch a baseball game (or view it on television), take the time to notice how the playing field appears from the stands or from the angle of the TV camera  as the batter looks out toward the pitcher. You will see how it looks like a ‘Diamond”.   

For more Baseball Reviews, check out
ReviewThisReviews: Baseball

For more Sports Reviews, check out

ReviewThisReviews: Sports

*This Baseball Diamond review was written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball Contributor on ReviewThisReviews.com. 

The Language of Baseball or How to Speak Baseball

How to Speak Baseball: An Illustrated Guide to Ballpark BanterCheck PriceBaseball as a Second LanguageCheck Price

 

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Fun, Unique, and Unusual Baseball Stories

 A review of some unique and unusual stories in the world of baseball. 

Home Team Wins – a FIRST in Major League Baseball history! 

A new statistic was accomplished in baseball on Tuesday, August 11, 2015.  For the first time in Major League Baseball history, ALL 15 home teams won on the same day!  The closest home teams have ever come before now was 12 wins, over a hundred years ago, on May 23, 1914.

The 15 winning home teams were the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, Padres, Rays, Royals, Twins and White Sox. Added altogether, the winning teams outscored their visitors by 80-32 runs.

I love baseball statistics! 

…………………………………………..

Flash Gordon in Baseball

Tom Gordon was a major league pitcher from 1988 to 2009.  He recorded 153 strikeouts in 1989 while playing for the Kansas City Royals. Those strikeouts were one of the highest totals in the American League that year, earning Tom the nickname “Flash.” 

…………………………………………..

1899 Cleveland Spiders - The year that nobody came to the game!

The Cleveland Spiders were a major league baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio from 1887 to 1899.  They achieved minor successes for ten of their eleven seasons of play. In 1899, their last year as a professional baseball team, they played so poorly that eventually the fans stayed away. 

This wasn’t entirely the fault of the team. That year, the owners bought the St. Louis Browns and decimated the Cleveland Spiders’ team to enhance the St. Louis team. Also, a large number of Cleveland home games were shifted to ‘road’ games. As a consequence, the fan base dwindled. The first 16 home games only drew a total of 3,179 fans (an average of 199 fans per game). Because of these meager attendance figures, the other teams in the league (NL) refused to come to Cleveland because their cut of revenue from ticket sales wouldn’t even cover their travel expenses. Thus, the Spiders were forced to play 85 of the rest of their 93 game schedule on the road.  

The Cleveland Spiders ended up with an average of only 145 fans per game paying to attend home games. They finished with a dismal win-loss record of 20-134 ~ the worst in MLB history. 

Winning a ROY

While watching or listening to a baseball game on TV or radio, you may have heard the announcers talking about who might win a ROY. The first time I heard that term, I had no idea what it was and had to look it up. 

ROY stands for ‘Rookie-of-the-Year, an awarded honor which recognizes the top-performing first-year athlete in a professional sports league.  A Roy award is not just for baseball.  Other sports, such as soccer, basketball, and football, recognize outstanding debut seasons. 

Summary

I hope you have enjoyed this compilation of unusual and unique informational tidbits from the world of Major League Baseball. 

*This post about Fun and Unusual Baseball Stories was written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball Contributor on ReviewThisReviews.com  

 Baseball Facts for Curious Fans: 1350 Mind-Blowing Pieces of Trivia About the Sport's History, Pro Teams, Famous Players, Iconic Moments, and Much More (Sports Facts for Curious Fans)Check Price

 

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Wall Clocks Kids Like

A Gift Guide for Choosing Wall Clocks Your Kids Will Like

Children need clocks as much as grownups! School age children need to check a clock to know when the important segments of their day are happening -- time for breakfast, dinnertime, school time, homework time, bedtime. And what about 'playtime'... a most important part of a child's day!

Toddlers and pre-schoolers will enjoy colorful clocks or clocks that look like a favorite character they know about. Wall clocks for kids can be a fun décor on their bedroom wall even before they are old enough to 'tell time'.

Since kids need clocks, why not pick one that fits the theme of their bedroom or represents their favorite cartoon character, playtime buddy, hobby or animal. They will be more likely to 'keep track of time' if their clock represents something they can relate to.

This page has a selection of clocks that kids will really like. Browse through and find your child's favorite theme.

Superhero Wall Clocks

Superhero Spider Man... - A Clock for Kids Who Like SuperHeros!

This Spiderman Disney Marvel Red Wall Clock features a printed Spiderman face with two hand dial and a red casing. Your youngsters who like Superheros will enjoy having a clock on their bedroom wall that reminds them of their favorite superhero.

 

Cute Clocks for Girly Girls...

For your budding ballerina...

What little girl wouldn't love a cute wall clock featuring ballerina designs. This will look so sweet on a bedroom wall of your future ballerina!

This decorative “Ballerina Girl” wall clock has a wood-like colorful design of a ballerina girl. It measures 10 inches in diameter with easy-to-read large black Arabic numerals and hands. 

Wall Clocks Boys Like

Football Wall Clock for your Sports Fan

This is an America Football Themed Wall Clock with a 12” black dial and a sporty football motif. The clock has bold white printed numbers and a crystal-clear clock cover. In addition to being perfect for a young lad who likes football, this clock would also go well in that ‘man cave’ for the football fanatic dad! 

If your boy loves a different sport....

Football is a favorite, but there's a Wall Clock to be found on Amazon for lots of Sports. Just do a search for sports wall clocks and you'll find lots of choices in a multitude of sports.

Sports clocks are available for fans of football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf and more. Individual favorite NFL and MLB team clocks are listed. There are even clocks with the theme of particular college teams.

Whatever kind of sports fan you are, a clock can be found to show your team spirit.

Trains & Planes, Cars & Trucks

Little boys especially love 'Things that Go' - trains and planes, cars and trucks. Anything with wheels and an engine is of interest in the rough and tumble world of boys. A wall clock in a favorite transportation theme, will keep their attention long enough to see what 'time' it is. :)

This Steam Engine Train Wall Clock is 10" in diameter with a wooden MDF, UV printed design.

Summary

Learning Resources Big Time Teaching Clock

Kid time is fun time... as far as children are concerned. So when it comes time to teach them to "Tell Time", making it a fun game works best. The website page "Learn to Tell Time" helps children to learn to tell time in a fun, interactive learning experience.

This Learning Resources Teaching Clock is a great way to help kids grasp time-telling skills. The clock has hidden gears to maintain the correct hour and minute relationships. It has easy-to-read hour and minute markings.

Wall Clocks Safety Notes:

These featured wall clocks for kids are all 'cordless'.  One AA battery required (not included, unless otherwise stated).

*This guide to the best wall clocks for kids was originally published on November 9, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Book Review of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This new book debuted on February 3, 2026, and is already proving to be a very popular book, ranking #10 in the Children’s Baseball Books category, and #60 in the Children’s Dog Books section. It has an overall 4.8 out of 5 rating

A darling story for children ages 4 to 8 who love both baseball and dogs.

Synopsis

Decoy Saves Opening Day: A Bestselling Sports Picture Book about Shohei Ohtani's Dog, for Kids (Ages 4-8)Check Price

A new baseball season is about to begin. To Decoy, a Dutch Kooikerhondje breed known as a duck decoy dog, the baseball stadium has everything a dog loves ~ hot dogs, the biggest back yard ever, and thousands of human friends. Decoy knows he is going to have the best day ever! He’s been chosen to throw out the first pitch on this baseball Opening Day and make his ‘dog dad’ (famous baseball star Shohei Ohtani) proud. 

Oh No! Decoy forgot and left his lucky baseball at home. How is he going to throw out the first pitch without it?  Can he run back home, get his ball and get back to the stadium in time? 

Author of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This adorable debut story is written by Shohei Ohtani, MLB LA Dodger all-star, and stars his real-life pup, Decoy. Ohtani wrote this story with Michael Blank and the book was illustrated by Fanny Liem. 

Summary

The well-known Japanese baseball star, Shohei Ohtani, along with his dog, Decoy, support animal rescue organizations. They hope to use the profits of their debut story to help dogs find their forever homes. Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need. 

You can find “Decoy Saves Opening Day” here on Amazon. 

Note: Decoy actually DID throw out the first pitch. As the first dog to ever do so, Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch to Ohtani on their shared Bobblehead night on 8/28/2024. This is no doubt the cutest pitch you will ever see. Decoy definitely steals the show! Watch the YouTube Video below: 

*Book Review of "Decoy Saves Opening Day" is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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