Book review: Beyond Baseball: Rounding First

Venn, D. (2016). Beyond Baseball: Rounding First. World Beyond Publishing.

Rounding First, the subtitle of this 200-page self-published book, is derived from the name of an American NPO supplying used baseball gear to children in Nicaragua. It has since branched out into other projects, including agriculture and health care. The title, Beyond Baseball, addresses the author’s understanding of his two week experience distributing equipment to teams in Nicaragua. He questions his own presence as a former ballplayer and recent college graduate, as well as the value of sporting goods to a country that has difficulty feeding itself.

The answer to the first question is this book, Venn’s contribution to spreading the word on the good work of Helping Kids Round First. He sent me a copy for review, and now here you are reading about it. Hopefully, you will be curious enough to inquire further, donate, or perhaps join one of Rounding First’s trips. If so, you might also be interested in reading Venn’s account for a more in-depth look at what goes into one of these visits, from collection and shipping of equipment, to sorting, packing, and personally delivering hundreds of kilos of baseball gear. (You’ll also have to read about Venn’s romantic relationships, but thankfully those interludes are infrequent.) Money from book sales goes to Helping Kids Round First.

The answer to the second question was provided by the numerous Nicaraguan recipients of baseball equipment. Yes, baseball is only a sport, but it can offer positive benefits to children (and even adults) in physical exercise, socialization and the practice of teamwork, commitment, attention to detail, perseverance, determination, and elevated self-worth. In the context of urban centers, baseball provides a focus for unemployed youth and perhaps keeps some away from drugs and gangs. And for those with giant aspirations, baseball may be a ticket to fame and wealth. A small number of Nicaraguans have made the transition to North American professional leagues, which are increasingly interested in Nicaraguan talent.

For those who might be looking for this book online, please note that Venn has written a previous volume under the same title, but without the Rounding First subtitle. That book deals with the author’s experience playing baseball in Central America.

For those wishing to learn more about Helping Kids Round First, please visit their website at: http://www.helpingkidsroundfirst.org/

Beyond Baseball: Rounding First is available through the author’s website: http://www.danvenn.com/apps/webstore/

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