Rise of the Underdog

A Baseball Adventure for Young Athletes: First Steps on the Sandlot

By: Chad Metcalf, Kristi Metcalf

Narrated by: Chad Metcalf

Every single swing counts…especially the strikes!

Hi! My name is Lucas Anderson, and moving to Pinewood was a big change for me—not the good kind either. Everything seemed to be going wrong…until I discovered baseball.

The game brought new challenges, but I wasn’t alone. Dad, a former Navy SEAL, taught me to be brave and keep trying no matter what. And Mom (a genius) was always there, teaching me tricks to level up.

Thanks to them, my cool cousin Kevin, and awesome new friends I made on the team, I started to think that maybe, just maybe, I could do something great with my life. But Pete, the biggest bully ever, would pitch me some serious problems…

©2024 Chad Metcalf and Kristi Metcalf (P)2024 Chad Metcalf and Kristi Metcalf

Super Fun

This is such a fun read. It’s so relatable to everyone that has been a kid. We have all experienced change, insecurities, and trying to figure out who we are and where we fit. This book teaches life lessons to kids through the game of baseball. The lessons taught about facing your fear and not giving up are valuable at any age. Its an uplifting book.

Perfect For Young Athletes

As a parent of a young baseball player, I found this book to be both engaging and motivating. It captures the excitement and challenges of starting out on the field in a way my child could really connect with. The story’s positive message about perseverance and teamwork felt relatable and encouraging. My son couldn’t stop listening and has been even more excited about his practices ever since! A great read for any young athlete.

A very endearing story

The author's creativity shines throughout the story of how Lucas finds his path through baseball. It's a great book for young athletes who are learning about the challenges of not being perfect, pleasing others, and resisting bullying. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life, and the story was packed with lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and believing in yourself. Lucas faced challenges and grew both on and off the field, and the author presented the challenges and resolutions at a level appropriate for young reader comprehension.

An Enjoyable and Motivating Read for Young Athlete

I got this for my nephew as he’s just starting to learn baseball, and we both really enjoyed it! The story does a great job of showing what it’s like to be the "new kid" and trying to fit in, especially when things feel tough at first. He could really connect with the main character’s journey—struggling with confidence, making friends, and discovering that baseball is more than just a game. It’s filled with heart, humor, and valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and standing up for yourself. Definitely worth reading!

Heartwarming!

This audiobook is an uplifting story about overcoming challenges and finding confidence through family, friends, and a new love for baseball. I enjoyed how the main character learns from his dad’s bravery and his mom’s wisdom while making great new friends on his team. Even when faced with a bully, he starts to believe in himself and what he can achieve. It’s a great reminder of how support and persistence can help you grow. A relatable and inspiring listen for all ages!