Books On Board
series Reading Order

Ballpark Mysteries Books in Order

23 Books
2 Reading orders
2011 – 2022 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Ballpark Mysteries

For the best experience, young readers should begin with the very first book, The Fenway Foul-Up. While each mystery is self-contained and can be read as a standalone story, starting from the beginning helps children build a connection with the characters, understand Mike and Kate's passion for baseball, and follow the growth of the series.

Ballpark Mysteries Main Series in Publication Order

Reading the series in numerical/publication order is the easiest way to follow the duo's stadium-hopping journey across America. Here is the complete list of the main series books through 2026:

  1. The Fenway Foul-Up (2011) - Boston Red Sox
  2. The Pinstripe Ghost (2011) - New York Yankees
  3. The L.A. Dodger (2011) - Los Angeles Dodgers
  4. The Astro Outlaw (2012) - Houston Astros
  5. The All-Star Joker (2012) - MLB All-Star Game
  6. The Wrigley Riddle (2013) - Chicago Cubs
  7. The San Francisco Splash (2013) - San Francisco Giants
  8. The Missing Marlin (2014) - Miami Marlins
  9. The Philly Fake (2014) - Philadelphia Phillies
  10. The Rookie Blue Jay (2015) - Toronto Blue Jays
  11. The Tiger Troubles (2015) - Detroit Tigers
  12. The Rangers Rustlers (2016) - Texas Rangers
  13. The Capital Catch (2017) - Washington Nationals
  14. The Cardinals Caper (2018) - St. Louis Cardinals
  15. The Baltimore Bandit (2019) - Baltimore Orioles
  16. The Colorado Curveball (2020) - Colorado Rockies
  17. The Triple Play Twins (2021) - Minnesota Twins
  18. The Atlanta Alibi (2022) - Atlanta Braves
  19. The Black Cat Change-Up (2022) - New York Mets
  20. Satchel's Stolen Strike (2024) - Negro Leagues / Pittsburgh
  21. Willie's Clutch Catch (2024) - Rickwood Field / Birmingham
  22. The Sausage Race Chase (2025) - Milwaukee Brewers
  23. The Bobblehead Bunt (2025) - San Diego Padres
  24. The Rumble Monkey Mix-Up (2026) - Cleveland Guardians

Ballpark Mysteries Super Specials

In addition to the main numbered list, David A. Kelly has written longer "Super Special" books. These feature larger-stakes mysteries, often focused on championship events or historic milestones, and can be read alongside the main series:

  • Super Special #1: The World Series Curse (2016)
  • Super Special #2: Christmas in Cooperstown (2017)
  • Super Special #3: Subway Series Surprise (2018)
  • Super Special #4: The World Series Kids (2019)

Chronological Flow & Reading Guidance

Because there are no confusing flashbacks, alternate timelines, or spin-offs, the chronological order matches the publication sequence. The books are explicitly designed for transitional readers aged 6 to 9, incorporating "Dugout Notes" at the end of each title to provide real-world educational facts about baseball history, stadium geography, and team culture.

Frequently Asked

QDo you need to read the Ballpark Mysteries books in order?

No. Each book features a self-contained mystery at a different baseball stadium, so you can read them in any order. However, starting with the first book, The Fenway Foul-Up, is highly recommended to get to know the characters.

QWhat age group are the Ballpark Mysteries books for?

The series is designed for children aged 6 to 9 years old. The short chapters, engaging illustrations, and sports theme make them excellent for transitional and reluctant readers.

QWho are the main characters in Ballpark Mysteries?

The stories follow cousins Mike Walsh and Kate Hopkins. Mike is a big baseball fan who loves snacks, while Kate is analytical and keeps a notebook of clues.

QWhat are the Ballpark Mysteries Super Specials?

Super Specials are slightly longer books that cover major baseball events, like the World Series or a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. They fit perfectly alongside the main numbered books.

QAre the stadiums in the books real?

Yes. Each book is set in a real, iconic baseball venue, such as Fenway Park or Wrigley Field. David A. Kelly details the unique features of each stadium and includes fun facts in the "Dugout Notes" at the end of each book.

QHow many books are in the Ballpark Mysteries series?

As of 2026, the series includes 24 main books and 4 Super Specials.