Step into the thrilling world of Baseball Card Adventures, where a single baseball card can whisk you through time to meet legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson! Written by Dan Gutman, this children’s series blends the excitement of baseball history with the magic of time travel, captivating young readers with action-packed stories and heartfelt lessons. Follow Joe 'Stosh' Stoshack, a 12-year-old baseball fanatic, as he journeys to iconic moments in America’s pastime, learning about courage, history, and the game he loves.
Perfect for middle-grade readers who crave adventure and history, Baseball Card Adventures offers a unique lens on baseball’s greatest players and pivotal events. With over 2 million copies sold, this series has become a home run for fans of sports and storytelling alike.
How Baseball Card Adventures Began
Dan Gutman, a New York Times bestselling author, launched Baseball Card Adventures in 1997 with Honus & Me. A lifelong baseball fan, Gutman drew inspiration from his love of the sport and his knack for crafting stories that reluctant readers could enjoy. After finding success with children’s books like The Kid Who Ran for President, he created a series that combined historical fiction with a magical twist: time travel via baseball cards. Gutman’s goal was to make history accessible and fun, especially for kids who might not pick up a traditional history book.
The series, published by HarperCollins, grew to 12 books, each spotlighting a different baseball legend. Gutman’s research into baseball history and his playful narrative style set the stage for a series that’s both educational and entertaining, earning praise from parents, educators, and young readers.
The Heart of Baseball Card Adventures
The series follows Joe Stoshack, a kid from Louisville, Kentucky, who discovers he can travel through time by holding old baseball cards. Each book sends Stosh to a different era, where he meets iconic players and witnesses historic moments. In Honus & Me (1997), Stosh finds a rare 1909 Honus Wagner card and zaps to 1909, helping Wagner in the World Series while learning about integrity. Jackie & Me (1999) takes him to 1947, where he experiences racial prejudice alongside Jackie Robinson, gaining a deeper understanding of courage and equality.
In Babe & Me (2000), Stosh travels to 1932 to settle the debate over Babe Ruth’s famous 'called shot,' blending humor with Depression-era history. Shoeless Joe & Me (2002) sees him in 1919, trying to prevent the Black Sox Scandal. The books weave themes of bravery, justice, and resilience, using baseball as a backdrop to explore social issues like racism, war, and fairness. Gutman’s light, adventurous tone, paired with black-and-white photos and fact-fiction breakdowns, makes history feel alive and relatable.
The series’ settings span decades, from the early 1900s to the 1970s, immersing readers in diverse historical contexts. Stosh’s journeys are filled with danger—think gangsters, battlefield chaos, or near-death mishaps—but also humor and heart, making them perfect for kids aged 8–12 who love action and sports.
Why Baseball Card Adventures Resonates
Baseball Card Adventures has left a lasting mark on young readers, blending sports fandom with historical insight. The series has won numerous accolades, including the California Young Reader Medal and the Nutmeg Children’s Book Award, and has been praised for engaging reluctant readers. By putting kids in the shoes of baseball legends, Gutman fosters empathy and curiosity about history, while the time-travel gimmick adds a layer of excitement that keeps pages turning.
Parents and educators appreciate the series’ ability to spark discussions about tough topics like racism and integrity, as seen in reviews noting its value for family reading. Its niche appeal—baseball plus time travel—has cemented its status as a beloved series for sports-loving kids, inspiring a love of reading and America’s pastime.
- Publication Years: 1997–2015
- Number of Books: 12
- Awards: California Young Reader Medal, Nutmeg Children’s Book Award, and more
- Target Age: 8–12
Grab Honus & Me and dive into Baseball Card Adventures’s thrilling blend of baseball and time travel! Whether you’re a sports fan or a history buff, Joe Stoshack’s journeys will hit a grand slam with your imagination.