series Reading Order

Baseball Great Books in Order

4 Books
2000 – 2016 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Baseball Great Series in Order

For the best experience, readers should follow the Baseball Great series in chronological publication order. The series follows a single protagonist, Josh LeBlanc, as he grows from a talented 12-year-old facing intense travel-team pressures into a seasoned player balancing family challenges and high-stakes games. Reading the books sequentially allows you to watch Josh's athletic skills, personal relationships, and moral maturity develop naturally over time.

Baseball Great Books in Publication Order

  • Baseball Great (2009) – Josh LeBlanc joins an elite travel team, the Titans, only to uncover a dangerous secret about the coach's supplement regimen.
  • Rivals (2010) – Josh travels to Cooperstown for a national tournament where on-field rivals and off-field mysteries test his integrity.
  • Best of the Best (2011) – Josh pursues his dream of playing in the Little League World Series while dealing with his parents' impending divorce.
  • Home Run (2016) – Josh returns to balance the pressures of his family's financial struggles and his team's quest for championship glory.

What to Read Next: Related Tim Green Books

Once you finish Josh's story, you might want to dive into other sports fiction by Tim Green. While there are no direct crossovers with the characters in the Baseball Great series, Green has penned several companion books and series that share similar themes of sportsmanship and mystery:

  • Baseball Genius Series (Co-authored with Derek Jeter): Starting with Baseball Genius (2017), followed by Double Play (2018) and Grand Slam (2020), this trilogy follows Jalen DeLuca, a boy who can predict pitches before they are thrown.
  • Football Genius Series: If you are open to swapping the diamond for the gridiron, this five-book series starting with Football Genius (2007) delivers the same blend of sports action and detective-style mystery.

Frequently Asked

QShould I read the Baseball Great books in order?

Yes. The series follows the continuous character arc of Josh LeBlanc as he grows older, faces escalating challenges in youth baseball, and navigates his family's changing dynamics. Reading them out of order will spoil major character developments.

QWhat is the recommended age group for Baseball Great?

The series is written for middle-grade readers, typically ages 8 to 12 (grades 5 through 8). Its fast-paced writing and relatable sports themes make it especially popular among reluctant readers.

QAre the Baseball Great books based on a true story?

No. While the books are works of fiction, author Tim Green drew heavily on his real-life experiences as an NFL player for the Atlanta Falcons and his years coaching youth Little League teams.

QAre the Baseball Great and Baseball Genius series connected?

No. Baseball Genius is a separate trilogy co-written with Derek Jeter featuring different characters (led by Jalen DeLuca). However, it shares the same high-intensity style and is highly recommended for fans of Baseball Great.

QWhere does the Baseball Great series take place?

The series is set in and around Syracuse, New York, which is Tim Green's real-life hometown and where he played college football.

QWhat are the major themes of the series?

The books focus heavily on sports ethics, integrity, resisting performance-enhancing drugs, coping with family divorce, and standing up for what is right even when facing peer or parental pressure.