VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS)-In what it expects will be a home run for the historic publisher, Judson Press announces the release of Steal Away: Devotions for Baseball Fans by Hugh Poland. With a foreword by NY Yankees closer Mariano Rivera and endorsements from former players and broadcasters, the book is already a hit. Rivera wrote, "I sense in Steal Away a familiar passion both for baseball and for following Christ." Former major league pitcher Kent Bottenfield offered his praise as well: "You will be spiritually challenged, greatly encouraged, and wonderfully entertained." And Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell said "Poland has hit a grand slam." In Steal Away, Poland blends America's greatest pastime with America's greatest strength-its spirituality. With grace and passion, the author shines light on the real soul of baseball by providing testimonies of its soldiers of the game. Drawing upon stories from current and former players, scouts, and managers--including the famous and the unsung heroes-Poland shares life's important lessons. Steal Away features Scripture combined with memorable stories about players including Don Zimmer, Orel Hershiser, John Smoltz, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Roy Campanella and dozens of others. The book also reflects on noteworthy events and teams, such as the 1960 World Series Yankees, Sammy Sosa's corking incident, the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates, Joe Jackson and the Chicago "Black Sox," Mickey Owen's dropped ball in the 1941 World Series, the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and many more. Students and fans of baseball will not only learn about the sport's history and some of its players, but they will gain provocative insights for Christian living. Judson Press publisher Laura Alden noted that the book had already sold more than half of its initial print run before it even released. "Given the beginning of baseball season and Father's Day in June, we expect this book will do exceptionally well this spring," Alden says. On Monday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m. EST, Hugh Poland will be interviewed on The Harvest Show, an internationally syndicated live, hour-long, daily television program with coverage of 46 million households nationwide. The show will be rebroadcast at 10:00 p.m. EST that evening. The Harvest Show airs on DirectTV, channel 321 and can also be seen on cable affiliates across the country. To find The Harvest Show viewing area near you, visit their website at www.harvest-tv.com/index.cfm/fa/affiliates. Steal Away can be purchased from Judson Press at 1-800-458-3766, or online at www.judsonpress.com. Founded in 1824, Judson Press is the publishing ministry of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/