{"product_id":"shine-the-light-how-sandlot-baseball-connects-people-in-a-disconnected-world-hardcover","title":"Shine the Light: How Sandlot Baseball Connects People in a Disconnected World - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eJim Matthews\u003c\/b\u003e (Author), \u003cb\u003eAnne R. Keene\u003c\/b\u003e (Foreword by)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sandlot movement is a different animal, drawing players of all ages back to their roots. If you remember playing baseball in yards and alleyways or an open field, you'll be glad to know the tradition continues in grownup leagues across the nation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e A lifelong fan of baseball--both from a watching and a semi-pro player--author Jim Matthews spent his professional days as a television newscaster and sports broadcaster in Austin, Texas. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e After what he thought would be his last semi-pro game, ending with a home run, he pondered what could fill the void of playing the game he loved. Pondering this conundrum, Matthews and lifelong friend (and former Nike president) Elliott Hill decided that going back to their roots--sandlot baseball--might be just what they needed. Testing the waters with a few different teams and leagues, including future rivals the Texas Playboys, they decided to create their own team: the Austin Moontowers. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e But when it comes to playing on the sandlot, as it was as a child, the key was not if you won or lost. Camaraderie, not rivalry, spurs you. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eShine the Light\u003c\/i\u003e includes glimmers of friendships resurrected half a century later and new friendships with interesting and sometimes high-profile players, now part of the \"sandlot nation.\" It shares a personal backstory about my dual heritage (Hispanic and Scot-Irish), the parents who shaped Jim's character, and tragedies mixed with soaring milestones. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Most of all, this is a book about cross-country adventures that landed Matthews back home to Austin, and onto sandlots despite arthritic knees and a hip replacement. It's about passion and esprit de corps that can only be found on base or in front of the pitching mound--on a field that may be full of weeds or fire ants. But when you're able to play the game you love, in its purest form, the small things that might bother most just come with the territory. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Find the Moontowers Baseball Club at instagram @austinmoontowers and www.moontowers.co. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJames \"Jim\" Matthews\u003c\/b\u003e is a lifelong fan of baseball, which segued into a career as a TV sports anchor, journalist, filmmaker, PR professional, small business owner, lawyer, co-creator of the Austin Moontowers sandlot baseball team, and now an author. Married with two sons, Jim enjoys playing golf and the piano, going to concerts and watching University of Texas sports and the Chicago Cubs. He resides in Austin, Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 280\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.94 x 9.06 x 6.06 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e June 11, 2024\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42698612310112,"sku":"9781683584926","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0598\/1922\/9280\/files\/bb81559474542fe6be7e2b16f25810bd.webp?v=1775834670","url":"https:\/\/bijoucc.myshopify.com\/products\/shine-the-light-how-sandlot-baseball-connects-people-in-a-disconnected-world-hardcover","provider":"CARIBBEAN CONNECT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}