If you love dogs and baseball-- and want to know what it's REALLY like to be the Bat Dog for the Trenton Thunder, the New York Yankees' Double-A minor league team-- this book is for you! After all, how many dogs work in a baseball stadium, are cheered by thousands of adoring fans-- and rub noses with many of the biggest stars in the game? DERBY! My Bodacious Life in Baseball is the exclusive, long-awaited autobiography of the Trenton Thunder's funny, famous four-legged baseball philosopher-- who just happens to be a golden retriever named Derby. The fans know him best from his public role: carrying players' bats from home plate back to the dugout during games. But behind the scenes at ARM & HAMMER Park, Derby is so much more than a Bat Dog. He's the young baseball players' unofficial coach, mentor, loyal friend, and team psychologist. Whether you hit a walk-off homer, or strike out at the bottom of the 9th, Derby is always there to give you a friendly nudge of encouragement with his cold, wet nose. The Thunder's perennial All-Star, Derby is the furry face of the franchise and the team's true MVP (Most Valuable Pup). He's also the reigning king of a three-generation dynasty of Thunder Bat Dogs that began with his beloved, fondly remembered father, Chase. Derby follows in Chase's legendary pawsteps and-- as the world's foremost expert on baseball and human behavior-- doles out advice to his own adorable puppy and heir apparent Bat Dog, Rookie. Inside this lavishly illustrated 205-page gift book, which was created and published with the permission and generous cooperation of the legendary Trenton Thunder, you'll also find: * Derby's amazing story and insights. * Literally HUNDREDS of never-before-seen COLOR PHOTOS by award-winning sports photographer Staton Rabin, providing a rare, candid inside-the-dugout peek at top Yankees prospects on the cusp of major league superstardom. Many of these rookies have since made it to the Big Show, playing for the Yankees or other MLB teams. So if you're a true fan of the game, you'll know their names. * Cameo appearances by Mariano Rivera and Reggie Jackson. * Mini-bios of the top players from the Trenton Thunder's historic 20th anniversary season, which featured many of the most gifted Yankees prospects in more than a decade. * And, of course, lots of Bat Dog and puppy pictures. Narrated in bodacious style by Derby himself and perfect for baseball-savvy tweens (if they can just pry the book away from YOU long enough to read it!), this autobiography is a unique, witty and poignant dog's-eye-view of the summer game and the remarkable human beings who play it. These young athletes spend years of their lives chasing their individual dreams of Big League stardom, but, thankfully, never forget that it's all about supporting their teammates-- and getting the win, today. With subtle themes about friendship between people of all different races and backgrounds, the importance of teamwork, and adjusting to change during the seasons of life, DERBY! My Bodacious life in Baseball is a book that young people-- especially fans of the Trenton Thunder and New York Yankees-- can savor and grow with over time. It not only captures iconic images of baseball's most celebrated dog and his family-- but also candid moments from the early careers of young pro baseball players who just might be destined to become legends of the game. This unique memoir is both a fun dog's tail, and a treasure trove of memorabilia for baseball-crazy parents to share with their children and grandchildren. Derby! Get the bat!
About the Author: A legend among baseball fans, HOME RUN DERBY (DERBY to his friends) is a talented, handsome, and well-groomed golden retriever and is proud to be the Official Bat Dog of the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Affiliate team of the New York Yankees. Everyone in the MLB wants to pose for pictures with Derby-- even Hideki Matsui. Derby is also an international media star, and has been featured on ESPN and in Yankees Magazine. Derby's job is to mentor and coach the Trenton Thunder baseball players, and provide encouragement and support. He also picks up the Thunder players' bats left at home plate in the first inning of the game and returns them to the dugout. Derby's late, beloved father, Chase, was the Thunder Bat Dog before him. Derby has one son, Rookie, and Rookie's mother is named Reba. Derby says that Rookie has his mother's floppy ears and affectionate nature, and his father's star quality. Derby was born in 2008. This is his first book.