A J Chilson

Roy Campanella A J Chilson

Roy Campanella was one of the great baseball stars of its golden era. At first, he was a victim of segregation, relegated to playing in the Negro Leagues. But after baseball was integrated, "Campy" became the first black 20th century catcher in Major League Baseball. A three-time Most Valuable Player winner, he helped the Brooklyn Dodgers not only become champions of baseball, but also champions in the hearts of its adoring fans. Even after a 1958 car accident rendered Campanella a paraplegic, he somehow made his way back into baseball. From a wheelchair, Campanella became a coach, and would help the Dodgers win more championships. For all of Campanella's accomplishments, he would make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. While other children's books have been written about Roy Campanella, this book (written and published by author A. J. Chilson, who also has a disability) is the most simple and easy to understand. Children who may not fully realize (and therefore appreciate) the struggles of special needs people will come to admire the inspirational life (and achievements thereof) of Roy Campanella.