TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER The Bookworm Sez Advertisement

The next time you drive past a group of kids playing an impromptu game of baseball, slow down for a minute and sneak a peek.

Is there a little up-and-coming Barry Bonds in that group? How about a budding Nolan Ryan or Hank Aaron? Do you see extraordinary talent in the outfield or behind home plate?

Now look again and consider this: There was once a time in the not-so-long-ago that the color of that player's skin might have kept him from playing baseball, no matter his talent.

That was before Jackie Robinson.

In the new book "After Jackie," author Cal Fussman interviewed former players, family members, and people who knew Robinson, and he reflects on life for baseball pros and others since Robinson's historic first game day more than 60 years ago.

Baseball, Mom and apple pie have always been synonymous with America, and there was once a time, long ago, when the game was played here without any race consideration.

Fussman says that the game was integrated back in the early 1880s, but one man's 1887 refusal to play with a black team member resulted in segregated baseball.

It took some 60 years to change history back.

Branch Rickey III, the grandson of the man who hired Jackie Robinson for the Brooklyn Dodgers, remembers hearing stories of his grandfather's anger at the injustices of racism.

In 1904, Rickey remembers, a black player from the Ohio Wesleyan baseball team was denied access to a hotel room. The player's distress was burned into the elder Rickey's brain. When signed Jackie Robinson, his grandson says it was a thread that started 41 years before.

Eleven weeks after Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League baseball, Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck signed Larry Doby. After Doby came Monte Irvin. Then Dan Bankhead. Roy Campanella. And baseball was integrated.

But look at your favorite pro team now.

Fussman points out that African Americans are turning away from baseball. Why? And what does the future hold for all those little Barry Bondses and Nolan Ryans you see on the neighborhood baseball lot?

With the World Series -- and the end of baseball season -- just weeks away, "After Jackie" is a nice way to end the summer.

Using memoirs, interviews and remembrances of people who knew Jackie Robinson, played with him, loved him or benefited from his dignified time in mainstream pro baseball, Fussman presents a sometimes contradictory but always fascinating retrospective into baseball history and a sports-eye view of race relations.

While those interviews are priceless, don't skip Fussman's introductions to each chapter. There, you'll learn a little more background on the importance of what happened two generations ago, as well as some interesting baseball factoids that even the most rabid fan might not know.

If the Barry Bonds controversy is getting you down, or you're looking at the end of the season with great trepidation, then pick up a copy of "After Jackie." For a baseball fan, this book is a major hit.

"After Jackie" by Carl Fussman, ESPN Books, $24.95, 244 pages.

Faith Formation classes

Pre-registration for Faith Formation classes at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church will be held after all masses the week of Aug. 25 and 26.

Cost is $30 per child or $75 per family.

There will be a mandatory meeting for all registered participants from 10:25 a.m. until 11:55 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 in the Parish Hall to explain the new format.

For more information, call 727-4044.

Contemporary worship service

Saved by Grace Luthern Church invites everyone to its first contemporary worship service at 11 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 26. The contemporary worship group called "Grateful", from Las Vegas, will be doing the musical portion of the service and Pastor Lois Shuart will lead the rest.

This service will be immediately following the traditional service of Sun. at 10 a.m.

Refreshments will follow the services and all are welcome.

Saved by Grace meets at Mt. Charleston Elementary School, 1521 E. Idaho Street.

For more information call 751-2835.

Wal-Mart Wall of Heros

The Wall of Heroes is ready to start at the south entrance. If you have a picture of someone who has served or is serving in the military, and would like a picture displayed on the wall, bring an 8 x 10 photo with the first and last name, branch of service, dates of service, and phone number. Add $2 for the frame and drop all the information at the customer service desk.

This is a stand alone project not affiliated with any other project or organization. All photos taken to Wal-Mart will stay at Wal-Mart. If you have any questions, call Denise Choyce at 727-1939.

Singles friendship meeting

The singles friendship group will meet for dinner at El Cancun on Hwy 160 on Thurs., Aug. 23, at 5 p.m.

If you can join us, call Jim at 727-1482. If you would like information about the Club, call Marion at 727-0253.

Compassionate Care for Women

Compassionate Care for Women will host a free "meet and greet" from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tues., Aug. 28, to provide an opportunity for the community to meet the company medical staff and welcome their newest member to the team. The "meet and greet" will be held at the offices, 1480 E. Calvada Blvd.

Snacks and beverages are provided.

For more information, call 537-1010 or visit www.ccfwobgyn.com.