Chaucer’s Book Talk: Jim Buckley – Santa Barbara Foresters Baseball

Book Description- The best sports team in Santa Barbara deserves a championship book—’STER IT UP! The story of America’s Most Successful Summer Baseball Team includes a recap of every Santa Barbara Foresters season since the team’s founding in 1991. ’STER IT UP! is a must for any local baseball fan, telling the story of how a collection of college players from around the country is gathered each summer to magically transform from strangers into teammates, friends . . . and champions. In the book, readers will meet heroes from yesterday and today, re-live incredible championship moments—starting with the first in 2006 through the incredible 10th in 2022—plus check out a full list of records and stats. ’STER IT UP! also has tales of the emotional and important Hugs for Cubs cancer support program, and readers will read about the inspirational founder Eric Pintard. There are tales of the Rally Mummy,the big move to Pershing Park, insider stories from the dugout and more, and even a peek inside the ’Ster Bus. The 330-page book includes first-person memories from more than 40 former players, coaches, volunteers, and more!

Author Biography –  Jim Buckley has helped Bill with the Foresters almost since the start, producing the annual game program and acting as a PA and radio voice, as well as assisting with fundraising and management. When he’s not busy with the ’Sters, Jim writes a little. He is the author of more than 250 nonfiction books for kids, mostly sports, including 25 in the New York Times-bestselling “Who Was…?” biography series. He has written five books for the Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as titles for Scholastic, DK Publishing, and National Geographic Kids. He has lived on the Mesa since 1993.

Bill Pintard has been the manager and executive director of the Santa Barbara Foresters and the Hugs for Cubs since 1995. In that time, Bill has led the team to an all-time record 10 National Baseball Congress World Series championships, 22 California Collegiate League titles, and more than 1,100 victories. He is a member of the NBC World Series and Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Halls of Fame, and he has seen 70 former Foresters make the Majors. A scout for the New York Yankees, Bill and his family have lived in Carpinteria for more than 50 years.