Ripken to write middle grade baseball series

Disney Book Group recently reported that they've signed a deal with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. for a middle-grade baseball series that will be co-authored with Baltimore Sun sportswriter Kevin Cowherd.

The first book in the series—Hothead—will be published in Winter 2011 under the Disney-Hyperion imprint. It centers on all-star third baseman Connor Sullivan, who has a big problem: his temper. The story was inspired by Cal’s own struggle with frustration as a young player. Additional books will follow every year.

Disney-Hyperion editorial director Stephanie Owens Lurie did the deal for world rights with Ian Kleinert of Objective Entertainment.

“Working with Kevin and the team from Disney has been a pleasure,” said Ripken in a statement. “Connor is a character that I was able to help develop with Kevin based on my experiences as a kid who struggled with his emotions. I hope that the kids reading it find it to be fun and take away a few lessons from it.”

“Cal Ripken Jr. is a living legend, of course, and in his work with kids he has demonstrated a commitment to being a positive influence,” says Lurie. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to share Cal’s love of baseball and his can-do outlook with young readers.”

Ripken also authored The Longest Season (April 2007), in which the all-star shares the ups and downs of the Orioles’ record 21-game losing streak, and reflects on the rewards of hard work, regardless of what’s on the scoreboard.