The Boy Who Saved Baseball

Did Tom’s Dreamsketcher somehow summon Cruz? If not, how did Cruz know it was precisely the right time to come and inspire the Wildcats? Is Ritter’s observation that, if Cruz had not existed, someone would have needed to invent him, a reference to Tom and his Dreamsketcher? Is it Tom or the Dreamsketcher that is magical?

Ritter portrays Dillontown as a moribund, perpetually declining community. Is it possible that what has happened—the Wildcats’ victory, the national news attention, the renewal of the ballpark, and the community pride—will turn the tide and bring renewal to the town? If not, what possibly could restore Dillontown’s vitality?

What role does the media play in the story? Is it fair for reporters to quiz or pressure athletes who are only interested in playing a game? What can athletes do to protect their privacy and prevent media people from disrupting their focus?

What difference did it make to the team members when the local radio star began broadcasting from Lucky Strike field? How did they react when national media showed up to cover their story? How did the mayor and Alabaster feel about the media coverage?

Considering that he spends most of the book avoiding the spotlight and telling people what he cannot do or is afraid to try, why does María call Tom the bravest boy she’s ever known?

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the country grows about 1.8% a year, meaning that, before 2060, there will be more than 400 million U.S. citizens. Does this mean urban sprawl is inevitable? What are the alternatives to redeveloping small communities like Dillontown or disrupting and endangering natural resources, like occupying Indigenous heritage sites?

Once Doc decided to leave his property to Tom and rebuff the developers, why did he choose to write his will in Tom’s Dreamsketcher instead of having Graydog write it up formally and telling everyone, defusing the anxiety over the game?

Through a series of miracles, Dillontown averted the planned takeover of developers that would have rendered the community unrecognizable. Does it take a series of miracles in most cases to prevent Urban sprawl?