Dean Poling — A South Georgia author uses baseball to teach youngsters life lessons.
Lara Lyn Carter of Albany has written “Crusher Field Opening Day,” a book she plans to be the first in a series of six children’s books. Her two sons inspired the book as did her late uncle, Steve Chitty, who played baseball for Valdosta and coached the game. “Crusher Field” is dedicated to him.
Carter’s mother’s side of the family, the Chittys, are from Valdosta. Her uncle, Ray Chitty, lives in Valdosta. Her grandparents, Steve Chitty Jr. and Mittie Chitty, lived in Valdosta until their passing.
She is married to Chris Carter, who is with Tifton Banking Company. The Carters are moving next week to Tifton.
The Valdosta Daily Times asked Carter a few questions by e-mail about her book.
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: How would you describe your book, “Crusher Field Opening Day”?
LARA LYN CARTER: “As with all of the books planned for the series, it has a life lesson in it. In this one the main character, Christopher, has to play the first game of the season against his best friend. Even though he wants to win, he feels badly about having to tag his friend out. He is afraid his friend will be angry. In the end, he realizes that good friends can be friends and opponents at the same time. Friendly competition.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: This is the first book of a planned series. What are some of the other books planned for this series? Will they all revolve around baseball?
LARA LYN CARTER: “The series is planned to be six books, all with a life lesson. They are all revolving around baseball with the characters in the first book and introduce new ones along the way. The lessons cover hard work paying off, sportsmanship, example setting, etc.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: You have two sons. What are their names and how much did their love of baseball inspire “Crusher Field”?
LARA LYN CARTER: “We have two sons. Christopher is 13, and the main character in the first book, and Beau is 7. They both love baseball dearly and our family has spent more time than I can count at practices, games, tournaments, etc. It is part of who they are and they have a deep love for the game.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: The book is illustrated by Susan Anderson. Did you work closely with her preparing the illustrations? Did you know her prior to this project and will she illustrate the other books in the series?
LARA LYN CARTER: “I found Susan through the publisher. She was really great about taking my vision for what I wanted the illustrations to be and creating art work that fit. For example, in the first picture in the book, I did not want you to see Christopher’s face. She drew him leaning over putting on his cleats. Then in the second picture you see him for the first time, only it is in the reflection of the mirror as he looks at himself in his new uniform.”
“Crusher Field Opening Day” is available at the Book Rack, and through amazon.com
Local News
Crusher Field
Author starts baseball series of children’s books
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park: Council members resign
Immediately following the Citizens to be Heard portion of the regular Lake Park council meeting Tuesday night, council members Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey tendered their resignations.
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
- More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
