A Pelican in the Outfield
This is a true story about a pelican who landed in the outfield at Oracle Park during a baseball game. Watching the unexpected visitor on the field and hearing broadcaster Dave Fleming provide a play-by-play of the pelican flying around the stadium sparked Debbie’s imagination and led her to write about Manny’s ballpark adventure.
Manny, a unique pelican, discovers a love for baseball. This is a story about friendship and belonging that shows how following your heart can lead to the most unexpected outcomes.
This story is perfect for young readers who are learning to love both books and the game. With clear, engaging language and positive themes about courage and following your dreams, it fits beautifully into classroom lessons, read-aloud time, or bedtime reading. Parents and teachers will appreciate how it sparks conversations about sportsmanship, friendship, and believing in yourself.
Meet the Characters:
Manny – A baseball-loving pelican who would rather watch the game than fish with the other birds.
Otis – Manny’s best friend. Even though they are buddies, Otis doesn’t understand Manny’s love for baseball.
Groundskeeper – A caring grandpa who brings his grandson to the ballpark for lunch and to play catch on the field.
Joe – A young baseball fan who comes to the ballpark with his grandpa. While playing catch, he misses a ball. It rolls into the left field corner and mysteriously rolls back to him.
Invite Debbie
Teachers and students are invited to join Debbie for an immersive storytelling experience that sparks a love of reading. Each visit typically lasts about an hour and includes a fun pelican-themed craft. Debbie also leaves a special baseball-themed keepsake for every student as a reminder of their time together. Virtual visits are also available, giving schools everywhere the flexibility to bring Manny’s story into their classrooms.
Spotlight the Author
Welcome to my website! After 30 years of teaching, I never dreamed I would write 2 children’s books or have a website, but here I am.
My dream was to become a teacher. I loved my job in Grants Pass teaching elementary-age children. I made a goal during those 30 years that when I retired, I would write a children’s book.
Once retired, my husband and I moved to Arizona. We loved going to Spring Training; I volunteered teaching ESL adults, and joined a writers group. The writers group encouraged me to write the children’s book. I took classes, learned a lot from the writers group, and one day ended up writing my story about a stadium chair. They gave me the confidence to pursue turning it into a book. I then found another inspiration after seeing a pelican in left field during a baseball game I was watching. Book number 2.
I am still in the writers' group and learn new things each time we meet. I am a member of SCBWI ( Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), and I belong to DKG, a society for women educators who promote excellence in education. I continue to write stories and journal.
I am always interested in getting feedback about my books. I also enjoy answering questions, so feel free to contact me.
My fellow educators and friends surprised me with this launch party for my first book!
Future ballplayers waiting for their books as Debbie signs them.
Debbie is signing pre-ordered books and getting them ready to mail.
What Readers Are Saying About A Pelican in the Outfield
A great book for both baseball and animal lovers!
A good book to get young boys reading.
So neat, that it is based on a true event.
Sandy Wyatt
Grants Pass, OR
May 16, 2026
A pelican in the outfield is about Manny, the pelican who loves baseball and dreams of being a player. The other pelicans make fun of him, but his friend Otis says he could be a “game changer.“ When Manny flies back to the stadium and finds the groundskeeper and his grandson, he decides to join them. It’s a great story about coming together from different backgrounds and sharing a common love of baseball. My grandkids loved it!
Kathy Z.
Grants Pass, OR.
May 11, 2026
A Pelican in the Outfield is an engaging story of a pelican who prefers baseball to diving for fish with the rest of his flock. Manny, the pelican, loves playing catch with his friend Joe, which leads to Manny’s exciting moment in the stadium. The captivating dialogue and stimulating artwork add excitement to the book.
Marje Smith Perkins
Author of Charlie’s Girl
May 20, 2026
Contact Debbie
Have a question about Manny or the books? Reach out below.
I usually answer in 1–2 days.
I'd love to hear from you!