Bob Salomon Scores Again For The Kids

Bob Solomon is at it again. About seven years after he helped create and publish a critically-acclaimed children’s book with a baseball theme he’s back. Solomon and his team have released “Beyond the Laces” which as you might guess uses the sport of football to send a message which will resonate with children and parents alike.

Solomon is a retired New Jersey State corrections officer who lives in Howell with his wife and two children ages 15 and 11. I first came in contact with him when he was working on “A Glove of Their Own” which was a charming book written by two New Jersey mothers about underprivileged kids who play baseball despite not having even decent equipment.

They have to share what little they have and the feel-good story has a pay-it-forward angle to it. I loved the book and read it to many school children and I was not alone as many major league baseball players and officials endorsed in wholeheartedly, including Don Mattingly, Tommy John, Bernie Williams and many others.

Salomon and his team also donated money from every book sold to a variety of charities including those that help purchase baseball equipment for teams and leagues in need. Simply put it was a grand slam.

Salomon has told me for the last couple of years he was working on a children’s football book which he has written with Rick Young and includes illustrations by Ken Jones. The plot centers on a sick young boy who loves football and has a favorite player who in the end lives up to the pedestal we put many pro athletes on. It’s about determination and faith and while written for children I’m sure many adults, especially parents will shed a tear along the way. I did for sure.

“Beyond the Laces” has been endorsed by ex-NFLers Mark Brunell and Bill Bates along with ESPN baseball analyst Doug Glanville who said “Bob Salomon’s heartfelt stories have spawned an unstoppable movement through his charitable heart and unmatched passion to help children.” A portion of proceeds will benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia because to Salomon it’s all about helping children and inspiring us all.

You can purchased the book through the web site beyondthelaces.com. It is also available through Amazon and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll run into Salomon at some event telling the story and hawking the book. This one is a game-winning touchdown!