Stockton, California has one of the lowest literacy rates in the United States. According to the University of Pacific's 2018 San Joaquin Literacy Report Card, only 39% of children in San Joaquin County read at or above grade level by grade three. To help address and improve the low literacy rates in San Joaquin County, the Stockton Ports have designed a literacy campaign to help get kids excited about reading.
Baseball by the Books is our six-week reading program that will run from 1/19/2027 - 2/26/2027. If your school decides to participate, the school will receive a designated game night at the ballpark.
Students are asked to read a minimum of four (4) books during the program and if completed each student will receive two (2) FREE Field Box tickets for their school designated game night. We also have our Student Bookmark Contest, Banner Contest, and Ticket Redemption Contest.
- Bookmark Contest: Participating students can help us design the Baseball by the Books bookmark! Student with the winning design will receive the opportunity to be the ceremonial first pitch at their designated school night and a visit from Splash to their school.
- Banner Contest: At the pregame parade of the school designated night, schools are encouraged to create a banner. Winning banner will receive a visit from Splash at their school.
- Ticket Redemption Contest: The top two schools with the highest ticket redemption percentage of their Baseball by the Books tickets will receive a donation for their school. First place will receive $1,000 and second place will receive $500. Schools must have a minimum of 100 participants to qualify.
- Schools wanting to participate will use the form below. Once filled out they will receive an email with Program Information Letter, Teacher Letter, and Student Bookmark Contest Sheet. Schools must sign up by Wednesday November 25, 2026
- Students record their books on their Baseball by the Books bookmark and return it to their teacher.
- Students who complete the program receive two free Field Box ticket vouchers for their school’s designated Stockton Ports game.
Questions? Please contact Desiree Morado Community Relations Manager at (209)-644-1973 or [email protected]
Baseball by the Books link: Stockton Ports 2027 Baseball by the Books Reading Program Enrollment – Fill out form