Mrs. Morhard and the Boys

With the nation in the grip of the Great Depression, a single mother in Cleveland, Ohio, creates a lasting monument to youth and community as American as apple pie.
 
At twelve years old, fiercely independent Josephine Morhard left her family’s Pennsylvania farm to start a new life. After surviving two bad marriages, Josephine decides to focus on a better future for her daughter and son. But Junior is a volatile boy of eight—until his mother comes up with a novel plan to build discipline and self-worth in her son. Out of a dream, an empty lot, and the enthusiasm of other neighborhood kids, Josephine establishes the first boys’ baseball league in America.
 
Beyond all expectations, the Cleveland Indians rally behind her project. Future baseball legends Bob Feller, Jeff Heath, and Roy Weatherly help hone the boys’ skills; renowned sports reporter Hal Lebovitz pitches in as an umpire; and they’re given free pass to play in historic League Park. As Josephine’s Little Indians graduate into the Junior American and Junior National Leagues, and finally a Little World Series, she instills in her boys strong values, good sportsmanship, and an unprecedented sense of accomplishment. Some of them, like Ray Lindquist and Jack Heinen, will even make it to the Minor Leagues. Not one of Mrs. Morhard’s boys would ever forget her.
 
“A treat to read.”
—Akron Beacon Journal
 
“Beautifully tells the true story of how one mother kept her son out of trouble . . . and started the first boy’s baseball league.”
—Delilah, Syndicated Radio Host

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs