As young athletes look to their adored sports icons for direction and acceptance in a fast-paced and demanding world, they develop habits, behaviors, and attitudes that reflect those sports icons—their heroes. Yet, young athletes soon come to learn that the special privileges and accommodations that professional sports athletes receive are not consistent with the athletic, academic, and moral expectations required of them at school, work, and home. Though these young athletes have strived to find guidance, it is often the less noble professionals that influence them. The disturbing social trend of placing more importance on the sports hero than the sport itself has left many young athletes directionless and confused.

Cracker Jacks profoundly captures the essence of competitive sports and the life lessons that can be taken from various aspects of participation. Examining six popular youth sports, Cracker Jacks challenges the reader to see their value in relation to life and worry less about the icons that play them. Each sport is broken down into entertaining analogies that relate to the game of life.

Though sports figures are heralded for their exceptional athletic prowess on the field or in the gym, their accomplishments are dwarfed next to the overwhelming bigness of the sport itself. While an athlete's fame may last only a short time, the wisdom gleaned from the sport lasts a lifetime. Cracker Jacks is a must-read for all young, collegiate, and aspiring professional athletes.