Boys' Life was Published monthly by the Boy Scouts of America since 1911, until the name was change to "Scout Life" in 2012. There were 36 covers during this time, with a baseball theme, and countless advertisements. Mickey Mantle was the first Major League ballplayer to be featured on the cover in 1959. Derek Jeter was the last, in 2009. This month we look at Boys' Life with baseball themed covers, and advertisements.

  The first baseball cover of Boys' Life, August 1912, depicts an illustration of a pair of barefoot boys playing baseball. There are a number of baseball themed stories in this issue: Page 3. "Won by a Sacrifice" - A vigorous tale of baseball by Montanye Perry.

 Page 7. "Play Clean Ball" by Christy Mathewson. The famous pitcher emphasizes honor in baseball, finishes the article with a facsimile autograph. Page 9. "The Battle of Baseball" by Native American professional baseball pitcher Chief Bender, of the World's Champion Athletics. A stirring article on inside baseball.

Page 11. "Play Up! Play Up! Play The Game" A rousing baseball poem, adapted from Vitai Lampada, by Sir Henry Newbolt.

The April 1915 Boys' Life cover design by William J. Shettsline, depicts an illustration of a boy In a batting stance. The cover story "How To Make A Baseball Diamond" by Walter Prichard Eaton. It basically gives instructions on when to roll the turf if you have an existing diamond, and how to clear the soil of stones.

 A small segment on page 29, with an entry blank to the right for a $1.00 years subscription to Boy's Life. The subscriber gets to pick one of five pieces of Reach baseball equipment. A Reach Baseball; Catchers Mitt; Fielders' Glove; Bat; or a Reach Catcher's Mask.

 All presidents from William Howard Taft to Joe Biden, served as Honorary President of the Boy Scouts of America. In this issue Woodrow Wilson is listed as Honorary President. Collin H. Livingston President; Theodore Roosevelt and Wm Howard Taft, Honorary Vice Presidents.

The cover of the May 1931 Boys' Life depicts an illustration of a young catcher, featuring the cover story "Double Play!" by Harold M. Sherman. Part 1 of the story illustrated by Robert A. Graef starts on page 5. Part 2 of the serial is featured in the June 1931 issue, and concludes in the July 1931 issue.

 "The Demi-Semi Curve" a short story about pitcher George Colton, written by Ralph Henry Barbour, illustrated by Lowe Biedenmeister, starts on page 10 & 11, and concludes on pages 56, 57, and 58.

 Advertisements include an A.J. Reach, Wright, & Ditson offer on page 41, to get a free copy of "Playing Pointers" featuring Jimmy Foxx; on page 44, D&M offers a coupon for a free copy of the D&M Catalog and Rule Book with the purchase of a D&M Official League baseball or an Earl Clark Fielding Glove. The inside of the back cover has a full page color ad for Keds.

 The June 1943 issue of Boys' Life Magazine Features a WWII cover story "In A Bigger League" by Frank Graham. A story about Major League ballplayers like Navy gunner Bob Feller, Navy Pilot Ted Williams, and Joe DiMaggio drilling in Army camp, heading to the battle front.

 Famous author and sports columnist Frank Graham books include; "Lou Gehrig: A Quiet Hero" which was released as an ASE - Armed Services Edition. These soft cover pocket-size paperbacks were issued to GI's from 1943-1947.

 The story "tells of the players who have made Uncle Sam's team." Black-and-white pictures show Joe DiMaggio in action heading to first base, and other players posing for the camera; Ted Williams, Bob Feller, Eddie Collins, Pee Wee Reese, and Hugh Mulcahy, the very first major leaguer to be drafted into United States military service before the U.S. entered WW II.

The August 1959 issue of Boys' Life Magazine features Mickey Mantle on the cover. The first Major League Ballplayer to be featured.

 "There are few vocations in which a fellow can strong arm his way to success. But Mickey Charles Mantle, with two strong arms and fleet-if not so healthy-legs, has slugged and raced his way to the heights of his profession. Still youthful, but a veteran experienced enough to know humility, Mickey's story is told in this issue." Color photographer Ozzie Sweet caught Mantle in action for the cover, and story on page 26.

  The cover of the April 1963 issue of Boys' Life Magazine features a smiling Yogi Berra. Philippe Halsman, America's greatest portrait photographer, took the picture. Halsman's subjects of the past included; Albert Einstein, Herbert Hoover, John Kennedy Barry Goldwater and many more.

 The featured article "Yogi" was written by Arthur Daley, Pulitzer prize-winning sports columnist of the New York Times. A full page facsimile signed picture of yogi Berra inscribed "My Best to Boys' Life readers." precedes the start of the article on page 23.

 Noted Baseball related advertisements includes: Mickey Mantle endorsing the National Youth Sales Club in page 33. Al Kaline endorsing the New A2000 Wilson baseball glove on page 35. Brooks Robinson Rawlings Trap-eze Ad on Page 55. Louisville Slugger ad for a Pen & Pencil set, 16" miniature bat, and Famous Sluggers Yearbook (Tommy Davis, Pete Runnels, Harmon Killebrew, Hank Aaron) on page 77.

  The cover of the April 1965 Boys' Life features artwork by Society of Illustrators' Hall of Fame artist Austin Briggs. He created illustrations for books and magazines such as Reader's Digest and The Saturday Evening Post.

 The cover story on page 19, "Opening Day," by Ex-Major League pitcher James Brosnan, was also illustrated by Briggs. Brosnan, a talented author, was a major league star that pitched for the Cubs, white Sox, Indians, and the pennant winning Reds in 1961.

 Magazine advertisements include: Spalding Presents "The Record Breakers" LP Record Album Narrated by Phil Rizzuto, on the back of the cover; A full page ad for the Wilson A2000 baseball glove featuring Chicago Cubs third baseman Ron Santo; A Rawlings half page ad for the Ken Boyer, and Brooks Robinson MVP gloves; Louisville Slugger ad for a Pen & Pencil set, 16" miniature bat, and Famous Sluggers Yearbook (Roberto Clemente, Tony Oliva, Billy Williams, Harmon Killebrew).

  The cover of the March 1966 Boys' Life features Willie Mays, Baseball's Greatest Outfielder. Cover story "How I play The Outfield" by Willie Mays, with Charles Einstein. The four page article starting on page 18, features N.Y. Daily News photos of "The Catch," a play made by New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays on September 29, 1954, during Game 1 of the 1954 World Series at the Polo Grounds.

 Magazine advertisements include: Mickey Mantle National Youth Sales Club. Receive a free autographed picture of Mickey Mantle and an official membership badge, when you sell 12 boxes of all occasion greeting cards; Wilson A2000 baseball glove with Ron Santo; Rawlings Basket Web; Louisville Slugger ad for a Pen & Pencil set, 16" miniature bat, and Famous Sluggers Yearbook (Roberto Clemente, Tony Oliva, Billy Williams, Tony Conigliaro).

  The cover of the March 1968 Boys' Life features Roberto Clemente in action. Photo by Bill Binzen. Cover story: Roberto Clemente - Baseball's Brightest Superstar by Arnold Hano. "The Pirates big man combined brains, ability, and bursting pride to become baseball's best."

 Baseball related advertisements include: Rawlings Spring Training Special. Free book "The Education Of A Baseball Player" by Mickey Mantle when you buy the new Mickey Mantle Fastback Special Suggested retail price - $16.95. The hardcover Book sells for $4.95;

Wilson A2000 baseball glove featuring Ron Santo; Win a trip to the 1968 World Series Guests of Adirondack Bats; Louisville Slugger ad for a Pen & Pencil set, 16" miniature bat, and Famous Sluggers Yearbook (Carl Yastrzemski, Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew, Orlando Cepeda, Henry Aaron).

  The cover of the March 1969 Boys' Life features Ron Santo: Baseball's Best Third Baseman. The Chicago Cubs' Ron Santo is profiled by former major-league pitcher Jim Brosnan with the cover story "Hot Hand at the Hot Corner." Brosnan, a talented author, was a major league star that pitched for the Cubs, white Sox, Indians, and the pennant winning Reds in 1961.

 Baseball's best all-around third baseman has realized all of his dreams but two-to play in the World Series and be named to the Hall of Fame. And he's working hard on both!

 Magazine advertisements include: Rawlings baseball gloves, featuring the evolution of baseball gloves from 1877 to 1960, and the 1968 Fastback, a new concept with the basket-web, latest in web design; Adirondack Big Stick baseball bats featuring Ron Santo; Louisville Slugger ad for a Pen & Pencil set, 16" miniature bat, and Famous Sluggers Yearbook. 

  The June 1969 issue of Boys' Life Magazine pictures Mickey Mantle and his son walking on the beach as the cover photo. The featured article "My Father and I" by Mickey Mantle Jr., as told to Louis Sabin, on pages 28 through 31. Mantle Junior tells What it's like to be the son of a baseball great. Page 28 has an "M&M Boys" type photo, reminiscent of Mantle & Maris in a back-to-back batting stance. There's also a nice picture of the post retirement M&M boys on the following page.

Pages 30 and 31, the article turns into a J Peterman catalog. Kind of a Fathers day promotion, "The Mod Mantles" with father & son modeling "cool clothes." Also discussed; pocket secretary, belts, cologne, and pipes if dad smokes. No ties?

 Noted Baseball related advertisements includes: The exclusive Campbell Kid's offer which illustrates the twelve MLB premiums; "Win a Regent Baseball Glove" ad; A three month subscription to The Sporting News when you buy a Macgregor baseball glove; and the standard Louisville Slugger ad.

 The cover of the July 1971 Boys' Life features Johnny Bench fielding a pop-up. Photo by Fred Kaplan-Black Star. The four page article: "What Baseball Means To Me" by Johnny Bench as told to Louis Sabin, starts on page 8. "The Reds' great catcher reveals his feelings about baseball, and his life."

 Baseball related advertisements include: A Free Sample of the 1971 Baseball SRAT-O-MATIC baseball game; ATO Adirondack baseball bat ad offering a 12" x 18" Norman Rockwell print of Brooks Robinson for $1.00 or a 25" x 38" poster for $2.00.

 The back cover Coca-Cola ad, "One of America's National Pastimes - Drinking Coke - Salutes another - Baseball

  The cover of the September 1971 Boys' Life features Brooks Robinson. The cover story: "How I Play Third Base" by Brooks Robinson as told to Jack Mann, photos by Jack Mann-Star. "Mr. Golden Glove" of Baltimore's Champions tells how he got to be a star.

 Baseball related advertisements include: Smith-Corona electric portable typewriters; ATO Adirondack baseball bat ad offering a 12" x 18" Norman Rockwell print of Brooks Robinson for $1.00 or a 25" x 38" poster for $2.00.

  The March 1972 Boys' Life features cover photo of Henry Aaron by Sports Illustrated photographer Tony Triolo. The feature article: "Bad Man With A Bat" was written by Jack Mann. "Atlanta's one-man record book continues to add glory to his all-time fame as he goes after Ruth's 'unreachable' 714 home runs."

 Baseball related advertisements are scarce in this issue. The standard Louisville Slugger ad for a Pen & Pencil set, 16" miniature bat, and Famous Sluggers Yearbook, with 1971 A.L. Batting Champion Tony   Oliva, 1971 N.L. Home Run King Willie Stargell, and

 1971 A.L. Home Run King Bill Melton. Joe Torre, the 1971 N.L. batting Champ was left out as he used Adirondack baseball bats. In the Gifts and Gimmicks section, The Card Collectors' Co. offers 1972 Topps baseball cards - $14.95 for a complete set - 5¢ for most singles, and single series $2.75.

The April 1982 Boys' Life features a cover illustration by comic book artist Ernie Colón. Twelve players are depicted: Carl Yastrzemski, Reggie Jackson, Jim Rice, Bill Madlock, George Foster, Rod Carew, Pete Rose, Steve Garvey, Dave Parker, Mike Schmidt, Cecil Cooper, and centered by George Brett.

 The feature article: "Best Batters In The Big Leagues" was written by former major league pitcher Jim Brosnan. "Hitting a baseball is the most difficult feat in professional sports. Here are a dozen men who make it look easy."

 Baseball related advertisements includes: Gatorade - "After five innings, your not the same player who started the game." - Louisville Slugger baseball gloves picturing Steve Garvey and Graig Nettles with their facsimile autographs. - Big League Chew (company started by former Yankee pitcher Jim Bouton) $100,000. Grand Slam Sweepstakes.

  The June 1985 issue of Boys' Life features Pete Rose cover illustration by Donald Moss, a commercial illustrator who captured the action, spectacle and personalities of sports for posters, postage stamps and covers of Sports Illustrated.

 The feature article: "Head First Toward the Hall of Fame" was written by Jim Brosnan. "After age 40, baseball players are supposed to slow down, but not Pete Rose. He's still running at top speed after records."

 Jim Brosnan, author of "The Only Place to Play" and "No. 1 in the National League," Jim's a former pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cards, and the Pennant winning Cincinnati Reds of 1961. After he retired he wrote baseball columns for the Chicago News, Sportscasts in Chicago, and two Brosnan books. He regularly wrote sports articles, most about baseball for Boys' Life.

  The April 1991 issue of Boys' Life features "Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers: 5,000 Strikeouts and Counting!" Standout Texas pitcher Nolan Ryan poses for Boys' Life photographer Brian Payne at Arlington Stadium. The feature article: "Strikeout King" on page 18, was written by Sam Blair. This former Boy Scout is headed to the Hall of Fame on the "family plan"

 Baseball Related advertising includes: 1991 Upper Deck Baseball Cards with Nolan Ryan autograph inserts; 1991 Donruss baseball cards, Rated Rookies, Diamond Kings, MVPs, & 3 more limited edition series.

 The April 1992 Boys' Life cover features Seattle's Ken Griffey Jr., photograph taken by Lonnie Major. His work appeared in numerous publications, including Sports Illustrated; ESPN Magazine; Topps Inc. Sports Trading Cards and Magazine; and The New York Times.

The feature article: Ken Griffey Jr.: "A chip Off The Old Block" was written by Sam Blair. "Ken and his Dad made baseball history playing for the same Major-league team" There are no baseball related ads in this issue, but Junior is again featured on the cover of the July 1996 Boy's Life issue.

 "Ken Griffey Jr.: How Do You Hit a Home Run?" Feature article Batter Up! - Pssst.... Ken Griffey Jr. passes along his secrets to hitting home runs. This issue has a 1996 Fleer E-XL Motion Baseball Cards ad.

 The April 1993 Boys' Life cover features Kirby Puckett, photograph taken by Focus On Sports. A picture from the same photo-shoot was used for the 1993 Topps Kirby Puckett baseball card #200. The feature article: "Baseball's Mighty Puck" was written by Robert E. Hood. "His fans believe that Kirby Puckett is in a league of his own."

 Baseball related advertisements includes: A two page ad for an exclusive offer from Fleer. Receive three more To Glavine baseball cards to complete the subset by sending in 10 Fleer '93 baseball wrappers;

"No One Get's Closer To The Game" - 1993 Donruss baseball cards; The back cover has an ad for Home Run Derby electronic baseball game.

  The April 2009 Boys' Life cover features Derek Jeter, for the cover story "Play Ball!: Derek Jeter Say's You Better Do It Right." The feature article: Play Ball!" by Eric Butterman, with additional reporting by Harold Goldman, and Jack Magruder. "Baseball's best tell you the right ways to prepare and play. Here's a hint: The right ways do not include steroids"

 Boy's Life' spoke with some of baseball's best, who offer tips on how to play the healthy way. Each player interviewed in this article is accompanied with a picture of their 2008 Topps Heritage baseball card.

 New York Yankees Derek Jeter; Arizona Diamondbacks Brandon Webb; Detroit Tigers Dontrelle Willis; New York Yankees Hall of Famer Yogi Berra; and New York Mets Johan Santana.