The story The Great Ball Game is an excellent choice for a reading performance. It captivated grade five ESL learners, not only because of its engaging competitive element but also because it provided an opportunity to channel their competitive spirit into language learning. Despite this rivalry, the students intuitively recognized the importance of cooperation to deliver an outstanding performance and impress their peers. In conclusion, this thoughtfully chosen folktale effectively simplifies complex ideas about the world by sparking imagination, teaching moral lessons, and fostering cultural awareness.