Customer Reviews

Homering in the Clutch

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In "Homering in the Clutch," Clutch Thompson has done it again. And so has Brad Bauer.

The follow up to "Hitting in the Clutch" has taken the Clutch story to new heights and some very funny lows. After the success of Clutch's "memoirs" - everyone in the baseball world has turned their backs on Jack "Clutch" Thompson. It seems that the private lives of baseball players is something that the public loved, but the players hated - merely due to the fact that their adolescent antics in the locker room is something they wanted to stay there. For most players, the attitude is like someone on a trip to Las Vegas - what happens in the club house stays in the club house.

Thompson's betrayal of this has led to him becoming a journeyman ball player that lands with the Texas Rangers. While still quite good at the plate, Clutch still has trouble fielding the ball and keeping his mind and energy focused on the sport he is paid to play. Even small things, like the crown doing "the wave" transfixes him into distraction, much to the detriment of his team.

Again, Bauer has taken this well rounded character and has found a way to expand him. Just like the last book, "Homering" is written as Clutch's memoirs (because "diary" is too girly a word for Clutch), and the reader is transported to the world (and funny musings) of Thompson. Although, this time Clutch has more depth and is maturing as a person. Bauer has a good feel in keeping Thompson as the likable jerk readers fell in love with in the first book - but giving him more depth and character than before.

But that doesn't mean Bauer doesn't bring the funny. One example is the inclusion of a new maid for Thompson that has so many funny moments, the reader finds himself laughing out loud over and over again. There is also more of a story here than in the first book - with Clutch's love life and new found ability to mentor younger players. The ending of the book is quite a twist that will leave you waiting for the next installment with baited breath.

Bauer is a good writer with an excellent feel for his audience. Despite some flaws that readers of more "important" novels may easily see, "Homering in the Clutch" is an easy, fun, and very satisfying read that will leave you wanting more.

Once I found out that a follow-up story to the hilarious "Hitting in the Clutch" had been written, I immediately ordered it. Just as I had suspected, I laughed the entire way through and found myself reading more often than usual so that I could see what happened next. Brad Bauer does an excellent job at connecting the first book with this chapter in Clutch Thompson's life. The flashbacks he provides the reader with are very helpful and add to the storyline. It's almost impossible to believe, but Clutch did in fact mature some since his first book; but don't worry, if you are looking to read another book filled with his antics and humor, there are plenty of those to go around. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes to laugh! :-) I am eagerly awaiting book 3!