In a compelling tale of major league baseball, two men try to reclaim their lives--a minor league player who has one last shot at success and an aging umpire who is planning to fix the game. Reprint. K. PW.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
It's the last day of the baseball season at beautiful Wrigley Field. The Phillies and Cubs are all tied up; the final game will determine who makes the playoffs. It's also the last game for 60-year-old umpire Ernie Kolacka, who is due to retire. But an old friend has just pleaded with Kolacka to repay a debt of honor incurred during the Korean War; by doing so, he will ensure a Cubs loss--and make $200,000 along the way. Kolacka's "victim" will be Cub pitcher Sam Ward, a 32-year-old rookie knuckleballer who's as flaky as his favorite pitch. Though opposites in many respects, Ward and Kolacka have a lot in common: their love of the sport; their single-minded pursuit of their major league dream; their fading marriages. Inning by inning, with balks, ejections and called third strikes, Kolacka steadfastly repays his debt, until the game goes to the top of the ninth. The Cubs lead 5-4, but the Phillies have the bases loaded, the count is 3-2 with the most important pitch of the season on the way--and Sam Ward is about to save Ernie Kolacka's soul. This inspired collaboration melds the humor of Bouton's Ball Four and the darkness of Asinof's Eight Men Out . It's an exciting read with an ending that will make fans stand up and cheer. 75,000 first printing; $75,000 marketing campaign; author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
YA-It's the last game of the season and the Cubs and Phillies are battling it out to decide which team will make the playoffs. Sam Ward, a 32-year-old rookie, takes the mound for the Cubs, his first start in the major leagues. A lot rides on his performance, for this game will determine whether the sacrifices he and his family have made for him to follow his dream have been worth the price. Umpiring the game, his last before forced retirement, is 60-year-old Ernie Kolacka, whose career is the one aspect of his life that he regards with any pride. Kolacka is torn by divided loyalties when a longtime friend pleads with him to call the game in favor of the Phillies. Bouton and Asinof, writing in alternating chapters, give two utterly different viewpoints-pitcher and umpire's-from the hours preceding the big game through its final inning. A thoroughly satisfying book, providing insight into baseball as well as telling an exceedingly good story.
Pamela B. Rearden, Centreville Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Pamela B. Rearden, Centreville Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Baseball Novel,
By
This review is from: Strike Zone (Paperback)
This is a great story of a little-used pitcher who gets to start the biggest game of the year and a veteran umpire. The pitcher has two things working against him. He had made a comment at an off-season banquet that offended the umpire, who happens to be working behind the plate for this game. The umpire's best friend is in trouble with gamblers and has asked him to throw the game.
It's a well-written story, with the point-of-view alternating from chapter to chapter so we see what's going through the pitcher's mind in one chapter and then see the umpire's thoughts in the next one. I've read quite a few baseball novels over the years and this is one of the best.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Baseball fans, read this book.,
By
This review is from: Strike Zone (Paperback)
Like baseball? Read this book. There's nothing earth-shattering about the work, but it's certainly worth the price of admission. Sam and Ernie manage to have an astounding number of daydreams and flashbacks in 9 innings, and every one sneaks the reader a little further behind the scenes of the battle between the pitcher and the umpire. Think baseball is slow? This book helps point out that you're missing a lot of the subtle battles each player wages with himself and others between the pitches.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great perspective of the game of baseball.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Strike Zone (Paperback)
This was the best book I have ever read. It had everything it had sex, scandals, action, suspense, comedy, and just kept making me want to read more. I think Jim Bouton and Eliot Asinof wrote a great baseball book. Even if you don't like baseball this is a great book
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