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The Ball Player
A poignant story about a young man s life journey, The Ball Player takes the reader into the heart and mind of a gifted athlete. Burdened by his responsibility for his best friend's death, and confused by a love for that same friend's fiancée, this professional ball player tries for a second time to make it the Major Leagues. More about how love and questions of fate can direct a man s life, The Ball Player weaves a passionate drama around the world of professional baseball. Honest and compelling, the heart and mind of a relentless competitor fuels each chapter of this creatively crafted story of love and redemption.
288 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Clay Snellgrove
1 book5 followersProfessional baseball player turned writer. Author of 'The Ball Player.' Currently enrolled in Converse College's low-residency MFA program.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 7, 2012
Can I just say that up until now I still don't know the protagonist's name and it just feels like a big mystery that has to be solved. Anyway, I actually enjoyed reading this book. I liked how it was written. This was the first time I've read a novel where the story was written through the protagonist's memories from the past and builds up until it meets the present. It was amazing how it all came together.
I loved reading about the history of the protagonist friendship with Danny. They really went a long way and I love reading about their escapades, falling off a ridge into a river, getting drunk, drinking games with their high school friends, going their separate ways, getting chased by a train (this was one of my favorite scene), and just how their friendship grew and how it seemed to fall apart. It made me think that maybe this could happen to someone. I mean, the struggles and just the way that the protagonist reacts and thinks was very real like it makes me think that maybe it's something that I would do in a similar situation.
It was heartbreaking to read about what happened to Danny. I mean while I was reading that part, I actually thought to myself, "what was he thinking?" And the guilt that the protagonist went through, I mean if I was in his shoes I would've felt responsible too but it's not actually his fault. But it cannot be helped for him to feel that way I guess.
The protagonist's relationship with Danny's fiance, Diane, was a little awkward. It's seemed like Danny wanted to fill that emptiness brought about by Danny's death through Diane. But it my case it felt like the protagonist was betraying his best friend by wanting to be with Diane. It was a good thing though that Diane sort of introduced Danny to Erin. It shifted the protagonist's focus from her to Erin.
Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I love the relationship between Erin and our hero. The way it built up and you could really see that the protagonists was starting to move one, bit by bit. I think it was sweet but I still don't get it why they have to break up like that. I mean I'm sure they can work something out but then again I guess they needed that time to figure things out. Let themselves know what they really want.
I was a bit disappointed that I really didn't see them get together. I mean the epilogue could've described them getting back together. I was really rooting for him to get her back. But other than that I really enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to reading another Clay Snellgrove novel! ♥
I loved reading about the history of the protagonist friendship with Danny. They really went a long way and I love reading about their escapades, falling off a ridge into a river, getting drunk, drinking games with their high school friends, going their separate ways, getting chased by a train (this was one of my favorite scene), and just how their friendship grew and how it seemed to fall apart. It made me think that maybe this could happen to someone. I mean, the struggles and just the way that the protagonist reacts and thinks was very real like it makes me think that maybe it's something that I would do in a similar situation.
It was heartbreaking to read about what happened to Danny. I mean while I was reading that part, I actually thought to myself, "what was he thinking?" And the guilt that the protagonist went through, I mean if I was in his shoes I would've felt responsible too but it's not actually his fault. But it cannot be helped for him to feel that way I guess.
The protagonist's relationship with Danny's fiance, Diane, was a little awkward. It's seemed like Danny wanted to fill that emptiness brought about by Danny's death through Diane. But it my case it felt like the protagonist was betraying his best friend by wanting to be with Diane. It was a good thing though that Diane sort of introduced Danny to Erin. It shifted the protagonist's focus from her to Erin.
Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I love the relationship between Erin and our hero. The way it built up and you could really see that the protagonists was starting to move one, bit by bit. I think it was sweet but I still don't get it why they have to break up like that. I mean I'm sure they can work something out but then again I guess they needed that time to figure things out. Let themselves know what they really want.
I was a bit disappointed that I really didn't see them get together. I mean the epilogue could've described them getting back together. I was really rooting for him to get her back. But other than that I really enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to reading another Clay Snellgrove novel! ♥
June 25, 2012
The Ball Player~a novel~ by Clay Snellgrove
This is a book about a man and his love for baseball. The Ball Player began playing baseball in high school and then played for the Minor Leagues hoping for the chance to make it to the Majors.
I am not a real baseball fan and maybe because of that, I really learned a lot about the people involved in the game. A lot of emotions are tied into this book and I could see the Ball Player cared for what happened to those he loved and cared for as well as what he did with his life. The reader could feel the tension as the
player prepared to bat, run or catch a ball. I learned a lot about baseball and the players; moving from team to team must be hard as well as emotional. The book describes the game, talks about drugs, sex and ups and downs in life. Dreams are an important part of the novel and what it takes to get them. The death of his best friend hits hard for the Ball Player and to a reader like me.
Clay Snellgrove was raised by caring parents and this was apparent in his book with the respect for the parents in the book. He did play for the San Diego Padres and played six seasons in professional baseball. Clay and his wife, Erin, live in Tennessee. At first I thought he was from Round Rock, Texas because it was mentioned a couple of times. I lived in Round Rock for ten years and they do have a baseball team there. He also mentioned Midland, Texas for a ball game; Midland is 52 miles from my hometown. The Ball Player is in first tense but so different in the writing that the main character answers are never in quotes.
F word only used two times and other language was not bad. Sorry, I do not personally care for a lot of foul mouth language so I add this to my reviews. It is a love story that also carries a lot of "what do I do?" in the book. I give it a 4 1/2 star rating.
You may reach Clay at www.claysnellgrove.com or find his blog at claysnellgrove.blogspot.com. His email is : clay@claysnellgrove.com.
I have a complimentary paperback copy of The Ball Player from the author. Readers may also purchase a Kindle version on Amazon.
I will post this on my blog. LibraryThing.com, Amazon and goodreads.com
Leona Olson
mnleona.blogspot.com
July 23, 2012
What do you look for in a read? A feeling of stepping into the past? Romance? Action? Realism? “The Ball Player” by Clay Snellgrove has all of that and more. If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll love this novel but this is also for anyone looking for a good story. This is a story in the true spirit of contemporary southern fiction.
I think we can all relate to the relationship of the friends in this novel. Most people had that best friend with whom we competed and who we supported as much as we could but with whom we fell out of touch. Maybe the worst happened and we face the guilt of being the one to make it – the main character in this novel faces that guilt in more than one way. The feeling conveyed from the main character is a poignant and real and carries through as we follow him throughout the life he faces and the mistakes he makes.
I think some readers will find certain aspects of the character unrealistic or perhaps glossed over but I think anyone really sitting down and devoting the attention to the flow of language on the page will find that those little unrealisms don’t matter. We’re being told the story by the main character and if we were telling our own story wouldn’t we embellish slightly? Those moments in and of themselves are very minor. This character is willing to admit who he is and lay himself open for the world to see in a way that is raw and, I think, wins us over.
I loved this novel. Like other readers, I found it really difficult to put down. I look forward to reading future works by this author.
I think we can all relate to the relationship of the friends in this novel. Most people had that best friend with whom we competed and who we supported as much as we could but with whom we fell out of touch. Maybe the worst happened and we face the guilt of being the one to make it – the main character in this novel faces that guilt in more than one way. The feeling conveyed from the main character is a poignant and real and carries through as we follow him throughout the life he faces and the mistakes he makes.
I think some readers will find certain aspects of the character unrealistic or perhaps glossed over but I think anyone really sitting down and devoting the attention to the flow of language on the page will find that those little unrealisms don’t matter. We’re being told the story by the main character and if we were telling our own story wouldn’t we embellish slightly? Those moments in and of themselves are very minor. This character is willing to admit who he is and lay himself open for the world to see in a way that is raw and, I think, wins us over.
I loved this novel. Like other readers, I found it really difficult to put down. I look forward to reading future works by this author.
May 11, 2014
The Ball Player was a book that I really connected with since I enjoy playing baseball. It is nonfictional book written in first person, and the author narrating his story about playing in the Minor League Baseball. The narrator describes his baseball games in great detail which are very action packed and keeps the readers interest. The narrator also shared details of his life off the baseball field. The theme is not just about baseball but about all the friendships and relationships that he encountered along the way.
September 11, 2012
Just when you think you are reading what seems like an autobiography of a professional athlete you soon discover that what you are really reading is a beautifully written, heartfelt story about love.
In its purest and simplest form.
It begins with the love of Baseball, continues with real friendship and the seedy underbelly of sports and ends with the possibility of true love and forgiveness.
Its a beautiful story.
I loved it.
In its purest and simplest form.
It begins with the love of Baseball, continues with real friendship and the seedy underbelly of sports and ends with the possibility of true love and forgiveness.
Its a beautiful story.
I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2012
good book- i really wanted to find out what happens to characters, and the baseball side of it was interesting. does a great job with feeling like you know the characters. easy read, perfect for vacation, and would be good for men also
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews