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Baseball Dads
An irreverent black comedy about sex, drugs, murder… and children's baseball.
Dwayne Devero is just like you and me, except he simply doesn’t give a s**t any more. He’s had enough. He’s done with people living life wrong. You’ll do it right, or he’ll bury you under the bases at the ballpark where he coaches. It’s just that simple.
Tired of poor decisions being made all around him, from the politics of player positions on his son's little league baseball team to the philandering of his wife in his own bedroom, Dwayne decides that breaking is better than bending. What follows is a wild ride full of carnage and revenge, led by a man who will stop at absolutely nothing to bring honor back to his family, his community… and children's baseball.
Baseball Dads is a pitch black comedy in which one man takes on the duty of bludgeoning honor back into a sometimes dishonorable world.
Dwayne Devero is just like you and me, except he simply doesn’t give a s**t any more. He’s had enough. He’s done with people living life wrong. You’ll do it right, or he’ll bury you under the bases at the ballpark where he coaches. It’s just that simple.
Tired of poor decisions being made all around him, from the politics of player positions on his son's little league baseball team to the philandering of his wife in his own bedroom, Dwayne decides that breaking is better than bending. What follows is a wild ride full of carnage and revenge, led by a man who will stop at absolutely nothing to bring honor back to his family, his community… and children's baseball.
Baseball Dads is a pitch black comedy in which one man takes on the duty of bludgeoning honor back into a sometimes dishonorable world.
307 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2014
30 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Hiley
4 books55 followersMatthew S. Hiley was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Texas Christian University, and then Northwood University, where he met his wife. They have four children together, along with five dogs, six cats, and two lizards (he’s into the animal rescue thing).
After finding success for several years in the business world, Hiley decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a writer. In 2010 he published his first novel, Hubris Falls, which was met with much critical acclaim. Hubris Falls dealt, in very raw language, with the taboo realities in race, religion, and politics.
In 2011, tired of the sewer-cycle of politics and pop-culture the country had become submerged in, he published his second novel, The Candidates: Based on a True Country. This dark and absurd comedy took swipes at the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of those leading the country, as well as the fame-whores in reality television.
And now, in 2014, the twisted comic mind of Matthew S. Hiley strikes again. ‘Baseball Dads’ tells the story of Dwayne Devero, a man who just can’t take it anymore. Tired of poor decisions being made all around him, from the little league baseball field to his own bedroom, Dwayne decides that breaking is better than bending. What follows is a wild ride full of carnage and revenge, led by a man who will stop at nothing to bring honor back to his family… and baseball.
A terrible musician, a reprehensible fisherman, a less-than-mediocre golfer, and a talentless children’s baseball coach, Matthew S. Hiley has found his place in life as a writer whose voice is sharp, witty, and unafraid.
After finding success for several years in the business world, Hiley decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a writer. In 2010 he published his first novel, Hubris Falls, which was met with much critical acclaim. Hubris Falls dealt, in very raw language, with the taboo realities in race, religion, and politics.
In 2011, tired of the sewer-cycle of politics and pop-culture the country had become submerged in, he published his second novel, The Candidates: Based on a True Country. This dark and absurd comedy took swipes at the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of those leading the country, as well as the fame-whores in reality television.
And now, in 2014, the twisted comic mind of Matthew S. Hiley strikes again. ‘Baseball Dads’ tells the story of Dwayne Devero, a man who just can’t take it anymore. Tired of poor decisions being made all around him, from the little league baseball field to his own bedroom, Dwayne decides that breaking is better than bending. What follows is a wild ride full of carnage and revenge, led by a man who will stop at nothing to bring honor back to his family… and baseball.
A terrible musician, a reprehensible fisherman, a less-than-mediocre golfer, and a talentless children’s baseball coach, Matthew S. Hiley has found his place in life as a writer whose voice is sharp, witty, and unafraid.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 17, 2016
Completely raunchy, unapologetically yet equally offensive, with foul language totally unfiltered conversations and random acts of violence and children's baseball, BASEBALL DADS is wildly entertaining and hilarious.
This is what I would deem the perfect book for any man. A few of my girlfriends would probably enjoy it as well.
This is what I would deem the perfect book for any man. A few of my girlfriends would probably enjoy it as well.
July 26, 2015
The novel's description is "An irreverent black comedy about sex, drugs, murder...and children's baseball"...It certainly is that but so much more. Politically incorrect in so many ways but ironically Matthew.S.Hiley's novel has a strong message and he knows how to get it across!
If you are offended easily by gratuitous violence, swearing, drug use, sexual references and dirty jokes, this book may not be right for you. If you like your humour extra dark then this book is definitely worth getting hold of a copy.
I want to make it clear that this book is not all about baseball, it's relatable to any sport or activity where children and parents gather on a regular basis. It relates to the "forced" friendships that parents find themselves in due to the their children having the same interest. This novel is also about society's lack of respect for one another other and how we seem to have lost our way. There are some wonderful analogies throughout the book that really do make you think.
The novel centres around the protagonist Dwayne Devero, a likeable man that most readers will be able to relate to one way or another. He lives in an upper class neighbourhood and is constantly trying "keep up with the Jones", not for himself but for his family.
Dwayne has an unfaithful wife that he can't stand. He is aware of her affairs but has got to the point that he just doesn't care anymore. His wife is forever nagging him to make more money whilst she continues to spend it on materialistic things to impress others.
There's only one reason he is staying in this nightmare of a marriage and that is for his 10 year old son Alex. When it comes to Alex there is nothing that he wouldn't do to make him happy. He is willing to destroy anything or anyone who gets in the way of Alex's happiness without a second thought..literally.
Eventually, Dwayne reaches breaking point and comes to the realisation that big changes need to happen. He is no longer going to do or say what is expected of him instead he will do things his way. He is going to take control of his life by practically doing the opposite of what he has always done. In Dwayne's mind he is doing what needs to be done to get his family back on track. It's time to take action and reclaim his life. This is where the fun really begins!
Dwayne calls upon the 'Baseball Dads' to help put his plans into action. The four dads are fascinating character studies not to mention hysterically funny. Each of them became Dwayne's "forced" friends due to the common interest of their sons all playing in the same baseball team. Whether you like them or loathe them, it is likely you can relate to them or know someone just like them in your own life. They are a fair representation of modern society's so called 'upper class men'.
Has Dwayne lost his mind or (or as he thinks) has he found it? How far is too far?
From the very beginning 'Baseball Dads' is fast paced and it never lets up, the twists and turns keep coming. I believe it would make a brilliant movie in the right hands...are the Cohen brother's available?
There's not many books that can make me laugh out loud let alone through the whole book but Baseball Dads did just that. I read this book 3 weeks ago and I still find myself remembering many of the scenes and having a chuckle.
I am proud to say I am now a Matthew.S.Hiley fan! I am looking forward to reading his previous work and hopefully many future novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for providing me with a copy to read and review.
If you are offended easily by gratuitous violence, swearing, drug use, sexual references and dirty jokes, this book may not be right for you. If you like your humour extra dark then this book is definitely worth getting hold of a copy.
I want to make it clear that this book is not all about baseball, it's relatable to any sport or activity where children and parents gather on a regular basis. It relates to the "forced" friendships that parents find themselves in due to the their children having the same interest. This novel is also about society's lack of respect for one another other and how we seem to have lost our way. There are some wonderful analogies throughout the book that really do make you think.
The novel centres around the protagonist Dwayne Devero, a likeable man that most readers will be able to relate to one way or another. He lives in an upper class neighbourhood and is constantly trying "keep up with the Jones", not for himself but for his family.
Dwayne has an unfaithful wife that he can't stand. He is aware of her affairs but has got to the point that he just doesn't care anymore. His wife is forever nagging him to make more money whilst she continues to spend it on materialistic things to impress others.
There's only one reason he is staying in this nightmare of a marriage and that is for his 10 year old son Alex. When it comes to Alex there is nothing that he wouldn't do to make him happy. He is willing to destroy anything or anyone who gets in the way of Alex's happiness without a second thought..literally.
Eventually, Dwayne reaches breaking point and comes to the realisation that big changes need to happen. He is no longer going to do or say what is expected of him instead he will do things his way. He is going to take control of his life by practically doing the opposite of what he has always done. In Dwayne's mind he is doing what needs to be done to get his family back on track. It's time to take action and reclaim his life. This is where the fun really begins!
Dwayne calls upon the 'Baseball Dads' to help put his plans into action. The four dads are fascinating character studies not to mention hysterically funny. Each of them became Dwayne's "forced" friends due to the common interest of their sons all playing in the same baseball team. Whether you like them or loathe them, it is likely you can relate to them or know someone just like them in your own life. They are a fair representation of modern society's so called 'upper class men'.
Has Dwayne lost his mind or (or as he thinks) has he found it? How far is too far?
From the very beginning 'Baseball Dads' is fast paced and it never lets up, the twists and turns keep coming. I believe it would make a brilliant movie in the right hands...are the Cohen brother's available?
There's not many books that can make me laugh out loud let alone through the whole book but Baseball Dads did just that. I read this book 3 weeks ago and I still find myself remembering many of the scenes and having a chuckle.
I am proud to say I am now a Matthew.S.Hiley fan! I am looking forward to reading his previous work and hopefully many future novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for providing me with a copy to read and review.
August 18, 2023
5⭐️; Audiobook; Horror/Comedy;
A raw and authentic portrayal of the life of American baseball dads and the struggles they face in their day to day life.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
If you are a fan of horror comedy and unapologetic profanity, look no further – "Baseball Dads" is the book for you. Brace yourself for an outrageously wild plot and characters that will have you reaching for your rosary beads!
These baseball dads don't take any shit. They are determined to win at all costs, and you bet your m*therf*cking ass they’ll kill anyone who gets in their way.
"Baseball Dads" is an absolute riot of a book that fearlessly goes for the gut. Certainly not for easily offended pansies...
A raw and authentic portrayal of the life of American baseball dads and the struggles they face in their day to day life.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
If you are a fan of horror comedy and unapologetic profanity, look no further – "Baseball Dads" is the book for you. Brace yourself for an outrageously wild plot and characters that will have you reaching for your rosary beads!
These baseball dads don't take any shit. They are determined to win at all costs, and you bet your m*therf*cking ass they’ll kill anyone who gets in their way.
"Baseball Dads" is an absolute riot of a book that fearlessly goes for the gut. Certainly not for easily offended pansies...
July 20, 2023
1 star for the narration.
There's a disclaimer of sorts at the beginning that tells you to **** off if you are easily offended. I think this is the reason most people carried on reading. Proof that they are not prudish or part of the PC crowd. I carried on because I'm an inveterate finisher of books. Even if they give me a headache/I barely understand what the book is about or as in the case of Baseball Dads I thought that it might get better later. I was encouraged to believe this story would be pithy and witty and an antidote to the PC generation of tiptoeing around everything that might be considered a slight.
However what I got was chapters of Dwayne having increasingly athletic sex with his wife; whole sections where the dads texted each other; lots of murders by a man who called himself a ninja/jedi/baseball god but dressed in a Batman suit?
By the time I reached a third of the way through I wasn't shocked or disgusted; I was bored. So I skipped through whole chapters that started with Dwayne and his wife gazing lustfully at each other, I skipped through the beatings and the murders, I even skipped through the baseball because its duller than cricket.
I guess thus would appeal to you if you vote Trump/think middle aged white men are getting a raw deal/have a limited attention span and love repetition. Either that or read the first third of the book and you've pretty much nailed the rest.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy. As I said the narration of the audio was good so thanks to Josh Innerst. I hope you had more fun narrating than I did reading. However, I picked it so I've only myself to blame.
There's a disclaimer of sorts at the beginning that tells you to **** off if you are easily offended. I think this is the reason most people carried on reading. Proof that they are not prudish or part of the PC crowd. I carried on because I'm an inveterate finisher of books. Even if they give me a headache/I barely understand what the book is about or as in the case of Baseball Dads I thought that it might get better later. I was encouraged to believe this story would be pithy and witty and an antidote to the PC generation of tiptoeing around everything that might be considered a slight.
However what I got was chapters of Dwayne having increasingly athletic sex with his wife; whole sections where the dads texted each other; lots of murders by a man who called himself a ninja/jedi/baseball god but dressed in a Batman suit?
By the time I reached a third of the way through I wasn't shocked or disgusted; I was bored. So I skipped through whole chapters that started with Dwayne and his wife gazing lustfully at each other, I skipped through the beatings and the murders, I even skipped through the baseball because its duller than cricket.
I guess thus would appeal to you if you vote Trump/think middle aged white men are getting a raw deal/have a limited attention span and love repetition. Either that or read the first third of the book and you've pretty much nailed the rest.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy. As I said the narration of the audio was good so thanks to Josh Innerst. I hope you had more fun narrating than I did reading. However, I picked it so I've only myself to blame.
August 2, 2023
Nope.
This was not for me.
Granted, it was probably written for misogynistic cis men who are secretly (or not so secretly) horrible bro dudes.
It's a bunch of egotistical men being douchebags.
Racist, gay bashing comments, women having disappointing and/or unrealistic sex with these douche canoes, oh and some murder.
Sooo not my thing.
I might have been able to disregard these things had the writing been better and the poor bit been necessary. Neither was the case, so I just ended up listening to a boring book with a lot of characters being horrible examples of humans beings.
Thanks (?) to NetGalley & Greenleaf Audiobooks for my ALC.
This was not for me.
Granted, it was probably written for misogynistic cis men who are secretly (or not so secretly) horrible bro dudes.
It's a bunch of egotistical men being douchebags.
Racist, gay bashing comments, women having disappointing and/or unrealistic sex with these douche canoes, oh and some murder.
Sooo not my thing.
I might have been able to disregard these things had the writing been better and the poor bit been necessary. Neither was the case, so I just ended up listening to a boring book with a lot of characters being horrible examples of humans beings.
Thanks (?) to NetGalley & Greenleaf Audiobooks for my ALC.
October 14, 2015
While the title may make a reader think this story is about baseball, it isn't. It is a story of social classes, murder, drugs, sex...And some little league baseball thrown in as well.
The story centers around Dwayne Devoe, a middle class business owner in the suburbs of Fort Worth. He is drowning in debt, his business has a large numbers of unpaid accounts and his wife has been having numerous affairs. However, his son Alex is a good player for the local baseball team and there isn't anything that Dwayne won't do for him. When the coach won't pay Alex and the more skilled players in favor of less talented kids whose parents are socially connected, Dwayne decides to take action.
With the help of three other "baseball dads" the plan goes into effect. What follows leads to a trail of dead bodies, Jedi warriors, raunchy sex (but not graphically written in the book) and even some wins for Alex's team.
The story reads at a lightning fast pace as one never knows what the next move will be for Dwayne and the dad's. There are many funny moments which will make the reader laugh. Many times I was saying phrases to myself such as "What the Heck?" (Or stronger) as some the situations and actions are just so bizzare. One example is what Dwayne used to fertilize the baseball field. I won't give that away here...But it isn't something that is recommended to use on your lawn.
If you like dark stories with lots of mayham and raunch, this is your story. Not recommended for readers under 18. A very entertaining book that will leave the reader laughing.
I wish to thank the publisher for providing a copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers around Dwayne Devoe, a middle class business owner in the suburbs of Fort Worth. He is drowning in debt, his business has a large numbers of unpaid accounts and his wife has been having numerous affairs. However, his son Alex is a good player for the local baseball team and there isn't anything that Dwayne won't do for him. When the coach won't pay Alex and the more skilled players in favor of less talented kids whose parents are socially connected, Dwayne decides to take action.
With the help of three other "baseball dads" the plan goes into effect. What follows leads to a trail of dead bodies, Jedi warriors, raunchy sex (but not graphically written in the book) and even some wins for Alex's team.
The story reads at a lightning fast pace as one never knows what the next move will be for Dwayne and the dad's. There are many funny moments which will make the reader laugh. Many times I was saying phrases to myself such as "What the Heck?" (Or stronger) as some the situations and actions are just so bizzare. One example is what Dwayne used to fertilize the baseball field. I won't give that away here...But it isn't something that is recommended to use on your lawn.
If you like dark stories with lots of mayham and raunch, this is your story. Not recommended for readers under 18. A very entertaining book that will leave the reader laughing.
I wish to thank the publisher for providing a copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2014
Baseball Dads - A Love Story by Matthew S. Hiley is one heck of a ride literally. Who knew so much fun could be had when you mix crazy neighborhood politics with little league football and murder. Hiley you may be on to something with this writing style and I agree no one wants "Daddy Baseball."
I could not put this novel down, the main characters Dwayne, Tommy, Steve and Russ cracked me up. Their weird friendship truly makes this story excellent in my opinion. Everyone has at least one crazy friend in this case there were four. I am not really into the sport of baseball but reading this book I found myself really cheering and pulling for the Tigers little league team. Cannot wait to read more by Hiley!!
I could not put this novel down, the main characters Dwayne, Tommy, Steve and Russ cracked me up. Their weird friendship truly makes this story excellent in my opinion. Everyone has at least one crazy friend in this case there were four. I am not really into the sport of baseball but reading this book I found myself really cheering and pulling for the Tigers little league team. Cannot wait to read more by Hiley!!
October 18, 2016
How could I NOT give this book FIVE stars? Seriously! I will tell you, this book is NOT for everyone. If you don’t like crude humor and stereotypes, I advise to not read this book. This book is full of nothing but dark, crude and cliché humor. I was dying, DYING! And I loved every second of it!
So Dwayne is tired of the hypocritical baseball politics and the self-righteous people in his community. He is ready to take a stand. He and his little misfit crew of baseball dads decides to take things into their own hands in order to have their son’s win a baseball game. Sounds simple. Except for the fact that every cliché stereotype is thrown into this group, their dark and sometimes racist humor with one another and excessive drug use is a big part of the story. It is so unique and funny I didn’t want the book to ever end!
I have a feeling that Matthew put a lot of his own frustrations into some of this book. It was too…. too… I am not sure what the word I am looking for is… Too real? No, that’s not the word. Whatever the word I can’t find in my brain is, it is one of those books that you gasp and laugh hysterically at the same time. The jokes are soooo wrong and soooo offensive, they have you shaking your head while tears are rolling down your face from laughing so hard.
I LOVE the characters. I mean, seriously. How could I not? They are the perfect group of baseball dads. So cliché and over the top, but at the root of it, they love their sons and want to make them happy. Even if that means they are miserable and do some more than questionable and illegal things to achieve their goal!
This is one of those books that I just want to sit here and tell about it for hours. However, that is impossible and then I would be a spoiler. And I am not a spoiler. I am the exact opposite. I am going to tell you as little as possible about this book, but still make you want to read it. Do you want to read it yet? If you are shaking your head no, well I feel sorry for you. This book reminds me of a few men I know… And you know who you are… there are more than one of you… You guys really should pick this book up. Read it. Love it. Own the inner-asshole we all know you possess.
So Dwayne is tired of the hypocritical baseball politics and the self-righteous people in his community. He is ready to take a stand. He and his little misfit crew of baseball dads decides to take things into their own hands in order to have their son’s win a baseball game. Sounds simple. Except for the fact that every cliché stereotype is thrown into this group, their dark and sometimes racist humor with one another and excessive drug use is a big part of the story. It is so unique and funny I didn’t want the book to ever end!
I have a feeling that Matthew put a lot of his own frustrations into some of this book. It was too…. too… I am not sure what the word I am looking for is… Too real? No, that’s not the word. Whatever the word I can’t find in my brain is, it is one of those books that you gasp and laugh hysterically at the same time. The jokes are soooo wrong and soooo offensive, they have you shaking your head while tears are rolling down your face from laughing so hard.
I LOVE the characters. I mean, seriously. How could I not? They are the perfect group of baseball dads. So cliché and over the top, but at the root of it, they love their sons and want to make them happy. Even if that means they are miserable and do some more than questionable and illegal things to achieve their goal!
This is one of those books that I just want to sit here and tell about it for hours. However, that is impossible and then I would be a spoiler. And I am not a spoiler. I am the exact opposite. I am going to tell you as little as possible about this book, but still make you want to read it. Do you want to read it yet? If you are shaking your head no, well I feel sorry for you. This book reminds me of a few men I know… And you know who you are… there are more than one of you… You guys really should pick this book up. Read it. Love it. Own the inner-asshole we all know you possess.
December 5, 2017
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
This was unlike anything I imagined. The tagline on the cover is "Sex, drugs, murder, children's baseball." There is plenty of each of those. The characters in this story are cartoonishly funny. The only people who aren't taken to an extreme are the children, which, given the actions of and to the adults in this book, is probably a good thing. The adults in the story take ungodly amounts of drugs, are constantly having sex, and...well, murder quite a number of people. Realism this is not. Hilarity...it is indeed.
Having extensive experience with youth sports, it's easy for me to identify people I've worked around in each of these characters (excluding the murdering I hope). The parents who think their kids are the best and deserve to be treated as such...check. Parents whose children are learning how to play the game, but get put in the most important positions on the field and batting order...check. Coaches who play dirty to win at all costs...check. Coaches who are holding how-to guides while they try to coach their teams...oh yeah. And don't get me started on the umpires.
The story itself revolves around one man and his three friends who have had it with their kids being benched for less talented players as their coach practices a philosophy known as "daddy baseball" rather than trying to win. They can't take it anymore and decide to do something about it. Their simple plan quickly goes out of control and leaves a rash of dead bodies in their wake. While the plan has led to horrific results, it has spawned a new life plan in many of these men and led to a renewed feeling of freedom and justice.
Reading this on the bus, I had to stifle my laughter as some scenes were just too much for me to contain my physical reaction. While not for the weak-stomached, this book should leave you sore...either from the continuous laughter, or from the physical revulsion you feel at what's happening to the characters and why people like myself find it funny.,
This was unlike anything I imagined. The tagline on the cover is "Sex, drugs, murder, children's baseball." There is plenty of each of those. The characters in this story are cartoonishly funny. The only people who aren't taken to an extreme are the children, which, given the actions of and to the adults in this book, is probably a good thing. The adults in the story take ungodly amounts of drugs, are constantly having sex, and...well, murder quite a number of people. Realism this is not. Hilarity...it is indeed.
Having extensive experience with youth sports, it's easy for me to identify people I've worked around in each of these characters (excluding the murdering I hope). The parents who think their kids are the best and deserve to be treated as such...check. Parents whose children are learning how to play the game, but get put in the most important positions on the field and batting order...check. Coaches who play dirty to win at all costs...check. Coaches who are holding how-to guides while they try to coach their teams...oh yeah. And don't get me started on the umpires.
The story itself revolves around one man and his three friends who have had it with their kids being benched for less talented players as their coach practices a philosophy known as "daddy baseball" rather than trying to win. They can't take it anymore and decide to do something about it. Their simple plan quickly goes out of control and leaves a rash of dead bodies in their wake. While the plan has led to horrific results, it has spawned a new life plan in many of these men and led to a renewed feeling of freedom and justice.
Reading this on the bus, I had to stifle my laughter as some scenes were just too much for me to contain my physical reaction. While not for the weak-stomached, this book should leave you sore...either from the continuous laughter, or from the physical revulsion you feel at what's happening to the characters and why people like myself find it funny.,
January 13, 2015
The first two lines to the description of this book describes the book perfectly. It's simple and to the point, but makes complete sense and wraps everything up in fourteen words. Love it.
Father. Husband. Coach. Golfer. Successful landscaping company owner.
Hero. Pothead. Vigilante. Murderer. Outlaw. Jedi.
Dwayne Devero is an ordinary man who has met his limit on shit. Now he simply does not care or give a shit. When you see how fast this story escalades, after Dwayne and three of his little league baseball dad's, attempt at blackmailing the umpire, you'll understand how little he actually cares about the big picture.
Overall the book was fun to read, making it a quick read. Especially fun with the amount of real life humor involved in the writing style. There's a dark tone to the humor which makes this typical in the books I enjoy reading.
Matthew Hiley lives up to his reputation of having a unique writing style that can't be compared to anyone else. He's so much fun to read, the books fly by in time. Although, now that I think about it, his humor can be slightly compared to Christopher Moore, one of my favorite authors, so it's no wonder I enjoy his writing style so much.
I'd absolutely rate this book a 5/5. Not recommended for those uptight readers who will take offense to anything they don't absolutely agree with and/or closed minded people who don't appreciate people with strong opinions.
Father. Husband. Coach. Golfer. Successful landscaping company owner.
Hero. Pothead. Vigilante. Murderer. Outlaw. Jedi.
Dwayne Devero is an ordinary man who has met his limit on shit. Now he simply does not care or give a shit. When you see how fast this story escalades, after Dwayne and three of his little league baseball dad's, attempt at blackmailing the umpire, you'll understand how little he actually cares about the big picture.
Overall the book was fun to read, making it a quick read. Especially fun with the amount of real life humor involved in the writing style. There's a dark tone to the humor which makes this typical in the books I enjoy reading.
Matthew Hiley lives up to his reputation of having a unique writing style that can't be compared to anyone else. He's so much fun to read, the books fly by in time. Although, now that I think about it, his humor can be slightly compared to Christopher Moore, one of my favorite authors, so it's no wonder I enjoy his writing style so much.
I'd absolutely rate this book a 5/5. Not recommended for those uptight readers who will take offense to anything they don't absolutely agree with and/or closed minded people who don't appreciate people with strong opinions.
October 7, 2015
Admittedly Baseball Dad's by Matthew. S.Hiley isn't the type of book that I would usually go for, but, the description, of a comedy with, sex, drugs & murder based around a children's baseball team intrigued me enough to want try it.I wish I hadn't bothered. I read as far as 40% and I just had to give up, and I can't remember the last time I couldn't finish a book.
So there's this little league baseball team that never seems to win. Most of the parents, a real mixed bunch, don't mind that, they just want the kids to have fun, but some want their kids to be winners.Four of the dads, are forced into an unusual friendship through their shared dislike of the coach, then one night one of the dad's, Dwayne, kills him. All of a sudden Dwayne's got his mojo back. His sex life ,with his previously unfaithful wife, is rocking & the dad's taking over the running of the little league is the best thing that's ever happened to them. All of a sudden the conversations they have on the golf course aren't depressing like they once were. These guys are on fire. Driving Ferrari's, sniffing coke and doing things with their wives in the bedroom that they've never done before.
I couldn't take it anymore. These grown men with families, acting and talking like teenagers. Some may call this comedy,: I call it a mid life crisis.
So there's this little league baseball team that never seems to win. Most of the parents, a real mixed bunch, don't mind that, they just want the kids to have fun, but some want their kids to be winners.Four of the dads, are forced into an unusual friendship through their shared dislike of the coach, then one night one of the dad's, Dwayne, kills him. All of a sudden Dwayne's got his mojo back. His sex life ,with his previously unfaithful wife, is rocking & the dad's taking over the running of the little league is the best thing that's ever happened to them. All of a sudden the conversations they have on the golf course aren't depressing like they once were. These guys are on fire. Driving Ferrari's, sniffing coke and doing things with their wives in the bedroom that they've never done before.
I couldn't take it anymore. These grown men with families, acting and talking like teenagers. Some may call this comedy,: I call it a mid life crisis.
December 1, 2016
Think about out of control, murdering dance moms high on cocaine and deciding that they were going to do whatever it takes and kill whoever it takes to become Jedi zen and in male form, you have baseball dads.
Here are the people that should NOT read thing book: those that can't take a joke; uptight folks; overly religious zealots; anyone with a stick up their ... You figure it out.
If you can laugh at a murdering baseball dad in a Batman costume coaching kids and using one of his enemies as baseball field fertilizer, by all means, you should READ THIS BOOK. And I fall in that category!
And I'm not even giving anything away!
The "about the author" section tells you to basically suspend disbelief and be ready for a lot of drinking, drug abuse, sex, violence, and bad language...get past it and enjoy this ride!!!
Here are the people that should NOT read thing book: those that can't take a joke; uptight folks; overly religious zealots; anyone with a stick up their ... You figure it out.
If you can laugh at a murdering baseball dad in a Batman costume coaching kids and using one of his enemies as baseball field fertilizer, by all means, you should READ THIS BOOK. And I fall in that category!
And I'm not even giving anything away!
The "about the author" section tells you to basically suspend disbelief and be ready for a lot of drinking, drug abuse, sex, violence, and bad language...get past it and enjoy this ride!!!
July 7, 2016
If you were to take the movie "Very Bad Things," remove everything sexy about all of the characters (every last one of them), toss in some baseball-bat-brain-bashing, add (far too many) sex scenes that read like they were written by a horny 12 year old boy with access to comic books and daddy's porn collection, pepper it with characters that are too stupid to be believed (seriously, no one this idiotic could live so long) and turn it into a book, you would have "Baseball Dads."
Dark comedy, I love. Sick, twisted and funny? What's not to love? This book didn't deliver on any level. The darkness was B movie slasher film quality, the comedy was...well, not funny.
Baseball Dads is easily in my top 5 worst books ever.
Dark comedy, I love. Sick, twisted and funny? What's not to love? This book didn't deliver on any level. The darkness was B movie slasher film quality, the comedy was...well, not funny.
Baseball Dads is easily in my top 5 worst books ever.
May 26, 2016
I'm astounded by the number of four- and five-star ratings and positive reviews for this ugly, absurd novel. The characters are two-dimensional, the plot is ridiculous, and the humor is lazy and predictable. The main character is a classic Mary Sue (or Marty Stu in this case), always able to solve any problem through his inherent, irresistible badassery.
It's a story about reprehensible people doing terrible things to each other. I know this is billed as a dark comedy... well, it sure is dark. Obviously there's an audience that appreciates this kind of story based on the other reviews. Not me.
It's a story about reprehensible people doing terrible things to each other. I know this is billed as a dark comedy... well, it sure is dark. Obviously there's an audience that appreciates this kind of story based on the other reviews. Not me.
February 18, 2016
I was really excited to read this book. It looked like a fun read, especially because I am a baseball dad! I was completely let down. This is the first book I couldn't finish, I threw it away. It was so poorly written. I struggled to get through the first third of the book hoping it would get better, I did not. I had such high hopes for this book.
August 2, 2016
This book is literary horse manure.
In a rare twist, I was drawn into this book by the first three chapters available for download on the author's website. I legitimately thought it would be a hilariously dark read, but oh my God how wrong I was. This is, without question, one of (if not THE) worst books I have ever read in my life. Absolutely horrible. And I'm not saying this because I was offended by it; I'm a huge fan of dark comedy/profane humor. Case in point, I'm a devout fan of South Park; those guys know how to do it right. Matthew S. Hiley is a beacon for how to do it wrong.
Greenleaf Book Group Press? Sounds legit, turns out it's a small outfit where any turd can pay to have their words printed, bound and shipped. But I digress...
His dedication page says it all: "...Lastly, if you are a pretentious turd who feigns outrage at the drop of a hat, please take this book and plant it firmly in your anus. I wrote this book about you, not for you, so kindly be on your way..."
This is foreshadowing for the absurd level of poorly-written prose that follows.
I wanted to like it, but there's nothing to like when it's all said and done. The character are unlikeable at the start, including the protagonist, and, in a fatal blow to the story, fails to deliver any kind of character arc. Hiley tells rather than shows any type of development, whether character, dramatic or plot, and the book, simply put, reads like one of two things: either something a sociopath undergoing anger management therapy would write as a means of catharsis or else the effort of a 14-year-old angry at his parents for grounding him.
The men in the story call each other "bro." Including the sparsely present police detective investigating numerous missing people largely at the hands of the protagonist. Not anywhere close to actual realistic dialogue.
There's little to no concrete illustration of why Devero goes off the deep end, just simply bare-bones profane commentary. And the notion that a lamely biased little league coach playing favorites with positions would trigger a homicidal spree isn't anywhere near developed to plausible level.
There are no consequences for Devero's actions; the cops treat him like a bro and let him go. I could care less about the presence of drugs and profanity -- I have to admit the small sections of texting chains were funny at first, but soon wore thin after repetition -- but the complete implausibility of the story and plot development, not to mention flat-as-pancake typecast characters turn this book into a complete waste of time.
Dark comedy does not provide an excuse for horrifically poor writing and storytelling. It doesn't allow the writer to get away with a soupy-thin narrative loaded with profanity and characters that are absolutely unlikeable; not anti-heroes, mind you, but characters you WANT to see die miserable deaths such is the level of their despicable attribute.
The story is penned with a seemingly rage-filled animosity but fails to articulate the points summarized on the book cover. No build-up. No suspense. Just gore, hokey sex scenes and abusive characters without any kind of plausible justification of their behavior. They're jerks because Hiley's narrative suggests they're tired of putting up with everyone else's nonsense and, in his world view, that's enough of a reason to go off on a drug-fueled murderous rampage.
Wow. That's deep, Mr. Hiley.
This book is philosophically anorexic.
It is laughable that the sex scenes are dramatically underwritten while the gore scenes are comparatively explicit. It's obvious that Hiley is shy about erotic illustration but has no qualms about detailing a sociopath hacking up a corpse with a chainsaw. Too funny... and cowardly. The sex scenes are penned in a fashion that suggestions, again, a teenage boy writing a dirty story under the sheets of his bed by flashlight.
Reading the descriptions of the ball games, one would forget this is supposed to be about little league. Devero takes over coaching his son's team after killing the coach and BAM, just like that, the team is decimating their competition. If this were a movie, it would be void of a montage showing their rise, and what's a sports movie without a montage? A crappy movie, that's what.
This story premise has potential, but Hiley failed to develop it in any shape or form to deliver on what it promises. I am enraged that I spent $16 on a new copy only to have wasted my time and money on such a horribly written piece of garbage prose.
I said as much on his Facebook page for the book as well as his author page, and, big surprise, comments are gone and I'm blocked. Bush league, Mr. Hiley. You want to play creative writer, you better learn how to take criticism. I feel as though I've been robbed, after reading this turd of a tome, which I would love to flush away.
As a sidenote, I also purchased his book "The Candidates" at the same time; I had faith that I was discovering a new humorist that I would truly enjoy. But within the opening chapters, lo and behold, the presidential candidates (it's an election spoof) are calling each other "bro" and "homie."
It's like this guy is a Maxim freelancer attempting to pass himself off as an author and he is failing miserably.
Hiley needs to take a creative writing class (or two, or six or 12...) before endeavoring upon another book. God knows I won't be reading anything with his name on it ever again.
In a rare twist, I was drawn into this book by the first three chapters available for download on the author's website. I legitimately thought it would be a hilariously dark read, but oh my God how wrong I was. This is, without question, one of (if not THE) worst books I have ever read in my life. Absolutely horrible. And I'm not saying this because I was offended by it; I'm a huge fan of dark comedy/profane humor. Case in point, I'm a devout fan of South Park; those guys know how to do it right. Matthew S. Hiley is a beacon for how to do it wrong.
Greenleaf Book Group Press? Sounds legit, turns out it's a small outfit where any turd can pay to have their words printed, bound and shipped. But I digress...
His dedication page says it all: "...Lastly, if you are a pretentious turd who feigns outrage at the drop of a hat, please take this book and plant it firmly in your anus. I wrote this book about you, not for you, so kindly be on your way..."
This is foreshadowing for the absurd level of poorly-written prose that follows.
I wanted to like it, but there's nothing to like when it's all said and done. The character are unlikeable at the start, including the protagonist, and, in a fatal blow to the story, fails to deliver any kind of character arc. Hiley tells rather than shows any type of development, whether character, dramatic or plot, and the book, simply put, reads like one of two things: either something a sociopath undergoing anger management therapy would write as a means of catharsis or else the effort of a 14-year-old angry at his parents for grounding him.
The men in the story call each other "bro." Including the sparsely present police detective investigating numerous missing people largely at the hands of the protagonist. Not anywhere close to actual realistic dialogue.
There's little to no concrete illustration of why Devero goes off the deep end, just simply bare-bones profane commentary. And the notion that a lamely biased little league coach playing favorites with positions would trigger a homicidal spree isn't anywhere near developed to plausible level.
There are no consequences for Devero's actions; the cops treat him like a bro and let him go. I could care less about the presence of drugs and profanity -- I have to admit the small sections of texting chains were funny at first, but soon wore thin after repetition -- but the complete implausibility of the story and plot development, not to mention flat-as-pancake typecast characters turn this book into a complete waste of time.
Dark comedy does not provide an excuse for horrifically poor writing and storytelling. It doesn't allow the writer to get away with a soupy-thin narrative loaded with profanity and characters that are absolutely unlikeable; not anti-heroes, mind you, but characters you WANT to see die miserable deaths such is the level of their despicable attribute.
The story is penned with a seemingly rage-filled animosity but fails to articulate the points summarized on the book cover. No build-up. No suspense. Just gore, hokey sex scenes and abusive characters without any kind of plausible justification of their behavior. They're jerks because Hiley's narrative suggests they're tired of putting up with everyone else's nonsense and, in his world view, that's enough of a reason to go off on a drug-fueled murderous rampage.
Wow. That's deep, Mr. Hiley.
This book is philosophically anorexic.
It is laughable that the sex scenes are dramatically underwritten while the gore scenes are comparatively explicit. It's obvious that Hiley is shy about erotic illustration but has no qualms about detailing a sociopath hacking up a corpse with a chainsaw. Too funny... and cowardly. The sex scenes are penned in a fashion that suggestions, again, a teenage boy writing a dirty story under the sheets of his bed by flashlight.
Reading the descriptions of the ball games, one would forget this is supposed to be about little league. Devero takes over coaching his son's team after killing the coach and BAM, just like that, the team is decimating their competition. If this were a movie, it would be void of a montage showing their rise, and what's a sports movie without a montage? A crappy movie, that's what.
This story premise has potential, but Hiley failed to develop it in any shape or form to deliver on what it promises. I am enraged that I spent $16 on a new copy only to have wasted my time and money on such a horribly written piece of garbage prose.
I said as much on his Facebook page for the book as well as his author page, and, big surprise, comments are gone and I'm blocked. Bush league, Mr. Hiley. You want to play creative writer, you better learn how to take criticism. I feel as though I've been robbed, after reading this turd of a tome, which I would love to flush away.
As a sidenote, I also purchased his book "The Candidates" at the same time; I had faith that I was discovering a new humorist that I would truly enjoy. But within the opening chapters, lo and behold, the presidential candidates (it's an election spoof) are calling each other "bro" and "homie."
It's like this guy is a Maxim freelancer attempting to pass himself off as an author and he is failing miserably.
Hiley needs to take a creative writing class (or two, or six or 12...) before endeavoring upon another book. God knows I won't be reading anything with his name on it ever again.
May 18, 2014
I hate baseball. This is a very unpopular sentiment as I now live in a baseball town, with some of the best baseball fans on earth. I appreciate what it does for the local economy, and yes, haters, I understand the game. I just don’t find it enjoyable. This book, though, was right up my alley. For those of you diehards there is plenty of baseball, and for those of you into sarcasm noire Baseball Dads definitely is a love story. I will warn you, there is a lot of language, drugs and impossible porny sex, so don’t read it if you have a sensitive stomach. There is also a character who cannot text to save his life, for all you grammar nazis out there. But the basic gist of the story is one Dad, Dwayne, is tired of his talented son being overlooked on his baseball team because he refuses to play into the social politics that is apparently very common in Texas youth sports. Rather than kiss up to the coach, he arranges for him to meet his untimely demise. Then the same for the assistant coach. And whoever else gets in his way. He develops a superhero bro code that the other dads can’t live up to, and takes off righting social injustices in their warped little community. On the way he rekindles the love with his wife, wins the respect of his son when he steps in to coach, and becomes America’s underdog with his superhero antics.
Keep in mind, this is clearly satire. I think it seems pretty clear, but just in case. If you identify with anyone who gets killed, this book is probably not the best one for you. But if you agree with author Matthew Hiley’s disgust for hypocrisy everywhere, and don’t mind that despite the language the biggest insult hurled is being called a Democrat, then the book is darkly hilarious. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to do the things to that person in your life that you’ve always imagined, Dwayne Devero actually gets the chance to do those things. Assuming you are not naturally inclined to give in to homicidal tendencies, you should find this story extremely cathartic.
Keep in mind, this is clearly satire. I think it seems pretty clear, but just in case. If you identify with anyone who gets killed, this book is probably not the best one for you. But if you agree with author Matthew Hiley’s disgust for hypocrisy everywhere, and don’t mind that despite the language the biggest insult hurled is being called a Democrat, then the book is darkly hilarious. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to do the things to that person in your life that you’ve always imagined, Dwayne Devero actually gets the chance to do those things. Assuming you are not naturally inclined to give in to homicidal tendencies, you should find this story extremely cathartic.
June 17, 2014
A true baseball dad is one who never does concession stands or bathroom breaks, and definitely never sits. Dwayne, Russ, Tommy, and Steve are true baseball dads. Their group bonding comes from their sons being on the same team. Dwayne’s son, Alex, is the best on the team, with the other three’s sons being next best. The team coach, Ricky Dale always left them on the bench or playing worse spots on the team. In fact, Coach Dale always gave his son the best spot, and his rich friends’ sons always got to play, even though none were good. Each of the baseball dads had gotten tired of this.
One night Russ is witness to Umpire Dave committing a murder. He anonymously blackmails Dave into killing Coach Dale. This works out great until Assistant Coach Pete takes over and nothing changes. Dwayne has had enough and takes matters in his own hands by killing Pete and taking over as coach. Before it’s over with, there are double-digit murders, but the team makes the playoffs. And to the baseball dads, that’s all that matters.
Truthfully, I didn't think I would like this book, since it was about baseball. I’m not a sports fan. But this book was hilarious and I hated for it to end. My family thought I was crazy because I was laughing out loud so much while reading it. Please, please, please tell me that they’ll make it a movie. If you’re familiar with American Pie’s Steven Stifler, you will understand when I say that Russ is at least ten times worse than Stifler. And the comical textings that the group did had me rolling. I liked the ending too. If there is a second book, I guarantee you I’ll read it.
One night Russ is witness to Umpire Dave committing a murder. He anonymously blackmails Dave into killing Coach Dale. This works out great until Assistant Coach Pete takes over and nothing changes. Dwayne has had enough and takes matters in his own hands by killing Pete and taking over as coach. Before it’s over with, there are double-digit murders, but the team makes the playoffs. And to the baseball dads, that’s all that matters.
Truthfully, I didn't think I would like this book, since it was about baseball. I’m not a sports fan. But this book was hilarious and I hated for it to end. My family thought I was crazy because I was laughing out loud so much while reading it. Please, please, please tell me that they’ll make it a movie. If you’re familiar with American Pie’s Steven Stifler, you will understand when I say that Russ is at least ten times worse than Stifler. And the comical textings that the group did had me rolling. I liked the ending too. If there is a second book, I guarantee you I’ll read it.
January 27, 2016
I don't recommend this book for you. It's not in your wheelhouse. I gave it five stars because it is to mid-40's little league baseball coaches as Game of Thrones is to medieval dragon fetishists. Or I assume so, having never seen Game of Thrones.
The narrative of this book is no where near plausible. Neither is winning the Powerball jackpot but it's still fun to imagine how to spend the winnings. Baseball Dads is a fantasy world of what could happen if you were a lot cooler, wealthier, less inhibited and were never, ever worried about prison or hell.
It is rife with horrifyingly graphic violence, absurd and non-stop sex, deadly amounts of hallucinogens, opiates, pills, booze and cocaine.
But it also contains a father's hope for his son, true admiration of the world's greatest game and tear-duct splitting comic exchanges of dialogue and text messages between the anti-hero and his band of irredeemable, jackass friends.
While some may paint this tale with a clichéd "home run" review, I think of it more as a two-run line-drive ricocheted off the pitcher's orbital bone and into the stands, where the lucky fan can exchange the ball at the snack shack for a sno-cone or a joint.
The narrative of this book is no where near plausible. Neither is winning the Powerball jackpot but it's still fun to imagine how to spend the winnings. Baseball Dads is a fantasy world of what could happen if you were a lot cooler, wealthier, less inhibited and were never, ever worried about prison or hell.
It is rife with horrifyingly graphic violence, absurd and non-stop sex, deadly amounts of hallucinogens, opiates, pills, booze and cocaine.
But it also contains a father's hope for his son, true admiration of the world's greatest game and tear-duct splitting comic exchanges of dialogue and text messages between the anti-hero and his band of irredeemable, jackass friends.
While some may paint this tale with a clichéd "home run" review, I think of it more as a two-run line-drive ricocheted off the pitcher's orbital bone and into the stands, where the lucky fan can exchange the ball at the snack shack for a sno-cone or a joint.
October 2, 2015
So I got this book from NetGalley. And first of all I want to say, I absolutely love baseball. That's ultimately what attracted me to this book, but it was so much more than that after I was done reading it. Baseball Dads was such a great read and I really had a difficult time putting it down. The sarcasm, the humor, the banter, it really made this book what it is and I absolutely loved it!
The four main characters, Dwayne, Russ, Tommy and Steve, formed an unlikely friendship because their sons are friends in little league. Their interactions together worked so well despite how different the four of them are.
The way the murders went down could have easily been seen in a Quentin Tarantino movie. It wasn't described how you would see it in a horror/slasher flick, it has that beautiful cinematic feel to it (I know, weird to call it beautiful).
The fact that this story was based around little league baseball and doing what it takes to protect your family, something so simple as that and pairing it with all that crazy just made this book set a different kind of standard.
It's fantastic, I loved it and I love baseball! (And I love Dwayne.. who's an incredible badass)
The four main characters, Dwayne, Russ, Tommy and Steve, formed an unlikely friendship because their sons are friends in little league. Their interactions together worked so well despite how different the four of them are.
The way the murders went down could have easily been seen in a Quentin Tarantino movie. It wasn't described how you would see it in a horror/slasher flick, it has that beautiful cinematic feel to it (I know, weird to call it beautiful).
The fact that this story was based around little league baseball and doing what it takes to protect your family, something so simple as that and pairing it with all that crazy just made this book set a different kind of standard.
It's fantastic, I loved it and I love baseball! (And I love Dwayne.. who's an incredible badass)
September 6, 2015
Funniest. Book. Ever.
Dwayne's son is on the 10 year old Little League team in the swanky side of Ft. Worth. Alex is known as one of the best players in the league but his coach insists on playing "daddy baseball", putting his own son at short stop and the assistant coach's son at first base even though they lack the skill. The best kids he relegates to the outfield or the bench. Consequently, even with a pretty talented team, they are going to be big losers this season.
Dwayne's wife has been sleeping around and hanging out with the gossipy, nasty women in the area. She's also spending so much money he can't figure out how to keep up with everything.
Dwayne's had enough. He decides he's not going to take it anymore and he doesn't care what anyone thinks. He adopts a Jedi Grandmaster Ninja Warrior outlook on life and his three baseball dad "friends" come along for the ride.
This book is over the top, horrifyingly hilarious. You have no idea what Dwayne and the guys will do next. If you've ever been involved in Little League baseball, I'm sure you'll find it as funny as I did. I laughed so much, I think my dog was worried about me. Love it! :-)
Dwayne's son is on the 10 year old Little League team in the swanky side of Ft. Worth. Alex is known as one of the best players in the league but his coach insists on playing "daddy baseball", putting his own son at short stop and the assistant coach's son at first base even though they lack the skill. The best kids he relegates to the outfield or the bench. Consequently, even with a pretty talented team, they are going to be big losers this season.
Dwayne's wife has been sleeping around and hanging out with the gossipy, nasty women in the area. She's also spending so much money he can't figure out how to keep up with everything.
Dwayne's had enough. He decides he's not going to take it anymore and he doesn't care what anyone thinks. He adopts a Jedi Grandmaster Ninja Warrior outlook on life and his three baseball dad "friends" come along for the ride.
This book is over the top, horrifyingly hilarious. You have no idea what Dwayne and the guys will do next. If you've ever been involved in Little League baseball, I'm sure you'll find it as funny as I did. I laughed so much, I think my dog was worried about me. Love it! :-)
January 8, 2015
Murder and mayhem have never been more hilarious. Baseball dads by Matthew S. Hiley had me laughing until I was crying throughout most of the book. I was not sure what I would think about this book, but decided to give it a try because the description intrigued me. There are several points in the book that will hit home for any parent with children in sports. We all also have that one “friend” that just makes you want to hide in the nearest hole.
High-society pressure, “daddy baseball” and life in general send one man and his friends on a path of vengeance. You will enjoy their antics almost as much as you will be appalled by their behavior. I know that does not make sense, but once you read this story you will understand.
I give this book 5 stars because it has been a while since I was so thoroughly entertained while reading a book. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves humor thrown into their stories.
High-society pressure, “daddy baseball” and life in general send one man and his friends on a path of vengeance. You will enjoy their antics almost as much as you will be appalled by their behavior. I know that does not make sense, but once you read this story you will understand.
I give this book 5 stars because it has been a while since I was so thoroughly entertained while reading a book. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves humor thrown into their stories.
November 15, 2016
Extremely dark humor, along the lines of the movie Heathers! There is some truth in many of the things they explain but they go too far with some of their actions. I am sure many parents have thought this way as I know many coaches, coach this way. It can be a lack of a moral compass or years of pent up frustration, but whatever it is, it's wicked. Don't think I will ever get parents, putting kids in the middle of things. My frustration level runs high for those who do that and I think that is what caused me to refrain from giving it a sadistic 5 five star rating. Worth the read though.
May 9, 2016
Reads like a 14 year old's revenge fantasy
January 21, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC audiobook.
Baseball Dads by Matthew S. Hiley is a dark novel that includes the themes: sex, drugs, murder, and children's baseball.
The narrator, Dwayne Devero, is a disgruntled coach who decides to take matters into his own hands and punish the people who have wronged him and his family. He is a man who doesn't care about the consequences of his actions, as long as he can restore his own sense of justice.
The audiobook version of Baseball Dads is narrated by the author himself, (almost always a positive in my opinion) and he captures the voice and personality of Dwayne perfectly. He speaks with a thick Texas accent, a sarcastic tone, and a rapid-fire pace. He added some humorous comments and jokes throughout the story, which lightened up the mood and added the necessary comic relief.
The audiobook is well-produced and has clear sound quality.
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cringe, and gasp at the same time, then Baseball Dads might be the one for you. It is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended, as it contains graphic scenes of violence, sex, drugs, and profanity. However, if you enjoy dark humor, satire, and crime fiction with a twist of baseball lore, then you might find this book entertaining and engaging.
I am rating Baseball Dads 3 out of 5 stars for its originality, humor, and suspense. It is a book that will keep you on your toes.
However, I would not recommend it for younger readers or those who are sensitive to graphic content. Will appeal to fans of Matthew S. Hiley's previous novels.
Baseball Dads by Matthew S. Hiley is a dark novel that includes the themes: sex, drugs, murder, and children's baseball.
The narrator, Dwayne Devero, is a disgruntled coach who decides to take matters into his own hands and punish the people who have wronged him and his family. He is a man who doesn't care about the consequences of his actions, as long as he can restore his own sense of justice.
The audiobook version of Baseball Dads is narrated by the author himself, (almost always a positive in my opinion) and he captures the voice and personality of Dwayne perfectly. He speaks with a thick Texas accent, a sarcastic tone, and a rapid-fire pace. He added some humorous comments and jokes throughout the story, which lightened up the mood and added the necessary comic relief.
The audiobook is well-produced and has clear sound quality.
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cringe, and gasp at the same time, then Baseball Dads might be the one for you. It is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended, as it contains graphic scenes of violence, sex, drugs, and profanity. However, if you enjoy dark humor, satire, and crime fiction with a twist of baseball lore, then you might find this book entertaining and engaging.
I am rating Baseball Dads 3 out of 5 stars for its originality, humor, and suspense. It is a book that will keep you on your toes.
However, I would not recommend it for younger readers or those who are sensitive to graphic content. Will appeal to fans of Matthew S. Hiley's previous novels.
April 10, 2020
Holy shaved vagina, Catwoman!
I really wanted to like this more because who doesn't have an issue with the widespread injustices of daddy baseball, and who wouldn't want to see those who perpetrate it be stopped from befouling the great game? That's at least the starting-off point for this piece of gonzo fiction, but things quickly go afield, devolving into the ludicrous. At 100 pages in or so, I was convinced this was a first novel written by someone very young because it starts reading like a preteen's wet dream of what adult life must really be like: nonstop sex--not just daily but multiple times daily--and an endless supply of booze, coke, acid, and doobies--lots of doobies. The golf scenes and texts between the baseball dads are funny--I laughed several times through the course of this--but by the end I just felt a bit dumber for having read it.
First lines:
"JESUS TAP-DANCING CHRIST, UMP! IS HE PAYING YOU ON THE SIDE?"
July 18, 2023
I’m bad with comparisons, but if this were a movie or television series, Baseball Dads would be like a mash up between Falling Down and Eastbound and Down. There’s a lot of balance between dark and humorous, and I could easily picture this being a David Gordon Green script, with Danny McBride playing the lead dad.
It moves at a steady pace, with the mentioned sex, drugs, and murder making it maybe a little cartoonish in how things progress, but I enjoyed that as I initially worried this would be if anything, too much about baseball. It’s more about the sort of sports parents that get power hungry with their children’s “spot” in the team. This book is about baseball, but it won’t bore non sports fans.
I think the author left it open for another installment. I’d be interested in seeing if themes would shift or if we would see another baseball - serial killing - antihero - comedy novel. I’d be open to checking out what comes next.
It moves at a steady pace, with the mentioned sex, drugs, and murder making it maybe a little cartoonish in how things progress, but I enjoyed that as I initially worried this would be if anything, too much about baseball. It’s more about the sort of sports parents that get power hungry with their children’s “spot” in the team. This book is about baseball, but it won’t bore non sports fans.
I think the author left it open for another installment. I’d be interested in seeing if themes would shift or if we would see another baseball - serial killing - antihero - comedy novel. I’d be open to checking out what comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2017
I stopped reading with about 40% left in the book. I understand the author's point: the extent some will go to please their children and their spouse. But this book is so poorly written, the plot so ridiculous, the characters so unrealistic, that I could not decide if the author intended it to be so lousy or if the author (and the publisher) have mental challenges and truly think this book is worthy of being published.
I will give proper credit though. Some of the text message exchanges and conversations between characters made me chuckle but only because they were so far-fetched.
My time is limited and I have too many books on my "to read" list. I'm disappointed I had to waste time reading 60% of this garbage.
Watch: This book will probably be adapted as a movie or Amazon/Netflix show.
I will give proper credit though. Some of the text message exchanges and conversations between characters made me chuckle but only because they were so far-fetched.
My time is limited and I have too many books on my "to read" list. I'm disappointed I had to waste time reading 60% of this garbage.
Watch: This book will probably be adapted as a movie or Amazon/Netflix show.
July 18, 2023
The initial description of BASEBALL DADS captures the essence perfectly: "A darkly humorous tale encompassing sex, drugs, murder... and children's baseball."
Although uncertain if this book would align with my usual reading preferences (or rather, listening preferences), I ventured beyond my comfort zone to give it a chance. To my delight, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the intricacies of the characters and the storyline. Numerous shocking events left me astounded. However, amidst the world of parents devoted to their children's pursuit of baseball, where victory and defeat hold tangible significance, some individuals go to extreme lengths. These individuals are more than just "baseball dads"; they are passionate fans who demand nothing less than professional-level performance from their young ones, regardless of the sacrifices involved.
Although uncertain if this book would align with my usual reading preferences (or rather, listening preferences), I ventured beyond my comfort zone to give it a chance. To my delight, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the intricacies of the characters and the storyline. Numerous shocking events left me astounded. However, amidst the world of parents devoted to their children's pursuit of baseball, where victory and defeat hold tangible significance, some individuals go to extreme lengths. These individuals are more than just "baseball dads"; they are passionate fans who demand nothing less than professional-level performance from their young ones, regardless of the sacrifices involved.
August 22, 2023
This book was.....Interesting. First off all, this book is certainly not PC and contains language that might not appeal to all. So if that's something you're not interested in your books, then this isn't going to be the book for you. Like the cover indicates, there's plenty of sex m, drugs, muurder, and childrens baseball. There were several parts that made me laugh throughout. The story kept me engaged, but as the book went on, it got more and more ridiculous. Think little league dad going out for a run and people abandoning their cars in the street to join. The narration was great, which was its strongest suit. I don't think I would have stayed as interested as I was if I read this instead of listening. Overall, it's a mostly enjoyable read.
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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