LAST AT BAT SMALL TOWN BIG SECRETS If you can throw a 95 MPH fastball - or hit one - your teammates don't care what color you are, how pretty you are, or where you came from.
“I SOON DISCOVERED this novel is a story of the indomitable spirit that potentially dwells in us all. About selflessness, sacrifice and the beauty of compassion. It’s the story of hope and renewal; a second chance.” —Jeff Lowrey Baseball Play by Play Announcer/Film Producer MATT WOLF doesn't remember his past, or what he used to look like. Or his real name.But the four people who rescued him from a devastating plane crash, do know . . . everything. Including that the world, including his wife, think Dylan Michael, the greatest baseball player of a generation, died in that crash. As fans mourn Dylan's loss, Matt heals. While his face will never look the same, his body recovers and is stronger than ever. By chance, he realizes he may have played baseball at one time. As his talent resurfaces, it's clear he has major league ability, maybe super-star ability. But there's a catch; his past can't be discovered, or he could spend years in prison. To reach his dream of returning to "The Show" Matt will need the help of everyone in the small town of Blossom, South Carolina. Problem is, Matt is a white guy and Blossom is a nearly all Black town. A town not really all that fond of white guys, even former big leaguers.
HE WILL NEED TO PROVE TO THE PEOPLE OF BLOSSOM HE'S MORE THAN A BASEBALL PLAYER!
This was one of the best books I have read this year, and possibly in my all time top ten. This was such an emotional journey of following an athlete who was severely injured, not expected to live through the night. Reading and see his recovery on the pages & in my mind. Watching the incredible second chance the athlete got in life, with all the ups and downs. This was a powerful read.
If you don't like baseball or baseball stats you may not enjoy this tead as much as I did.
Although I'm not a big baseball fan, this story hit it out of the park!! Such excellent characters and their development kept me intrigued throughout. I would recommend to anyone, fan or not, because it's such a warm, feel good story that depicts the best in human nature through diversity, physical and mental challenges and true dedication.
People either love baseball or they don't... I haven't to be one of those guys who love the game. This is a very good book on baseball, but it's more than that... It's really about relationships and overcoming life's issues. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.
I had no big expectations for this book but had a great time reading it. Yes, its has a distinct similarity to The Natural but it is a different enough story. I caught a few typos and syntax errors, those usually bug me, but they were very few and oddly forgivable. This is just simply a great book and fun read.
This book was a recommended read by a friend of mine, and am thankful that he did. This was a heartwarming story of baseball, and what’s more, the “human spirit.” From beginning to end, I couldn’t put this book down. If you’re a fan of baseball, this book is for you… and if you enjoy reading heartwarming stories, this book is for you.
WOW what a great story! I think that this is the best story I have ever read! I loved it! Anyone who likes baseball will also love it. It makes you feel like you are right there in the story with them. It makes you to Never give up Hope!
Wow, what a story. I love baseball and the detail in this book is great. I imagined every twist and turn like I was right there. Wouldn’t it make a great movie? Yes it would. Keep them coming please.
I am all for a good baseball book, in fact, I specifically look for good baseball books. That being said, I was not a fan. It was a slow read for me. It has taken me awhile to finish, and I normally can read a good book in a day or two. The way it switches timelines was a little confusing at first.
Could not put this down. The emotion of the story, love and sacrifice of the people of the little town to save one man and give him a chance at greatness is just so touching. There is no other word for this but AWESOME!!!!
If you like baseball stories, you will love this book. It brings the sport to life, in the characters and in the choices they make and the thoughts they think.
I have no idea what triggered me to request this book. It's not a genre I would normally choose, in fact it's far from anything I would choose as I don't read books about sports. That said, I'm so glad I found Last At Bat, and heartily recommend it. Pay attention, because the story line moves back and forth between the "present" and the "past" and at times that can be confusing. BUT, the love shown between the various characters, and the jeopardy each finds along his/her way is compelling.
Keeps you on the edge of your seat, even if you don't like baseball
You enter this story at what appears to be a sad ending for your primary character. Mark Donahue weaves this story around not just him, but all those that touch him so well, you don't notice until the end of the book. You are just wrapped up in what is happening. Along the way, you might learn a bit about baseball but more importantly, you enjoy a great story about very human people, that are great in themselves.