Suicide Squeeze

by Geoff Stamper

Have you ever wondered what it would really mean if your superstitions as a fan could actually affect the outcome of a game? Jamie is not yet 30, not yet married, and not yet over his childhood infatuation with baseball. When he accidentally discovers he can control what happens on the field for his favorite professional team, elation soon gives way to a cascade of unforeseen events and unexpected consequences. Follow Jamie on his mysterious quest to the heart of superstition, where he will grapple with the responsibility that comes with great power, the meaning of being a fan, the joy that comes from uncertainty, and life's true priorities. This gripping debut novel is a must-read for fans of The Natural, Angels in the Outfield, and Field of Dreams. Beloved by fathers, sons, and fans and baseball and comedy, this wild ride will keep you up late turning pages.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Geoff Stamper was born in New York where his parents and grandparents made him feel like he was the center of the universe and he has never been able to shake that feeling. He grew up on baseball in Michigan and Wisconsin, playing right field when he wasn’t sitting on the bench. Managing to graduate from Seattle University and George Washington University Law School without “laudes” of any kind, he began working on a Ph.D. at the University of Washington. But when his father discovered Geoff had voted for McGovern, educational funding suddenly dried up.

Forced into gainful employment, Geoff spent four years in Alumni Relations and Development at Seattle University and 28 years in Human Resources at The Boeing Company, where thankfully he was never ever allowed anywhere near an actual airplane part. His wife and three sons find it ironic that he made a living delivering “people services” while regularly alienating family members with his own lack of people skills.

Geoff has been a member of the Washington State Bar Association since 1973. Although historically self centered, he anticipated that the day for this page might come. So he has served on the Boards of the Foodbank Warehouse in Wichita (1993-1997) and the Matt Talbot Center (a ministry of healing for the addicted and homeless) since 1998. Running for state representative in Washington in 2004, he received 30% of the vote and was surprised and disappointed not to be declared the winner. Unfortunately, it was his bad timing to pick an opponent who was actually named on almost 70% of the ballots.

The sum of all these experiences clearly qualified Geoff to write a novel. Having accomplished that goal, he has moved on to his next project of raising moles as pets. Since they are easily trained to live outside and construct their own housing, he expects a huge market. Later if he has the time, Geoff plans to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Reviews

[Brend-a-bowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed my uncle's book. Although one should definitely know the difference between suicide and safety.