The Short-Stop

The Short Stop is the story of Chase Alloway who has to persuade his mother to let him quit his job in a factory to become a ball player; and of the many exploits he encounters on his way to the big leagues. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries baseball was "the grand ole game" every one played, and nearly every town of any size at all had its own team which competed in a league. The players were paid, and rivalries between towns reached fever pitch when they competed against one another. Incidents such as having a "ringer" inserted into a game were common, so when a team had an exceptional player he was looked on with suspicion by the other team. This is great stuff for any sports fan to read, and shows the beginnings of the writing style Zane Grey would later become renown for. I have this exact book, and have had it for 30 years. I enjoy it time and time again. You will too.