Six Innings: A Game in the Life

Sam Reiser cant play in the Little League championship game this year, so instead hell announce the game from the booth above home plate. Its Earl Grubbs Pool Supplies against Northeast Gas & Electric and it promises to be a tough game. Northeast has Nick Clemente on the mound. Nick is a big kid and the hardest thrower in the league. Hes big, loud and nasty. Pool Supplies, Sams team, has Dylan Van Zant. He doesnt throw as hard as Nick, but hes smart. Its anybodys game.

Six Innings isnt just about baseball, although the pages are filled with the tension, action, fears and thoughts of the game and its players. Its also about the team. Its about Mike Tyree, Sams best friend, who must compete with his basketball superstar sister Candace for his parents attention. Its about Patrick Wong who is too afraid to swing his bat or have a hit come to him in the field. Its about Carter Harris whose policeman father was killed in the line of duty and who fears the same fate for his Uncle Jimmy. And its about Sam who lives baseball but cant play.

Preller delves into the hearts and minds of Little League players; those who love the game and those who play for other reasons. While viewers see a game being played, they rarely know the thoughts of the players. Preller brings this into focus without sacrificing the excitement felt by everyone involved. There are amazing catches, exciting plays, powerful hits, strong pitching.

While Six Innings is primarily for baseball enthusiasts, people who like to get into the minds of characters will also enjoy the book. Try an inning and youll stay for the whole game.