Review of "Two-Way Pitcher," by M. G. Bonner

Review of

Two-Way Pitcher, by M. G. Bonner

Four out of five stars

 This is a story about boys out of school for the summer, playing in a summer baseball league and doing other things that boys do for fun. They also swim, hike and eat ice cream. They love baseball and the lead character is Manny Hull, known by all as Fireball for his prowess at throwing a baseball at a high rate of speed. However, Fireball has a problem, he is a superb relief pitcher but always has problems when he is the starter. Coming into a game with it on the line, Fireball has no nerves, but when he starts he always manages to let his feelings overpower him.

 The story covers the season of Fireball’s team, known as the Turtles, as they pursue the league championship. Most of the boys in the league are supportive of each other and put the team first, yet there is one boy, another dynamic pitcher named Jim. He derides his teammates on the Pines when they make errors and blames others when he loses games. No one in the league likes him, his teammates tolerate him only because he is such a good player.

 The best word for this book of adolescent sports fiction is wholesome, the boys work hard doing things like shoveling snow in order to buy their equipment and except for Jim, all of the rivalries are good-natured and friendly. They play hard to win and verbally ride the opposition, but there is no malice within. As expected, there is one big game at the end with Fireball on the mound for the Turtles. It is an easy read with no great tension or dynamic moments.