The story is mainly about Henry Skrimshander's journey through college as a star baseball player. Henry Skrimshander is a college freshman who develops into a potential Major League Baseball player. He begins his journey by moving into a college away from home and becomes close friends with the people on his team and also his homosexual roommate, Owen. His parents disagree with the rooming arrangements, but Henry sticks up for Owen and continues to live in the same dorm.
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Henry becomes the Big Man On Campus at his college. He's the best player on a bad baseball team. He is close to setting the college record for being the best shortstop to ever play the game, but the mounting pressure gets to him.
Another facet to the novel involves the roommate Owen. Owen begins a romantic relationship with the male president of the college he attends. The two fall in love, but the relationship is kept secret.
Because the baseball team isn't the best, Owen decides to play with Henry. Owen doesn't get much playing time, but enjoys being on the team even though he has asthma problems.
Near the end of the season, when Henry is one errorless game away from breaking the all-time record, he makes an errant throw from shortstop to first base. The ball sails into the dugout and hits Owen in the chest. Owen ends up getting very injured, which causes a scare for his secret lover and friends. All ends well, though.
In the end, Henry is projected to be a top draft pick for his favorite MLB team, the Cardinals. Instead of pursuing his lifelong dream, he decides to remain in college for another season.
Best part of story, including ending:
I liked the story because it was very realistic and relatable to anyone who has participated in baseball. There was nothing I hated.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene was when Henry made an error because it showed how he could overcome the huge disappointment of failing to break the college record.
Opinion about the main character:
I liked that he was very friendly and not arrogant even though he was a great player.
