The Oldest Rookie

Reader reviewed by bookworm9

Jim Morris is a hotshot pitcher in a football town when he begins his minor league career and discovers he probably doesnt have the mental make-up to be a big league pitcher. When several arm injuries derail his career, Jimmy finally makes the decision that its time for him to settle down with his family and stop chasing after a childish dream. But when a promise to the kids he coaches leads him to another major league try out at the age of thirty-six, he realizes that sometimes you get one last chance to make your dreams come true.

I picked this book up as a baseball fan who was mildly interested in an incredible story. To my surprise, most of the story did not focus on Morriss career with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, but instead on his entire life leading up to that pointan incredibly interesting life filled with parental abuse, horrific injuries, a bumpy marriage, and plenty of baseball. I would recommend this book to any high schooler looking for a good read, as this is an excellent coming-of-age story. For young athletes with professional aspirations, its a must-read.