The 2023 Major League Baseball season recently began on March 30. For baseball fans looking for novels about the sport to celebrate the start of the new season, here are four baseball-themed novels.
The Cactus League by Emily Nemens
Outfielder Jason Goodyear has begun his spring training in Arizona with his team, the Los Angeles Lions. A star in the baseball scene, Goodyear has begun to suddenly fall apart during his training. Hundreds and hundreds of people—from coaches to girlfriends to fans—are desperate to find out what happened to the player. Alongside Goodyear’s story, the novel also focuses on one of the team’s coaches, one of Goodyear’s girlfriends, and a sports agent. The novel focuses on each character’s determination to receive attention before the season begins.
The Pitcher by William Hazelgrove
Two people’s lives cross paths through baseball in this novel. A young boy dreams of being a pitcher but does not have the money to afford lessons. He meets a World Series pitcher who is struggling to overcome his grief after the death of his wife. Together, they will overcome their challenges and relearn their love for the game
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
Henry Skrimshander is a star baseball player at Westish College until one day a throw goes completely wrong. Five people’s lives are forever changed because of this off course throw. Henry begins to struggle with self-doubt. His college’s president falls in love while one of his teammate’s enters an affair. His team captain begins to have doubts about Henry’s career alongside his own. And the daughter of the university’s president arrives on campus, determined to start her life over. As the baseball season progresses, these five people must learn to overcome the issues they have been newly dealt.
Calico Joe by John Grisham
Joe Castle is a rookie player for the Cubs who quickly reaches stardom. During the summer of 1973, he broke almost every rookie record, amazing Cubs fans in the process. Baseball fans everywhere begin to fall in love with Joe, now known as “Calico Joe.” This includes the son of a Mets pitcher, Paul Tracey. When his father, Warren Tracey, and Calico Joe face-off in a game, Paul is torn over who to root for. Until Warren threw a fastball and the game—and their lives—changed in an instant.
Whether you’re a fan of baseball or a fan of sports literature, these four baseball-centered novels are sure to make enjoyable reads. Reading them will be a great way to start the Major League Baseball season.
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