Books
SYNOPSIS:Pinch Hitter is the poignant story about a middle-aged electronics salesman who fulfills a childhood dream of playing big league baseball for his hometown team.
A superior high school athlete, David Robbins fantasized about becoming a big league ballplayer until his older brother—a teammate and highly-scouted senior pitcher—was seriously injured during a team practice. Devastated by his brother’s career-ending accident, David quits the team and vows never again to play organized baseball. He remains a student of the game, however, and over the next twenty-nine years logs countless hours honing his hitting skills in local batting cages.
And then one day, out of the blue, he’s asked by a friend to play in an amateur league game for a team that will be forced to forfeit if he declines. Although deeply conflicted by his dilemma, he ultimately decides to end his self-imposed abstention from baseball and agrees to play. Going 4-for-4 with a home run in that game, David’s superlative hitting instincts catch the eye of Lester Pittman, the manager of the San Diego Armadas—a major league club besieged by injuries and in dire need of offensive help while in the heat of a divisional race. Impressed with David’s abilities and knowledge of baseball, the manager invites him to a team workout. The ensuing events astound the San Diego fans and the entire baseball community.
While capturing the hearts of the fans and learning to cope with an overzealous media, David soon discovers the cost of celebrity and is forced to reveal a family secret. Through it all, he learns that sometimes even crazy dreams come true.
To purchase a signed copy of Pinch Hitter, please email the author (info@deanrwhitney.com) to request ordering instructions.
PRAISE FOR PINCH HITTER
"Dean Whitney's passion and love for the game of baseball is beyond apparent through his words in Pinch Hitter. A truly great tale of what makes baseball so special, Pinch Hitter reminds us all why we watch."
— Darren Smith, XX Sports Radio Personality and co-host of “Too Much Show” and “Padres BP”
Reader Reviews as Posted on Amazon.com
“Lovely family drama. The lead character, David Robbins, is someone I think we all wish we knew. The story is told in a very visual fashion making you feel like you are right there taking it all in. Loved the baseball play by play. A real ‘feel good’ tale.” — L.A.
“The natural meets the rookie for the love of the game in a field of dreams — Any fan of baseball will enjoy the book.” — C.P.
“The story moves along at a good pace, the characters are real, relatable, and good role models, the suspense builds steadily, and the family drama that unfolds will tug at your heart (keep the Kleenex handy). You may read this book in one sitting!” — J.D.
“This has the surprise twists and great style of a story that keeps you interested from beginning to conclusion. If you are a fan of baseball, you will love this book, and if you love a good story, this will make your top ten list!” — M.Y.
“The game of baseball has so many great stories tied to it. For so many young men their dreams of getting to the show never materialize. For David Robbins that dream becomes reality. Smartly written, Whitney takes you inside a man’s emotions dealing with his past and his unlikely success at playing a game that he has loved all his life.” — D.C.
“Great family baseball story. Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a story about a good guy making good. 5 stars.” — R.S.