In The Shortstop, Zane Grey paints a vivid picture of small-town America in the early 20th century, focusing on the lives of the young men who make up the local baseball team. The protagonist, Larry King, is a talented shortstop with dreams of making it to the major leagues. As he navigates the challenges of young adulthood, including relationships, family dynamics, and societal expectations, Grey expertly captures the complexities of growing up in a small community.

The novel is filled with heartwarming moments, humorous anecdotes, and poignant reflections on the passage of time. Grey's writing style is engaging and immersive, bringing the world of the baseball diamond to life with vivid descriptions and memorable characters. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance resonate throughout the story, making it a compelling read for fans of coming-of-age tales and sports fiction alike.

Overall, The Shortstop is a captivating and nostalgic look at the power of dreams and the bonds that hold us together, even in the face of adversity. Grey's keen observations and emotional depth make this a timeless story that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Book Description:

Zane Grey (Pearl Zane Gray) born in 1872 in Zanesville, Ohio was best known for his western stories, most notably Riders Of The Purple Sage which has been filmed four times, the last in 1996 starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan. Among his other interests was baseball. He attended the University of Pennsylvania on a baseball scholarship where he earned a degree in dentistry. Grey later played minor league baseball with a team in Wheeling, West Virginia. According to the Internet Movie Data Base he is credited with 110 films made from his stories and books. Grey died from a heart attack in 1939 in Altadena, California.

In The Shortstop (1909) drawing on his baseball experience Grey follows the adventures of seventeen year-old Chase Alloway on his quest to make his fortune as a baseball player and lift his family out of poverty. Along the way young Chase encounters hardship and set-back. But with perseverance he discovers not only himself but friendship and love.