An inspiring story, in the spirit of FIELD OF DREAMS, about one of our nation's most eccentric and important star athletes, and the seeds of a social movement that changed the course of American history.
Rudy is a black man in his 70s and the janitor of the same boy&;s orphanage where he was raised. Years ago, he had a chance at the life he wanted, but the Vietnam War, a broken heart and a life filled with people telling him that he could never succeed, pushed him to the shadows. And he&;s been fine hiding there ever since.
But when he discovers a mint condition Satchel Paige baseball card worth over $100,000, he is magically transported back to 1936 when Paige, the very best player in baseball, is locked out of the majors due to his race. Barnstorming the country, mowing down baseball&;s biggest white stars in exhibition games from coast to coast, Rudy learns how this singular talent cut through racism and the ravages of the Depression and put baseball&;s color line on notice. Paige will ultimately square off with the New York Yankees&; brightest young phenom, Joe DiMaggio, in an epic extra-inning showdown.
On the journey of a lifetime, Rudy will learn that life is worth fighting for even in the face of impossible odds.
"A story that needs to be told...well written." - Advanced Reviewer
Fans of 42 and To Kill a Mockingbird will love this historically inspired book.
When a handyman discovers a mint condition Satchel Paige baseball card worth over $100,000, he is transported back to 1947 when Paige, the biggest baseball star in the Negro Leagues, is passed over for the younger Jackie Robinson to break the color line.
