The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
It is easy to be romantic about baseball. I heard that on a podcast a long time ago and it continues to remain true. Baseball stories are the best sports stories because it’s an individual battle wrapped in a team sport. There are many reasons why baseball continues to be loved by boys and girls across this great country.
This story in particular is a standout one. The story of Henry, the greatest shortstop to play the game, getting the yips. How does he react? How do the people who helped get him to this position react? Can Henry overcome it all?
The Art of Fielding gives you a great look into the mind of an athlete. How hard you have to work and how easy it is for it all to fall apart. Now it’s not all great. There is a major part of the book revolving around a big age gap relationship that doesn’t vibe with me, but other than that, this book knocks it out of the park. Pun intended.
4 out of 5 stars.
