Psychiatrist John Burton is sick to death of watching his son, Steve, being verbally abused by his baseball coach and teammates.  However, John realizes that his son’s interest in playing ball overrules any abuse Steve tolerates.

One night, John has a brilliant idea.  He signs up to coach a team and immediately signs on Steve and the other less-than-perfect players.  Together, the players attempt to do their best.  With an understanding new coach, will the team succeed?

As a parent who has sat on the sidelines and watched the pressure that Little League players face, I think Lyle Burton Gangsei captures the stress of the game perfectly.  My husband and I coached our son’s kindergarten-aged league one year, and I will add that the pressure to win doesn’t always come from the coach—some parents are just as bad.  I find the behavior inexcusable and thank Dr. Gangsei for presenting it in an energetic, entertaining story.

A little similar to the Bad News Bears, baseball fans of all ages will most likely find a familiar experience or two within the pages.