Rounding Third — John Conlee

In ROUNDING THIRD, an unheralded rookie catcher is inexplicably added to the roster of the Bay City Grays, perennial also-rans in the American League East. As the Grays struggle to achieve respectability, this enigmatic lad from lower Alabama suddenly begins contributing in dramatic and unexpected ways. Who is lad who who has seemingly come out of nowhere? ROUNDING THIRD, like its predessor THE HEATER -- also features Grays' players Ty Duffy, Jimmy Devlin, and Deacon Lawler, as the Grays once again pursue post-season play. As in the earlier novel, the tale's sub-text reflects a famous medieval theme. And also as in the earlier novel, the main cast of characters once again end up in western Ireland, which provides the setting for the novel's surprising resolution. ROUNDING THIRD is zesty, witty, and wry, yet radiates genuine warmth and humanity.