Book summary

When he graduated from Yale with a degree in molecular biophysics, Matt McCarthy knew he would receive some intriguing job offers--but he did not expect one of his choices to be playing professional baseball in Provo, Utah. McCarthy did pitch for the Yale baseball team, but he was quite surprised to learn he'd been drafted in the 21st round by the Anaheim Angels. His memories of his lone season at the lowest level of professional baseball are filled with fast food, slow bus rides, and dirt pay. He also recalls the racial tension which divided the club, the constant temptation of steroids, and the selfish attitude of many of his teammates, who were more concerned with advancing their careers than playing winning baseball.

Media reviews

"[McCarthy] proves a sure-handed reporter in revealing the daily grind of a season, the unabashed racism among players..., the lousy pay and living conditions, and the callous nature of this most zero-sum of professions."