Will Joe Skelton finish writing his brain-tumor-induced novel before he dies, in time for us to find out if its unlikely hero, crippled janitor Harold Fungo, can overcome his disabilities and make it to the major leagues?
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Will Joe Skelton finish writing his brain-tumor-induced novel before he dies, in time for us to find out if its unlikely hero, crippled janitor Harold Fungo, can overcome his disabilities and make it to the major leagues?
Read Less
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Harold Fungo enjoys the waltz of sweeping the large stadium concourse day after day. But one day, as the rest of the field and grounds crew are playing with the new automatic pitching machine, he gets invited to join in on batting practice. Despite his odd hitting form, it is clear his ability to smack the ball consistently is one of great talent, 30 years of endless hours of practice talent.
As Harold is discovered by his minor league baseball employer and scouted for pinch-hitting prospects, readers are introduced to Joe and his wife Katherine. Joe and Katherine live a relatively normal life. As a man of few words, Joe prefers working alone, making night-stocking at the local grocery store, and maintaining the cemetery grounds the perfect jobs for him. He isn�t passionate about baseball and doesn�t stay up on the sport. Yet, at night his wife finds him sleep-talking an entire story on the life and rise to fame of Harold Fungo a man he�s never met.
As Morris Hoffmanââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Å"Pinch Hittingââ?¬Â? unfolds readers are welcomed into the underdog story of Harold, as we itch to learn more about his trajectory, we are faced with the brain tumor battle Joe is undergoing, the very tumor likely causing this wild story. As the emotions of this terminal illness threaten to spill out, we are torn between excitement for Harold and heartbreak for Joe.
The emotional tug of war this story wages speaks to the true talent author Morris Hoffman brings to the page. As he winds two unique, but otherwise vehemently different stories together, we can�t help but become entangled in the action, drama, and whirlwind that plays out. As readers travel across the midwestern plains and Colorado mountains via the minor league bus and all its occupants we are excited and eager for Harold�s experiences, friendships, and hits. Yet, in the back of every reader�s mind is the urgency in completing Harold�s story before Joe succumbs to his battle.
From Soot to Sparky, Nick to Paul, the personalities, friendship, and character-driven nature of this read are easy to get lost in. Ending with perhaps one of the most shocking and enjoyable epilogues yet, ââ?¬Å"Pinch Hittingââ?¬Â? by Morris Hoffman reminds us of the beauty of fate and the glory of baseball.
Literary Titan
Aug 10, 2024
Gripping baseball novel
Morris Hoffman's Pinch Hitting is a heartfelt tribute to baseball, woven into a narrative that explores the profound struggles of disability, grief, trauma, and loss. The novel artfully blends the emotional weight of these themes with the exhilarating intensity of baseball, creating a compelling and multi-layered story. The structure of Pinch Hitting is particularly intriguing, as it features a story within a story. The novelâ��s central character, Joe Skelton, becomes an unlikely narrator when he is diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. This tumor manifests in an unexpected wayâ�"Joe begins narrating a vivid and original story in his sleep, surprising both himself and his wife, Katherine. They start documenting this tale, which evolves into Tales of Harold. As Joe races against time to finish Harold's story before his own life ends, an invisible clock ticks away, adding tension and urgency to the narrative.
At the heart of Joe�s tale is Harold Fungo, affectionately known as the "Joltin� Janitor." Harold is a disabled janitor who unexpectedly finds himself thrust into the national spotlight as a professional baseball player, thanks to his remarkable pinch-hitting abilities discovered by a minor league team. The reader is taken on an emotional journey through Harold�s life, from his challenging childhood with a loving, deaf mother to the discrimination and betrayal he faces as an adult in the world of professional sports.
Hoffman enhances the storytelling with each chapter, beginning with a newspaper clipping that updates the reader on the latest happenings in Harold�s baseball world. This clever device adds authenticity to Harold's rise in the sports world, while the alternating narratives of Joe and Harold create a rich, layered experience. The emotional journey of Joe and Katherine as they confront his illness is paralleled by Harold�s tumultuous path in baseball, where themes of racism, discrimination, and the deep bonds of teamwork come to the fore.
Pinch Hitting, by Morris Hoffman, offers something for everyone, whether you're drawn to its deeply touching emotional core or the gripping excitement of baseball. Even those with little interest in the sport will find themselves captivated by the novel's powerful storytelling and complex characters. This is a book that will resonate with readers, winning hearts regardless of their familiarity with the game.
