The Closer

The final book in the out-of-the-park series by legendary short-stop and veteran sportswriter Cal Ripkin! Danny Connolly is a back-up pitcher with the Dulaney Orioles. He knows what that means: not good enough to start. When he does get into games, he hasn't exactly been the shut-down reliever the team needs. To make matters worse his older brother, Joey, is a lights-out high school lefty with a 90-mph fastball who's attracting lots of attention from college recruiters and major league scouts. It's bad enough that Danny's parents seem to fawn over Joey, but now, as his big brother's mound exploits draw more and more attention, Danny's starting to get the why-aren't-you-as-good-as-Joey comments from the Orioles, too. Lonely and frustrated, Danny embarks on a secret project designed to make his family and teammates sit up and take notice. Aided by a mysterious stranger with an uncanny knowledge of the aerodynamics of a flying baseball, he attempts to learn a new pitch--a pitch no one has ever seen before called "The Terminator." The clock is ticking as the championships approach. If Danny's audacious plan works he'll be the talk of the league--and more importantly the dependable closer the Orioles desperately need. Perfect for!

★ Little League players

★ Reluctant Readers

★ Baseball card collectors

★ Baltimore Orioles fans