This is the first novel that I have read from this site that I ever gave full marks for. The reason - ITS JUST DARN GOOD, from beginning to present, you can associate with or empathise with all the characters epecially the MC - Jake. Baseball is not played in my country and yet I am learning so much about the sport, which I originally find boring as I am not a fan of long sports -7-12 innings but I am somewhat appreciating. This is a genre I rarely read about in novel format, manga - yes, anime - now and then. This story has potential to go for the long haul as the starting age for our hero is 14 with the chance to grow with himself, the sport as well as with those around him in years to come. That's right - this story has "years" potential as long as the author keeps doing such amazing writing.For those who want to read a story that is just real and is not just about the sport but about life, its lessons and the people. THIS IS DEFINITELY THE NOVEL FOR YOU. Very good work author. Hope more people will continue to notice it.