Cody Parker may be overweight (he prefers the word burly), but he plays third base like a dream. Too bad no one knows it yet, because he's new to Baltimore, where he's a target-okay, a big target-for brutal teasing. Even worse, he's competing for the starting job on the Orioles of the Dulaney Babe Ruth League against budding hoodlum
Dante Rizzo, who vows to squeeze Cody's head like a grape if Cody beats him out. Life gets even more complicated when York Middle School is beset by a rash of mysterious thefts, a crime wave that threatens to sideline Cody-and ruin a golden season for the Orioles. Will Cody ever succeed in getting people to see him for who he really is?
Connor Sullivan is too humble to admit it, but he's the Orioles' best player: an all-star shortstop and a beast of a cleanup hitter. The Orioles are thankful to have someone with his skill, dedication, and good nature on their Babe Ruth League team. Lately, though, Connor hasn't been so good-natured. Maybe he's worried about things at home, or maybe he's just been working too hard-whatever the reason, his anger is out of control. When he strikes out or makes an error, he's a walking Mount Vesuvius, slamming his batting helmet and throwing his glove. His opponents dub him "Psycho Sully." Even his best friend, Jordy, starts to avoid him. Coach Hammond is ready to bench him indefinitely.
Then the sports editor of the school paper threatens to do a big story on Connor's tantrums-complete with embarrassing photos. Will Connor be able to get his act together in time to help the team win the championship, or is he destined to become a champion chump on YouTube?
This story, loosely based on a challenge Cal Ripken, Jr. once faced, is filled with plenty of play-by-play action to keep baseball fans riveted.
