OUT STANDING IN MY FIELD
by Patrick Jennings
Scholastic Press
ISBN: 0439465818
Ages 9-14
176 pages

Ty Cutter is a lousy baseball player and everyone knows it. Ty's father, the coach of the Brewers, is known as "The Professor." He sticks Ty out in right field even though there are plenty of better ballplayers sitting on the bench. It would be easier to quit the team if his father hadn't named him after Ty Cobb and if dad wasn't living out his unfulfilled dream of playing in the major leagues through his son.

The entire story takes place over the course of one extremely hot June day in Babylon, Arizona. Ty Cutter, in his own voice, gives the reader a play-by-play of the most important game of the season for the Brewers. Starting with the warm-up and all the way through the wrap-up, each chapter describes a different inning of the big game. The Brewers, who are in third place, need to beat the second-place Tigers in order to advance to the county tournament.

OUT STANDING IN MY FIELD is filled with memorable characters, especially Daisy Cutter, Ty's sister. Daisy keeps the stats for the Brewers and dishes out advice to her brother. She tells him to stand up to "The Professor" and quit the team. But will Ty ever take her advice?

Patrick Jennings is the author of several novels, including FAITH AND THE ELECTRIC DOGS and THE BEASTLY ARMS. With OUT STANDING IN MY FIELD, Jennings has created a memorable character in Ty Cutter. The story is told in a voice that is simultaneously humorous and honest. You will remember Ty Cutter's words long after you put down this book.

   --- Reviewed by Renee Kirchner (renee.kirchner@usa.net)

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