I liked this one more than I expected, not being a fan of baseball. It helps that it's not centrally a baseball story. There aren't long descriptions of skills and plays. It's present, but this is far more about relationships, confidence, and accepting change. We've got a lot of unique details and a solid picture of life in a small midwestern town. Well worth he read.

Alex Weakerman is an almost eighth grader who loves baseball, especially the Hurricanes of Weakerville, Iowa, an independent league professional baseball team owned by his Grandpa Ira. Alex's talents don't lie in actually playing the game--he once struck out at tee-ball--but he is a whiz at statistics, and he knows everything about every player and every at-bat the Hurricanes have ever had. But the Hurricanes are a shadow of what they once were, and are losing money. And Alex has other problems--his lack of confidence is legendary. When his Grandpa Ira passes away, Alex is crushed, but Ira eaves him a legacy that can change everything. He becomes the manager of the Hurricanes.

This is a hilarious middle-grade story with a great cast of characters who will keep you laughing. Although it is about baseball, it's also about the wonderful relationship between a boy and his grandfather, and a bequest that will turn out to be much bigger than it appears. It is about the magic that happens when you step out of your comfort zone and trust others, and about the gift of good friends. This book was enjoyable from beginning to end. It had me laughing out loud in some places and misting up in others. It was a pleasure to read. Fans of fiction about sports and family will love this lively tale of a thirteen-year-old professional baseball manager, his amazing grandpa, and his group of friends.

I received a free copy of this book from Walden Pond Press via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

Full of heart and humor, middle-grade readers will fall in love with Alex and his baseball team. I highly recommend this for fans of baseball statistics or anyone who loves a feel-good, underdog sports story.