This novel is inspired by author John Grisham's own experiences with baseball. He used to play baseball as a child and dreamed of becoming a professional player. However, as he grew older he noticed how dangerous the sport was, and decided to give it up.
Similarly, this novel is concerned with the dangers of baseball. The novel is set over thirty years, beginning with a match in 1973 where Major League player Calico Joe Castle is almost killed by a fastball on the pitch. This match is witnessed by 11-year-old fan Paul Tracey, and afterwards sees the decline of Castle's career in baseball, despite the fact he was a promising player.
The story follows Paul Tracey, whose father Warren Tracey is the pitcher who hit Calico Joe during the match in 1973. Thirty years later, Paul struggles to forget the events of that day, which have affected his life dramatically. After his father is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Paul encourages his father to make amends with Calico Joe.
