The Ninth Man
by
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Foreword
Like all the other baseball players for the Class A Richmond Tigers, Casey Collins followed a standard game day routine. A light meal a few hours before game time was followed by a short drive to the ballpark, a friendly nod to the lone security guard at the gate before parking, and the walk into the locker room.
Casey checked the line-up card posted on the manager’s office door, although, like everyone else, already knew which name would be at the bottom:
- Jones CF
- Hernandez 2B
- Miller 3B
- Jackson DH
- Thomas 1B
- Murray LF
- Daley C
- Gonzalez SS
- Collins RF
And like the other players, while dressing for the game Casey experienced a certain amount of pre-game excitement and jitters. It was game day after all, time to "step it up," as they say.
But Casey Collins did not participate in any of the traditional pre-game locker room antics. No snapping of the towels, cracking bad jokes, or any of the other usual banter among teammates. As a matter of fact, there were no other teammates in Casey Collins’ special, private locker room.
Because unlike the eight other players in the starting line-up, the right fielder and the ninth man on the roster for the Class A Richmond Tigers, was a woman.
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About the Book
Can a woman make it to the Major Leagues?
Twenty-five year old Casey Collins is somewhat of an anomaly. She is the only woman playing men’s minor league baseball. When a series of events causes Casey to jump two divisions from Class A to Class AAA, it puts her one step away from the majors, and places her on a national stage. Sparking a nationwide debate, it asks the question, ‘Can a woman compete in a man’s sport at this level?’
In a cross between Bull Durham and A League Of Their Own, follow this incredible young woman as she struggles to overcome politics, sexism and the athletic challenges of competing in a male dominated sport.
The Ninth Man has it all – action, humor, romance, as well as a collection of great one liner’s: "The term Baseball Player is not gender specific," "A woman’s place is at home – home plate that is," and "Hasta La Baseball, Baby!"
The Ninth Man is entertaining and uplifting, and presents a scenario that is sure to spark debate on whether a woman will someday cross the boundaries and make it to the major leagues.
The Ninth Man – it’s about more than baseball.
About the Author
The Ninth Man
Bill welcomes comments about his work at pennabaker@comcast.net