Mr. Strike Out

By Jake Maddox and Sean Tiffany

David Gray is notorious in his baseball league, notorious for strike outs, both as a pitcher and a batter. After learning about the great Babe Ruth, David becomes determined to become a good all-around player, which means he'll have to learn how to bat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: May 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781434288493

Jake Maddox

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler – or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps – literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Yankees vs. Lions

Twelve-year-old David Gray, a pitcher for the Yankees Little League team, stood at home plate with a bat in his hand.

I have to hit the ball, thought David, or I’ll never hear the end of it. Carter is on third, waiting to come in, and we already have two outs.

David studied the Lions’ pitcher. He watched the pitcher wind up.

It was a slider! David swung the bat.

Wump! The ball landed in the catcher’s mitt.

Strike one, said the umpire.

Here we go again, thought David.

David watched as the pitcher looked over at third. Yeah, yeah, I see Carter too, thought David. And if I don’t bring him home, he’ll give me an earful.

The pitcher looked at home plate. First the windup, and then the ball flew toward home plate.

Another fastball. Hit it! David swung.

Wump! Strike two, said the umpire. The pitcher looked at home plate and nodded his head.

Here it comes! thought David. It was a change-up this time.

David swung as hard as he could.

Wump! Strike three! You’re out! said the ump.

The Lions ran off the field. Mark Carter sprinted over to David as he walked toward the parking lot.

Can’t you do anything right? said Mark. No wonder they call you Mr. Strike Out!

Give him a break, said Andy. They only call him that because he’s a strikeout pitcher.

But he strikes out all the time, too, said