Calico Joe by John Grisham

I managed to get my mitt on a copy of Calico Joe prior to the publication date and read it in about the time it would take to play nine well-matched innings of baseball. 

This is the story of a living legend in the making brought down by a vicious pitch to the head.  We find out years later the turns the lives of both men have taken and how that memorable game changed the life of one young boy.

This is short little gem of fictional baseball lore that reads like a great urban legend.  It should put you in the mood to buy some peanuts and Cracker Jack.