The spring of 53 started out like any other for sports columnist Jack Hall, as he and the rest of his small southern town, Whitney, eagerly awaited the magical first pitch that would open the Bobcats season. But when ticket sales wane with the new distractions of air conditioning and I Love Lucy, the Bobcats face an early end not only to the season but to their careers as well. The team needs a white knight to save them and ironically, that white knight seems to be a 17 year old "colored kid", Percy Jackson, whos got a .364 batting average and has never seen a grounder he couldnt chase down.Not everyonenot even most peoplethough can wrap their heads around an integrated baseball field, even if they have seen them on TV. This is Whitney. Things dont change and they dont need to change. Do they?Hearts, minds, faith and tradition will be tested as will friendships and marriages when this sleepy southern town comes to grips with itself amid the early years of the Civil Rights Movement.
