Chief Sunrise, John McGraw, and Me

By Timothy Tocher

Sport: Baseball

Rating: 3 3/4 stars

It is 1919 and Hank is living hand-to-mouth with his deadbeat dad, just hoping to someday get picked up by a baseball team in the majors for his great shortstop playing. When a chance comes to break away from his father, Hank hops on a boxcar north and meets up with Chief Sunrise, a Seminole Indian man who claims he is the best pitcher in the country. Chief wants to hook up with the New York Giants and their famed manager John McGraw and show him his pitching arm, and Hank is only too ready to come along. The pair share in several adventures before they make it to New York, but will McGraw give two down and out guys a chance at the big leagues? This is a very enjoyable historical baseball story, made even better by the good characters and includes plenty of baseball action. Fans may want to pick up the sequel, Bill Pennant, Babe Ruth and Me.