Magic Time

Mike Houle was a college all-star second baseman in his junior year, who turned down a fourth-round draft by the Montreal Expos because he wanted to finish his business degree. But in his final year at college, his average fell from .331 to .270, his stolen bases went from forty-five to nineteen, and he was caught stealing nine times. His chances of being drafted dried up.

So when Mike's agent calls with an offer to play in the Cornbelt League in Iowa, he can't really refuse--even though he'll get a pitiful salary, have to work a day job, and room with a local family. Mike can even handle the isolation of living in Grand Mound once he learns that he's a cinch to start at second base.

In fact, everything's going Mike's way until he begins to suspect that baseball isn't the only "game" being played in Grand Mound. He's had a habit of choking under pressure in a tight game. When tension mounts in his new home town, Mike has to deal with his past, the present, and his future as well.