Synopsis
Playing shortstop is a way of life for Hutch—not only is his hero, Derek Jeter, a shortstop, but so was his father, a former local legend turned pro. Which is why having to play second base feels like demotion to second team. Yet that’s where Hutch ends up after Darryl “D-Will” Williams, the best shortstop prospect since A-Rod, joins the team. But Hutch is nothing if not a team player, and he’s cool with playing in D-Will’s shadow—until, that is, the two shortstops in Hutch’s life betray him in a way he never could have imagined. With the league championship on the line, just how far is Hutch willing to bend to be a good teammate?
The New York Times - Lisa Von Drasek
…in The Big Field Lupica showed me the ardor of what it is like to live, eat, sleep and breathe the game…Without getting preachy, Lupica establishes a strong moral compass so that when Hutch acts impulsively there are serious consequences not only for himself but also for his team. Although this story has all the signposts of a coming-of-age tale, it is the "you are there" quality and Hutch's nonstop devotion, even when benched, that keep the pages turning.