Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel (Mickey Tussler, #2)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel (Mickey Tussler #2)

by Frank Nappi (Goodreads Author)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 29 ratings · 19 reviews

It’s 1949 and eighteen-year-old pitching phenom
Mickey Tussler is back with the rejuvenated minor
league Brewers in the sequel to The Legend of Mickey
Tussler (the basis for the television movie A Mile
in His Shoes). Despite Mickey’s proclamation that
he will never play baseball again after last season’s
violent conclusion, his manager—and now surrogate
father—Arthur Murphy cajol...more

Paperback, 280 pages

Published April 1st 2012 by Sky Pony Press

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Legend of Mickey Tussler by Frank Nappi

Best Minor League Baseball Books

2nd out of 17 books — 15 voters

Best Baseball Books

67th out of 242 books — 314 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 179)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 21, 2012 Caroline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, free

No one who knows me would ever say that I’m a baseball fan. In fact, I’m not really a sports fan at all. It just doesn’t interest me. I’d rather hide somewhere with a book (or ten). So when I won Sophomore Campaign, a book clearly heavily baseball-related, I wasn’t so sure if I’d like it. However, I’ll read just about anything. There might have been two books in my life that I’ve not been able to put up with long enough to finish, and I read a lot.

However, to my surprise I enjoyed this book from...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 Sandra Bornstein rated it 4 of 5 stars

I recently asked Frank Nappi questions in conjunction with a virtual book tour on my website. Prior to interviewing him, I read The Legend of Mickey Tussler: A Novel and Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel. While I occasionally enjoy watching the Chicago Cubs, I am not an avid baseball fan nor have I ever watched a minor league baseball game. However, one doesn't need to be immersed in minor league baseball in order to enjoy the Tussler series. Frank goes above and beyond describing the i...more I recently asked Frank Nappi questions in conjunction with a virtual book tour on my website. Prior to interviewing him, I read The Legend of Mickey Tussler: A Novel and Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel. While I occasionally enjoy watching the Chicago Cubs, I am not an avid baseball fan nor have I ever watched a minor league baseball game. However, one doesn't need to be immersed in minor league baseball in order to enjoy the Tussler series. Frank goes above and beyond describing the inner workings of the game so that even a novice can follow easily.

The game of baseball certainly propels these delightful stories. But the key ingredient is the way that the characters relate to one another. Frank does an excellent job developing each character's personality and then revealing their conflicts. The trials and tribulations of adult autism created a special element to this story. Few have been willing to interject this type of individual into a novel, especially a sports related story. Frank's background as a teacher provides a unique perspective. As a result, readers can commiserate with Mickey Tussler predicament and be appalled by those who don't demonstrate compassion.

By using the time period of the 1940s, Frank adeptly illustrated how special needs children were oftentimes misunderstood and abused. Special needs individuals continue to struggle in societies where being different is not completely understood. This story has the potential to help people grasp the isolation and frustrations of people who suffer from autism while at the same time reveals the cruelness of callous individuals.

Another aspect of the series is the budding romance that developed between Mickey's mother and his coach, Murphy. These feelings are easily understood after witnessing the abusive behavior of Mickey's father.

The second book, Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel, adds another layer of conflict and resolution. While there is no evidence that the Klu Klux Klan was active in Wisconsin in the 1940s, Frank includes a racist element to the plot. Introducing a "man of color" to the baseball team's roster reminds readers of the racial tensions that existed in the 1940s. While the dialogues and the actions of some of the characters are disturbing, they accurately portray some of the negative aspects of people's behavior during that era.

I'm looking forward to the release of the final book in the series.
(less)

like · see review

Jan 22, 2013 Hilary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Both of these novels are incredibly impressive and moving. Mickey Tussler is an icon for autism, people with disabilities, and baseball fans. Frank Nappi created a story so incredibly believable, I still think the character is a real baseball pitcher for the Brewers in 1948 and 49. (I actually looked it up to make sure he wasn't.) Frank created settings that were very controversial from the late '40s - in book 1, people who didn't understand an autistic man; in book 2 - integrating baseball team...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Lenore Webb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Well I know that I have told y'all about Frank Nappi before. I had finished one of his books last month that had me questioning if it was a subject matter I wanted to read. When I was done, I found that as hard as it was the book was well written with a deep message within. So now I am sharing two more of Frank Nappi's books.
I am not a sports fan. That is more of JD's poppi's relm. Dear Hubby understands sports but caters to me by not having it on here non stop as so many people love to watch....more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 20, 2012 Joe Mancino rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Joe by: Colleague

Shelves: baseball, autism, sports

"Sophomore Campaign" is the work of a prolific writer. Frank Nappi's sequel to "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" does not disappoint. Nappi continues the story of his young pitching phenom and the manager who becomes his surrogate father. The overarching themes that Nappi established in "Tussler" return, as do the main characters, but Nappi has a different story to tell in his follow-up. Yes, there are struggles that must be overcome, there are lessons to be learned, and there are differences roote...more "Sophomore Campaign" is the work of a prolific writer. Frank Nappi's sequel to "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" does not disappoint. Nappi continues the story of his young pitching phenom and the manager who becomes his surrogate father. The overarching themes that Nappi established in "Tussler" return, as do the main characters, but Nappi has a different story to tell in his follow-up. Yes, there are struggles that must be overcome, there are lessons to be learned, and there are differences rooted in hatred and ignorance that create divides; but that is not all that Nappi is offering here. Nappi above all else begs his reader to examine the facets of human nature that drive us. He also encourages us to be introspective - do we tend to doubt what individuals are capable of accomplishing? These aspects of his story I find most stirring.

Nappi's characters are weaved from a variegated web. Mickey, Murph, and Molly are further revealed in the sequel, but the newest member of Nappi's lineup is Lester Sledge. Lester is an African American player who joins the Brewers at Murphy's behest. Lester has more racial epithets hurled at him than Tussler fastballs and endures several serious threats to his physical safety. He wavers only momentarily in his personal and professional journey, letting the ghosts of his past and the chaos of his present situation deter him. The fragility and vulnerability with which Nappi draws Lester contrasts so precisely with his on field prowess. The depth and complexity of Nappi's characters enrich the plot. Lester is a welcome addition to this series.

The prose is as much of a character in Nappi's book as Mickey and Lester- multi-dimensional and inspiring. Too much popular fiction is written clumsily with little attention paid to rhythm or diction. Nappi rises above the standard fare and sets himself apart. Like in "Tussler" he again achieves linguistic nirvana on every page. There is a near incommensurability in his style, only reminiscent for me of some of the most highly regarded masters in the literary cannon. Close your eyes and submit to the serenade.

Although Nappi's book uses baseball as a backdrop, a casual fan of the sport will enjoy this novel as much as the most ardent observer of the game. "Sophomore Campaign" is not a book that will gather dust on your shelf, but rather it will be worn and tethered for you will feel compelled to read it more than once. Nappi is a powerful storyteller and a deft artist. I can only hope that he does not make us wait too long for the next brilliant installment of this series. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 18, 2012 Drew Garner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Drew by: A friend

Shelves: autism, baseball, fiction, sports, young-adult

Sequels offer readers comfort as they eagerly return to stories about characters and settings that they connected to previously. Unfortunately sequels usually don't measure up, leaving the reader longing for the aspects that made them fall in love with the original. This however is not the case with "Sophomore Campaign", the compelling follow-up novel to Frank Nappi's `The Legend of Mickey Tussler". Nappi manages to maintain all of the qualities that made "Tussler" a must-read and proves that hi...more Sequels offer readers comfort as they eagerly return to stories about characters and settings that they connected to previously. Unfortunately sequels usually don't measure up, leaving the reader longing for the aspects that made them fall in love with the original. This however is not the case with "Sophomore Campaign", the compelling follow-up novel to Frank Nappi's `The Legend of Mickey Tussler". Nappi manages to maintain all of the qualities that made "Tussler" a must-read and proves that his talent is even deeper than he initially revealed.

"Sophomore Campaign" grapples with many harsh realities - extreme racism, hatred, disappointment, and loss - but Nappi handles each of these with a certain lyricism and eloquence that resonates. Baseball serves as the vehicle through which these realities emerge and are explored. Nappi once again proves himself to be a fan and student of the sport; his baseball scenes capture the energy and the intricate nuances that are distinctly baseball.

Most of the original characters that sprung to life in the first book return here and Nappi delicately peels back their layers to expose their insecurities and their fears; vulnerabilities that make his characters relatable. New here is Lester Sledge, and African American player who joins the Brewers, bringing with him a torrent of cruelty and hate. The fervor caused by Lester's arrival serves as an additional challenge for Mickey who was already reticent to return to the mound after the violence that ended the previous season. While Lester and Mickey seem to traverse disparate worlds, their mutual struggle for acceptance solidifies their bond. Murphy, is once again seduced by the national pastime and his ambition leaves him teetering on a self-destructive path. However, his good nature, kind heart, and honesty keep him grounded and his glory comes from who is he and where he has been rather than where he is going. This book, like the first is unpredictable and honest. Nappi's books are never forced or contrived; you can easily surrender to his humanistic plots with complete plausibility.

While Nappi's plot is well-crafted and engages from start to finish, it continues to be his ability to set the scene that sets him apart. His ability to craft a symphonic prose is indisputable. Every scene dramatically emerges from the pages in full Technicolor splendor because of the stirring vivid prose of a writer who understands that storytelling is an art form. "The evanescence of September twilight faded into a deep night. The entire area surrounding Borchert Field lay shrouded in darkness save for the brilliant glow of a silver moon that shone through the weightless clouds hovering dreamily above the dozing hamlet..." Part of Nappi's appeal as a writer is his conveyance of milieu with equal parts reality and transcendence.

"Sophomore Campaign" is worth reading, worth sharing, and worth talking about. I will sit with reverential impatience waiting for Nappi to regal us with the third installment of this series. I have no doubt his next book will be as masterful and as intoxicating. In the meantime, I will revisit "Sophomore Campaign" as I am sure that there is more to discover nestled between the pages of Nappi's remarkable book. (less)

like · see review

May 10, 2012 Shalini Ayre rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the sequel to 'The Legend of Mickey Tussler', Mickey is recovering from the awful and confusing end of last years baseball season. His refusal to return to the game is overcome by Arthur 'Murph' Murphy's gentle persuasion. Murph doubles his efforts to convince Mickey's mother Molly that really this time, Mickey will be fine. Before long, the reserved pitcher is back playing with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Murph's job is yet again on the line. Saving the team this time round is a young African Amer...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Sharon Galligar rated it 5 of 5 stars

Frank Nappi has written two brilliant novels, "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" and "Sophomore Campaign," stories that pull even non-fans like me into the life of a young man who is determined to pursue his dreams regardless of what any one or anything that might try to stop him.

The characters are personable and fascinating, and the storyline is entralling both with it's historical aspect and a plot that is fast-paced.

Nappi addresses the condition of austim and how it affects his hero with grace...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 11, 2012 Rachel Sailor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sports, baseball, autism, fiction, popular-baseball-books, young-adult

"Sophomore Campaign" by Frank Nappi was a pleasure to read on many many levels. A lot of fiction today is written so poorly that it leaves you plodding through - focusing on the plot elements in lieu of the writing. Nappi masterfully avoids this "standard fare" error in telling a powerful story with a resplendent prose - the best of both worlds.

"Sophomore Campaign" is a sequel to "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" - sequels often fall victim to being branded as a lesser imitation of the original - b...more

like · see review

Jul 28, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 12x12-challenge, 2012-challenges, abc-challenge, author-review-requests, disability-medical-issues, family, historical-fiction, marriage, romance, social-issues, sports, young-adult

This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings. I'm hosting a giveaway for 2 amazing books by this author. Stop by and enter for your chance to win. http://midnight-orchids.blogspot.com/...

I also had the pleasure of being able to read Sophomore Campaign as I was lucky enough to be sent both books for review.

The Sophomore Campaign packs just as much of a punch as The Legend of Mickey Tussler did, in both similar and much different ways.

In the beginning of the novel we see Mickey...more This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings. I'm hosting a giveaway for 2 amazing books by this author. Stop by and enter for your chance to win. http://midnight-orchids.blogspot.com/...

I also had the pleasure of being able to read Sophomore Campaign as I was lucky enough to be sent both books for review.

The Sophomore Campaign packs just as much of a punch as The Legend of Mickey Tussler did, in both similar and much different ways.

In the beginning of the novel we see Mickey still struggling with the aftermath of last years seasons and the events that happened to him in particular. In addition, Murph is struggling too, reeling from last seasons events and also trying to keep his job. But he always has ideas up his sleeve. The team is struggling internally, as Boxcar, their catcher is struggling to fight off illness. Murph has to do something, so he goes scouting and finds the perfect catcher. The only thing is, he doesn't get the best reception...

Mickey struggles a lot in this book because there are many things he doesn't understand, particularly the racial issues that come up when Lester Sledge comes onto the team. These racial issues are intense. There's a lot of graphic name calling and some disturbing scenes and events.

As intense as these scenes are I do have to commend Mr. Nappi for the way that he handled these. The scenes were powerful and well written. I also greatly appreciated the authors note at the beginning of the novel that explains the reasoning for the use of harsh language and the depiction of certain themes as necessary to the story and the warning that they may be offensive to some readers. Not many books dealing with the themes that are present in this story have such warnings and it was just refreshing to see.

In addition to the powerful exploration of racial issues in the 1940's there's also more romance between Murph and Molly, which I loved reading about. It's so straightforward, and easy. Murph and Molly fit together so well.

There's also exploration of the team coming together, as they struggle with their own beliefs and feelings, and ultimately decide whether or not they truly are a family. I don't want to give too much away in terms of the ending of the book or too many details because I think that it's just such an awesome book that you'll want to check it out, but I will say that I'm excited to see what will come next for all of these wonderful characters, and I'm thrilled that I got the opportunity to read these books.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*(less)

like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Susan Ashcraft rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, historic-f, novel, people, sports

A word of warning to readers, this story takes place in 1949 and the author has used certain language, themes and events that may be offensive to some readers. He does state this at the start of his book.

After the loss of the Milwaukee Brewers to Chip Mcnally's Rangers baseball team, Arthur Murphy's job as team manager is in jeopardy. He is given the task of getting star pitcher Mickey Tussler back to the pitching mound or he loses his job. After a stay in jail due to his choking of Lefty Rogers...more A word of warning to readers, this story takes place in 1949 and the author has used certain language, themes and events that may be offensive to some readers. He does state this at the start of his book.

After the loss of the Milwaukee Brewers to Chip Mcnally's Rangers baseball team, Arthur Murphy's job as team manager is in jeopardy. He is given the task of getting star pitcher Mickey Tussler back to the pitching mound or he loses his job. After a stay in jail due to his choking of Lefty Rogers, a fellow pitcher with some issues of his own, 18-year-old mildly autistic Mickey Tussler has said that he will not play anymore and his mom Molly backs him completely. Murph's whole life has been about baseball and he will do everything he can to get Mickey playing again.

Murph has not told Mickey or his mother, Molly, about the ultimatium. He's worried and well he has talked to them both about Mickey playing again, neither says yes. At the Harvest Fair, Mickey sees the milk bottle throw and wants to play. The crowd gathers as every shot he makes brings the bottles crashing down. First one then another of the crowd recognize Mickey. The crowd starts to chant, Mickey starts to remember how it felt to throw the baseball. When he is finished he tells his mother and Mickey he wants to play again. Murph is safe!

The team starts arriving for their spring training. Pee Wee, Mickey's best friend, is back and they pick their friendship up immediately. Danvers,Clem Finster, Ruby Winkler and the rest of the team are happy to be back, glad that Mickey's back but when Boxcar, team captain and best catcher around, shows up they know somethings wrong. He is a shadow of his former self, tires easily and has lost several pounds. He insists nothings wrong, but they know better.

Murph makes a new deal with Dennison, the team owner. Murph wants to get a new backcatcher and knows exactly who he wants. He's a phenom, works a few towns over and is available but there is one major problem. The owner points out the problem and refuses to allow Murph to hire him. Murph again puts his job on the line offering to quit if Lester Sledge is not all that Murph says he is.

The team had a hard enough time last season with Mickey's oddities. Some of the players are still uncomfortable with him, but they know how valuable to the team he is. When Lester Sledge arrives the team is in shock! Learning to deal with Mickey was bad enough, Lester is a whole other kettle of fish. While they can see that he can play ball, they can also see the color of his skin, and it isn't white.

As if the problems in their own team aren't bad enough, the Rangers owner McNally and former Brewer pitcher Lefty are hatching a plot to make sure that the Brewers team, specifically Mickey and Murph, don't make it any where close to the finals. Murph adding a Lester Sledge to the roster only adds to their hatred and desire to annihilate the team.

The baseball scenes are terrific, they make you feel you are right there in the dugout, out on the field or up to bat with the players. Some of true events have been moved around, time wise, but as its a fiction story, it works well. The characters are quite a mix of personalities, with some continuing on from the first novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, and some great new ones. The story is a nice even pace that keeps you turning pages. This novel can be read alone or as the second in the Mickey Tussler series.

This was a great character study of people and events in 1949 America, a great baseball story and good example of what can happen if you allow jealousy and hatred to overshadow your life.(less)

like · see review

Apr 24, 2013 Ruth Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads

This is the second book in the series, and I remember how the first book was surprisingly good. I say that because I don't like baseball, and it takes an amazing author to get me interested in the book enough to read it all the way through. As good as book one is, the second book is even better! Frank Nappi has expanded the issues dealt with in the book. Autism still plays its part through Mickey, but now 1949 racism enters the story through a talented African American player.

There is profanity...more

like · see review

Jul 26, 2012 Angelc rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: already-own-read

4.5 Stars

Like the first book, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, Sophomore Campaign is another great baseball story with fantastic characters. In the second book we get to revisit most of the characters from the first book, like Murph, PeeWee, and Mickey's mother. We also get to meet Lester, the new catcher for the team. Lester is an African American player, and in 1949, that means the team is up against more hate, and lack of acceptance, just like they were when Mickey joined the team and people did...more

like · see review

Apr 11, 2012 Marc Alyn rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People who appreciate fine writing,baseball f ans.

Shelves: baseball, sports, autism-awareness

I am so glad I read the sequel to The Legend of Mickey Tussler. I had read and reviewed the first book a few weeks ago and finally had a chance to finish the second and write a review. The sequel is equally enjoyable. Nappi really knows how to tell a story. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next installment of the Mickey Tussler series. I would definitely recommend this one. I only give it four stars because baseball is not my game, but nevertheless Sophomore Campaign was worth readin...more

like · see review

Jan 29, 2013 Emily (Heinlen) Davis rated it 2 of 5 stars

I just couldn't get into this story. The author has a great writing style, but something about the story just bugged me. It seemed like the author was hiding something from the reader, something that was imperative to the story, but he didn't want you to know it yet. That bothered me, so I didn't finish the book.

like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 Cassaundra Aunna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Although I am not a fan of baseball, and I have not read the first book of this series, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a beautifully written baseball tale, that I would suggest to not only baseball fans, everyone! It was a beautiful story composed of all the elements needed for the time period it is based in. There is more than one story here; first, there is the story of Mickey Tussler, and autistic kid that can play the hell out of baseball, then there is the story of Lester Sledge, an...more

like · see review

Nov 14, 2012 Connie Kuntz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another very satisfying book by Frank Nappi! Full review forthcoming in 2013 winter-spring edition of The Rockford Review.

like · see review

Apr 01, 2012 Phoenix Carvelli marked it as to-read

Shelves: goodreads-com

Review copy won on Goodreads.com on 4-1-12.

like · see review

Oct 21, 2012 Carol Funfar rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This book was not just about baseball but a book about the people involved with baseball. The characters in the book were very human and it was interesting to "get to meet them." I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

like · see review

Apr 20, 2013 Nicole marked it as to-read

Apr 11, 2013 Dan marked it as to-read

Mar 19, 2013 Marion marked it as to-read

Shelves: youngadultliterature, sports

Mar 18, 2013 Paige Bradish marked it as to-read

Shelves: review-books, series-i-need-to-finish-or-continue

Mar 12, 2013 Katie Moncelsi marked it as to-read

Feb 10, 2013 Kugel marked it as to-read

Jan 31, 2013 Joey Dice marked it as to-read

Jan 21, 2013 Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader) is currently reading it

Jan 17, 2013 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jan 13, 2013 Jake Vanzandt rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jan 09, 2013 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

Genres

Historical Fiction

2 users

See top shelves...

About Frank Nappi

Frank Nappi has taught high school English and Creative Writing for over twenty years. His debut novel, Echoes From The Infantry, received national attention, including MWSA's silver medal for outstanding fiction for 2006. His follow-up novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, garnered rave reviews as well, including a screenplay adaptation of the touching story which aired nationwide in the fall of 2...more

More about Frank Nappi...

Books by Frank Nappi

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Sophomore Campaig...

1 quiz

More quizzes & trivia...

title link	preview: Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel
avg rating	preview: Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel Goodreads rating: 4.17 (29 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12693348-sophomore-campaign?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348563972l/12693348.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12693348-sophomore-campaign?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel by Frank Nappi[/url]

Sophomore Campaign: A Mickey Tussler Novel (Mickey Tussler #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

Genres

About Frank Nappi

Books by Frank Nappi

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Sophomore Campaig...

new topic
Discuss This Book