Chasing a Dream

by C.J. Boerger

Charlie Becker's once promising baseball career was not supposed to go this way. By age 33 he was certain he was going to be a Major League veteran, not a pitcher struggling to hang on with the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats. Unfortunately, his past has left him with some scars and demons that he just can't seem to shake. Even with a loving wife and adoring son, Charlie lives with a constant feeling of emptiness and regret that is difficult to escape.

Now, Charlie's professional baseball career is almost over and he has some decisions to make. Who does he want to be? What does he want to do? What would his Dad think about all of this? What is really important in his life? These are the questions that Charlie can't stop thinking about, and that he needs answered to feel at ease.

Genres: Sports

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2012

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A career minor league pitcher who has faced tragedy early in life; has a devoted wife and son who travel with him while he works on fulfilling the goal of making it to the major leagues; and also questions how long should he keep doing this, is the main character of this wonderful novel by C J Boerger. While the main story is about Charlie Becker's journey through a baseball season, there are flashbacks to a tragic event during his childhood that would affect him the rest of his life. There is also a family emergency during the season that takes Charlie away from baseball. This event, while not crucial to the story, is an excellent illustration of how the value a man places on his family plays an important part of this book. The balance between family and baseball will make this a great read for anyone, whether a baseball fan or not.

Speaking of the baseball, those sections are rich with detail. Whether it is clubhouse and dugout banter, baseball strategy during games, or the sights and sounds that make fans like me love the game, Mr. Boerger paints a wonderful picture of America's Pastime, no matter where the city or ballpark. As a native Minnesotan who saw a lot of games at the Metrodome, his description of the old park brought back memories. The only way that could have been improved was if he could have found a way to include the ballpark where I spent a good deal of my childhood, Metropolitan Stadium. No matter though, because this book was so good that the games could have been played in a parking lot and the reader will root for Charlie Becker. Excellent book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice debut.

[Harold Kasselman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful mix of thriller,commitment to a dream, and an interesting background story of Charlie Becker. The motivation of Becker to make it to the major leagues is psychologically tied to his father in a manner that is certainly unique and relevant.

[C.J. Boerger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, Ok, so it's my own.... :)