Review of "Rebel Rookie," by Robert Sidney Bowen

 Review of

Rebel Rookie, by Robert Sidney Bowen

Four out of five stars

Troubled boy finds salvation in baseball

Pete Hatch is a resident of the Medford Boys’ Home, a place for orphans. He has a hair trigger temper and baseball is the only outlet he has. Pete is a very good catcher, showing great promise for a future in baseball once he is old enough to leave the orphanage. Unfortunately, his temper overwhelms him on the baseball field and after fighting with another boy, it appears that he will no longer be able to play the game he loves.

In desperation, Pete runs away from the orphanage and after stowing away in the back of a truck, he overhears the men in the cab talking about a baseball summer tryout camp being given by the Ravens professional team. It is scheduled to last two weeks and room and board will be provided. Since it will solve Pete’s immediate problems and give him a chance to play again and show his skills, Pete manages to hitchhike his way to the camp.

 Once again, Pete’s temper gets the best of him, and he is disciplined for fighting. It is only when Pete is down to his last chance that he manages to get under control and show his considerable baseball skills. Through an incredible coincidence, there is a happy ending where Pete learns who he really is and is given a genuine opportunity to become a professional baseball player.

 This is a book of juvenile sports fiction in the classic mold of the genre. While the theme is success in sports, the real message is about keeping yourself under control and taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented. There is a big game at the end where Pete gets the game winning hit. However, the climax is when Pete is given two of the biggest possible opportunities.

 It is a nice, uplifting story about overcoming adversity through perseverance and taking advantage of the opportunities that life provides.

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