Bottom of the Ninth Series by Jean Joachim

One minute ten-year-old Skip Quincy was riding in the backseat of his parents’ car, the next, he woke up in Little Angels orphanage. Within six months, he was adopted. Welcomed by the woman he learned to call “mom”, Mr. Quincy wasn’t a fan. Athletically gifted early on, Skip pursued baseball. He loved the sport and excelled, despite his discouraging father. Driven to succeed to prove his dad wrong, Skip worked hard... moreOne minute ten-year-old Skip Quincy was riding in the backseat of his parents’ car, the next, he woke up in Little Angels orphanage. Within six months, he was adopted. Welcomed by the woman he learned to call “mom”, Mr. Quincy wasn’t a fan. Athletically gifted early on, Skip pursued baseball. He loved the sport and excelled, despite his discouraging father. Driven to succeed to prove his dad wrong, Skip worked hard. Under the guidance of his beloved high school coach, he won the coveted, most challenging position on the team – shortstop. Though plagued by self-doubt, Skip made it to the Nighthawks. He focused on baseball and relied on brief encounters with groupies as a substitute for love. When two women entered his life, satisfaction with one-night stands faded. Mimi or Francie? Could either one give him the love and acceptance he’d never had? less

Being called up to the majors as the new centerfielder for the N.Y. Nighthawks is a dream come true for Will Grant. Playing in the minors, and helping support his family, he worked hard for this chance. Moving on from his occasional girlfriend, Will’s not looking for a replacement. His fresh start in the big city is all about baseball and getting established with the team. But when smokin’ hot Jackie Rice shows up with her seven-year-old, Mickey, at Nighthawks’ day camp, all bets are off... moreBeing called up to the majors as the new centerfielder for the N.Y. Nighthawks is a dream come true for Will Grant. Playing in the minors, and helping support his family, he worked hard for this chance. Moving on from his occasional girlfriend, Will’s not looking for a replacement. His fresh start in the big city is all about baseball and getting established with the team. But when smokin’ hot Jackie Rice shows up with her seven-year-old, Mickey, at Nighthawks’ day camp, all bets are off. Mickey idolizes Will. Soon Grant’s spending plenty of off-the-field time with the boy and his mother. It’s all fun and games, until Will’s thrown a curveball he didn’t see coming. Sometimes reaching for a homer ends with striking out. Can Will handle the challenges he faces, and end up with the life he wants? less