Through the magic of the mysterious Mac Swindell, Stormy Weathers, a crusty, brawling, womanizing but aging ballplayer, returns to his old high school in Dallas, Texas, disguised as Cal Lucas, 18-year-old baseball phenom. His mission: to not only redeem his one athletic failure before reclaiming his lofty status as a big league star but also establish contact with his mother, who inexplicably abandoned him as a small child.

Stormy’s rigid defiance of his new coach and of his moral, upstanding ways softens as Stormy, the old pro, ultimately discovers the true meaning of competition, friendship and even love from a bunch of amateurs. An epic showdown ensues between two relentless adversaries: Mac, backed by his mystical powers and a vested interest in Stormy’s commitment to the unfair advantage: and Stormy, driven by his indomitable will and newfound ways. What happens when Stormy makes the ultimate sacrifice provides for a shocking and heartrending climax.

The cover art was inspired by the famous on deck shot from the ‘57 Yankee season of “The Mick” awaiting his at bat, kneeling near but not inside the on deck circle. This is a classic baseball pose, not to mention a serious superstition. Stormy never waited on deck inside the circle, possibly believing it would bring bad luck. Upon his introduction, Stormy would rise and proceed through the heart of the on-deck circle only as he moved to the plate…for good luck.

The angry sky and ensuing storm on the horizon predict the future. The playful bright green foreground, representing hope and growth, roll into an endless outfield of darkness and despair. With no home run fence, even Stormy could not hit one out of this park. Stormy’s soiled and bloodied uniform screams of his uncompromising style of play. But all of his diminishing skills and deteriorating body are soon to be revitalized when he steps into the on deck circle…and falls.

About the cover artist: Charlie Waters starred in the NFL for twelve years with the Dallas Cowboys. His original art also dons the cover of his and co-author Cliff Harris’s popular book, Tales of the Dallas Cowboys.

To see Mike’s other books please visit www.mikelooney.com