• In order to win an important baseball game, twelve-year-old Kyle claims to have made a difficult catch, which he actually dropped.
• The unearned win gives Kyle and his team an unfair advantage in the championship series, and everyone considers him the hero of the game. But the praise and attention he receives is not enough to silence his conscience. Kyle is afraid of disappointing his family and teammates with the truth, but he is increasingly uneasy in his deception. Then his sports-crazed grandmother tells him about Christy Mathewson, a pitcher whose reputation for honesty had umpires asking him to make calls during games. In the end Kyle learns a valuable lesson about sportsmanship and realizes that being a hero is only worthwhile if you have earned it.Author Fred Bowen continues his Sports Story series with play-by-play action that's sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats! An afterword provides the real story of Christy Mathewson.

Looking for baseball action? Check out this Sports Story Series book from Washington Post

KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen – perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.

The Reds and the Cubs are battling for first place in the Rising Stars League, and the Reds need a victory in today’s game to push ahead in the standings. Kyle, the Reds’ center fielder, wants to win so much that he claims to have made a difficult catch, which he actually dropped.

The win gives Kyle and his team an unfair advantage in the championship series, and everyone considers him the hero of the game. But all of the praise and attention he receives is not enough to silence his conscience. Will he come clean and risk the ire of his family and his team?

Author Fred Bowen continues his Sports Story series with play-by-play action that’s sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats! An afterword provides the real story of Christy Mathewson, an MLB pitcher whose reputation for honesty actually had umpires asking him to make calls during games.

Discussion Guide available.