"Baseball Great" is a young adult sports novel by Tim Green, published in 2009. The story follows 12-year-old Josh LeBlanc, a talented baseball player who dreams of playing in the major leagues. Josh is a natural athlete with a strong arm and a love for the game, but he's also facing some tough challenges off the field.
Josh's father has recently lost his job and the family is struggling to make ends meet. To help out, Josh takes a job at a local sports store owned by a former major league player named Mickey Mantle (not the real-life baseball player). But when Josh discovers that Mantle is involved in a gambling ring, he's faced with a difficult decision. Should he risk his future in baseball by helping Mantle, or should he do the right thing and expose the illegal activities?
The novel explores themes of integrity, loyalty, and the pressure to succeed. It also provides an exciting and detailed look at the game of baseball, with vivid descriptions of games and strategies. Overall, "Baseball Great" is a compelling story that will appeal to young sports fans and anyone who enjoys tales of overcoming adversity.