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Steroids, not surprisingly, are a topic baseball people are reluctant to discuss on the record, even when speaking of a hypothetical player, such as Del Tanner. So let me start off my thank-yous with the former players who shared their experiences with me to help me better understand the drug testing processes in place in the minor leagues during the years my story is set. A hat tip to the minor league trainers who answered my workout questions as well.
And now for those I can thank by name, many of whom I was already indebted to for their assistance on my first book. I am very fortunate to have such friends to rely on, and I hope they know how sincerely grateful I am for their willingness to share their time and insight. Bruce Winkworth, I’m looking at you. Same goes to Andrew Zibuck. Both read multiple drafts of this book in its formative stages and were kind enough to not be kind in their feedback. Mark Derewicz, who nearly wrote his own small book in critiquing mine, was so spot on in virtually every point he raised. I thank him for helping me finally hammer out the opening scene. Bill Ballew cushioned his criticism with humor, an approach I will attempt to emulate if and when he ever sends me the manuscript for his novel. Thanks also to old friends Dave Chase and Dave Atias, and newer friends George O’Connor, Jeff Polman, and Andy Sturgill for their feedback on the first draft.
With everything they caught, there was still plenty left for my editor, Martin Naparsteck, to clean up. I’ve known Marty for several years through Writers and Books, a tremendous literary resource in Rochester, N.Y. I heard his voice in my head as I revised, suggesting unnecessary words that should be dropped.
I’m grateful to have found Rey Flores, who brought the bobblehead to life on the cover, making it more realistic than many actual bobbleheads I’ve seen. And thanks to Valerie Holbert, who took Rey’s art and crafted another beautiful cover.
I am indebted to my old friend and Appalachian League road-trip buddy Robbie Gurganus for sharing some of his medical knowledge to help me construct Milo Tanner’s history. There’s quite a bit of Robbie in Milo, actually. Both are optimists at heart who could find a silver lining in a hurricane.
Thanks also to Kris Olsen with the Washington State Department of Transportation for answering my bridge-tending questions when I was trying to find Milo a suitable occupation. I should also thank the folks who posted their bridge videos on YouTube. Yes, that was me jacking up your view counts. There are some days I could really picture myself up in the tower above the Ballard Bridge. Man, I miss Seattle.
And, finally, to my wife, Jill, thank you for your support and encouragement, not to overlook your feedback after reading the manuscript at varying stages of the process. And for indulging me as I rambled on and on about Del and Dana and Wicker as if they were real people. They are to me.