Acknowledgments

I fell in love with this book the second my amazing editor, Heather Howland, asked, “What about a story about a failing batting cage and an outfielder with a swing problem?” Heck, yeah, I was going to write that. But I fell in love with the book even more as Alyssa and Tristan started to fill out the pages. I love all my characters, but these two really struck a chord.

As always, books need lots of nurturing to make it to publication, and I would like to heartily thank the following rock stars for all their help:

My editor, Heather Howland, for being able to pull ideas from thin air that resonate with me and make for great stories.

The team at Entangled Teen, for their tireless work in supporting every book they launch.

The 1990s-era Texas Rangers, for cementing my love of baseball on quiet summer nights on the porch with my dad, listening to staticky games over AM radio. And Pudge? Congrats on that Hall of Fame nod. I knew you were going to Cooperstown back when we were both twenty and you threw rockets at second base.

Which leads me to my dad. He raised a girl who loves books, baseball, and telling stories. I absolutely wouldn’t be here without him.

Finally, I must thank my family. To my kids, it’s really weird being the shortest person in the house, but amazing to watch you grow up. And to Ryan, you’re my past, present, and future.