TIGER ROOKIE

Matt Lukens, unlike practically any other juvenile ballplayer, lacks both dedication to his sport and problems to interfere with his baseball skills. He had never considered playing professional ball or even planned to go out for the game after he entered college. But even though Matt knew that his education could easily be financed by his own earnings and by his well-to-do aunt and uncle who were his guardians, he accepted the offer to join the big league Tigers' farm team for a summer because of the extra salary. Even Matt's roommate, a star pitcher sent back to the farms for his misbehavior, turns out to be a good friend and a helpful adviser. Lack of conviction does not hinder Matt on the mound or at bat nor does it stop him from working hard. His moment of crisis only comes when the Tigers ask him to postpone school and renew the option. Matt's acceptance of the offer because he knows he can play well rather than from enthusiasm could have been better clarified. Otherwise this story offers some convincing characters and good solid details about the early training for professional baseball.