Baseball Joe Around the World; or, Pitching on a Grand Tour

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27338

Title

Baseball Joe Around the World; or, Pitching on a Grand Tour

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Baseball Joe Around the World follows the star pitcher Joe Matson as he defends his contract with the New York Giants against a rival league attempting to poach his teammates. The narrative blends high-stakes baseball action with a thrilling international adventure, featuring a dramatic fire escape, a chaotic game in Oakland, and a globe-trotting journey that exposes a massive conspiracy. With humor, heart, and fast-paced storytelling, this classic tale celebrates loyalty, sportsmanship, and the glory of the game.

Summary up to 500 words

In Lester Chadwick's *Baseball Joe Around the World*, star pitcher Joe Matson returns to Riverside following a World Series victory, only to confront a looming crisis: the formation of a rival 'All-Star League.' This new organization, backed by wealthy industrialist Beckworth Fleming, aims to break existing player contracts by offering exorbitant salaries. Joe steadfastly refuses to jump, fearing the damage such treachery would inflict on the game's integrity. His manager, McRae, suspects that three star teammates—first baseman Burkett, shortstop Iredell, and infielder Curry—are tempted by the offers, creating deep tension within the team. The narrative takes Joe and his family on a grand tour, playing games in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Oakland. In Oakland, a bizarre and humorous incident occurs when a fly ball becomes lodged in a third baseman's pocket. This leads to a chaotic debate over the rules, as the runner must decide whether to return to third base or score, resulting in a comical standoff that nearly costs the Giants a run. The adventure turns darker as Joe uncovers Fleming's plot to undermine the established leagues. The conflict escalates during a stop in Dublin, where the team faces a fiery escape from an opera house before confronting Fleming and his accomplice, Braxton. In a climactic confrontation, Joe exposes the fraud behind the rival league. After a fierce physical altercation where he bests Braxton, Joe forces Fleming and Braxton to sign a written confession detailing their dishonest practices. This revelation destroys the credibility of the All-Star League, causing it to collapse instantly. The story concludes with the Giants returning home to a triumphant celebration, vindicating Joe's loyalty. Through this journey, the novel highlights enduring themes of integrity, friendship, and the moral responsibility of athletes to protect the spirit of their sport against corruption and greed.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Juvenile Fiction
• Baseball