“Played catcher, just like you. We had these dreams that took us far beyond Minor League ball. Reality set in when we faced actual Major League talent. That's when we realized what our hopes actually were—dreams. The Marine Corps became a life we knew we could succeed in. I missed playing ball, sure, but when I think back on it, you kids gave me a life far more satisfying than any dream. That's what I was always meant to be—a father and a coach. That's what made sense.” Growing UpDreamsAdulthoodManhood Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer
“Not a day goes by where I don't see her cross on the side of that highway. I remember how good she smelled. Always smiled . . . She was the only person always there for me, my mother.” DeathMotherDeath Of A Loved One Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer
“James understands his sons are young and untouched by the hardships of life. He doesn't know it now, but Rupland is changing. It's only a matter of time before it changes them too.” ChildrenFatherhoodSons Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer
“So, I say while we're able to wear the orange and black, let's give this town the title they deserve . . . Let's touch Heaven, boys . . .” SportsSummerBaseballFamily RelationshipsFamily DramaIraq WarFathers And SonsBaseball HistorySports BooksThe Sons Of Summer Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer
“Fellas, we are the official boys of summer. Rupland treats us like gods. Beyond this though, we ain't shit. We're fools to think otherwise.” BaseballSmall Town LifeBoys Of Summer Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer
“For years I've bled the orange and black, and for what? Look at all of us now. It's done us no favors. I don't miss shit; so don't preach to me about the goddamn game, boy.” BaseballVeteranSmall Town LifeBarBall Player Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer
“Maybe it's the unique people. Maybe the old-fashioned bucolic setting or the nostalgia it brings—he'll never be sure. But it's there he knows that his family truly became close. Of course, their end there was tragic, yet he knows those years were something else. Those years were the best of their lives.” Small Town LifeCountry LifeSmall TownsMidwesterners Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer
“On Saturday you're Mickey Lolich; make the game yours.” BaseballAthleteMajor League BaseballMlbDetroit TigersMickey Lolich Book:The Sons of Summer Source: The Sons of Summer