Maloni examines baseball, life decisions in new book, 'Shortstop'

May 23, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW — Ah, the sights and sounds of baseball in the spring: The roar of the crowd, the smell of the grass, and the crack of the spine of a freshly opened book?

The latter may not come to mind now, but it certainly may after reading East Longmeadow author Mike Maloni's latest book, entitled "Shortstop: Where Grace and Power Collide!" The book is the local scribe's second published novel and first about baseball. In 2010, his first novel, "Defenseman," a story of a college hockey player, hit shelves and before starting on its sequel, Maloni said he had to write a book about baseball.

"It's America's pastime. How could I not write about it?" Maloni asked.

The novel traces the baseball career and personal life of Frank Lido, a fictional native of East Longmeadow blessed with exceptional talent at what has become one of the sport's most glamorous positions — shortstop.

Frank makes it through high school, college at the University of Texas at Austin and eventually finds himself in the professional ranks as he fulfills his dream of playing in the Boston Red Sox organization.

Along the way, Maloni said, Frank is confronted with obstacles and challenges, ranging from the realization of his own immaturity and that he needs to develop the work ethic to match his skill, to contemporary issues facing ball players such as steroids and self-medicating.

Some of the issues Frank faces in the book Maloni drew from his own life experiences.

"There are parts of this book that will challenge you a bit. But the point is to show that you can find your way through tough times and be successful. I believe people can change and work through their problems," Maloni said. "I have had problems with mental illness. I graduated high school, was successful in college and my life was sailing. Then it can all seem to be falling apart very quickly. But now, here I am."

While Frank faces his own demons as he looks forward to his promising baseball future, he also is looking back at his friends back home and recognizing the struggles many of them are having.

Maloni said he feels he was able to address the sometimes very adult challenges faced by Frank as well as his friends and teammates while still keeping "Shortstop" a book the entire family can enjoy.

"So many books out there are violent and teaching kids how to interact in the wrong way," Maloni said. "I think this book can help young people learn how to do it the right way."

With "Shortstop" finally hitting the shelves after three and a half years, five or six drafts and 698 pages, Maloni said he is now focusing his efforts on the sequel to "Defenseman." He also promises that a follow up to "Shortstop" will be produced eventually.

"Shortstop" is now on sale at barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com with a hardcover price of $44. For more information on "Shortstop," visit Maloni's official author Web site at http://sbpra.com/michaelmaloni.

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