James D. Baldwin

Caught in the Middle James D. Baldwin

Jesse Adams is a star athlete who excels in all sports. However Jesse's stiffest competition comes off the field of play in these three fast moving short stories: CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE: After leading the Riverview Cobras into the playoffs, Jesse is confronted by Landon Calder, the star player of the powerful Canyon Falls Hurricanes, the Cobras first round opponent. In the week leading up to the game, Jesse is bullied and tormented by Landon. But with a chance to get revenge on the football field, Jesse finds the battle between honesty, and winning a lot tougher then opposing linebackers and defensive ends. THE FULL COUNT: Jesse steps to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the final inning and his Angels team down by a run. After running the count to a three balls, two strikes full count, Jesse faces the final pitch with the Angels unbeaten season on the line. But it's what happens after the game that teaches Jesse about the importance of winning and losing. BREAKAWAY CHRISTMAS: Jesse finds himself on a breakaway in overtime with a chance to send his Riverview Panthers into the state championship game. But it's outside the arena after the game that Jesse is tripped up by a disabled boy who helps Jesse score a much more significant goal.