A Life Long Goal

A Life Long Goal

Sevag Aboyan

The Batboy

Mike Lupica

Being a bat boy meant everything to Brian Dudley. All he ever did was talk about the Detroit Tiger, baseball or play baseball himself. His life for him at a young age was so simple. Ever since he was a little bot he was determined to either play for the Tigers or be a an employee of his favorite team. Brian had applied couple years back for a job to work for the Tigers and was denied due to his young age, but he never gave up. When he eventually got the job of being a bat boy years later he could not believe it. There was only one thing about the job, Brian’s mom hated the idea of her son working at Comerica Park due to the: drives, late nights, and not a lot of pay for what Brian was doing.

In the story The Batboy by Mike Lupica a young 15 year old boy by the name of Brian Dudley has always had a life-long goal. A goal that most young individuals would love to achieve. His goal was either to go to the MLB (Major League Baseball) and play pro baseball or work for a an MLB team. One day, Brian tried to speak to his all time favorite player on the Tiger’s, Hank Bishop; it didn't end up so well after being yelled at to go away. Later that evening during batting practice Hank needed Brians help;, as Brian ran over in excitement to help out his all time favorite player,. Brian was told to go grab one of Bishops bats when he returned it was the wrong one. Hank yelled back “where you going with that?” (65). Brian didn't know what to do and just came back with the bat. Brian was never useful all he ever was good at is being in the way and getting yelled at. He tried his best at times but just wasn't working out. Dudley quickly realized that he had to change his ways and, he was able to become one of the better employees of the franchise and do his job right. As the season went on Brian loved his job more and more. Every time he walked into the stadium for a home game “he’d go into the dugout and walk up the steps and stand on the edge of the green grass of Comerica Park”(18). He was just happy every day to be able to step foot onto Comerica Park.

Continuing to read this book I am enjoying it more and more. Lupica does a very well job on being able to allow the reader to really picture what Brain is going through. Lupica emphasizes life issues and situations  people may face through Brian Dudley working for the Tigers. For example, Brian was given instructions and did not know really what to do but had to overcome the obstacle and solve the problem. Hank Bishop his all time favorite player wanted some coffee, and instructed Brian to make it, with doubt “He filled up a tall cup, not having to be told what kind of coffee he drank…”(91).  I totally recommend kids who enjoy sports, does not have to be strictly baseball to read this story. Lupica's writing overall in all of his novels are very well written. He has the ability to leave you on a cliff hanger and make you want to read more and allows the reader to really connect with the main character. This story filled with excitement and fun will always keep you on the edge of your seat. When you get the chance, read The Batboy by Mike Lupica