BLOCKADE BILLY

Stephen King loves baseball and writes a superior novella. Both are in evidence in this unique and fascinating yarn. Blockade Billy was a superstar on the New Jersey Titans in the 1950s. "Mr. King" is visiting George (Granny) Grantham in a nursing home to learn the secret of Billy's talent. Narrator Craig Wasson is superb as the old coach—he sounds much like an old-time baseball announcer on the radio. The ballpark sounds and the use of real names are ideal for a "you are there" sports stadium experience. As Billy, Wasson is credibly weird—he talks to himself and mysteriously hurts players during games. The climax is perfect King, with the bonus of a sparkling historical sports setting. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2010]