The Batter’s Box: A Novel of Baseball, War, and Love

Gold Medal Winner from the Military Writers Society of America! What drives a decorated war hero to abandon his baseball fame, and the woman he fights for, and disappear? In 1946, a returning World War II veteran, Will Jamison, is determined to reclaim his place as a star in the world of baseball and win back the woman he once fell for. But the war has left its mark on him. As he struggles to cope with his mental health challenges, Jamison’s life spirals out of control, leading him to abandon his team and vanish without a trace. The Batter’s Box follows Jamison’s complex journey, revealing his courage in battle and his personal descent into alcoholism and isolation upon returning home. His explosive temper and sleepless nights signal the hidden wounds of combat, threatening to destroy the life he once knew. At a crossroads, Jamison must decide whether to continue suffering alone or confront his demons and seek help–risking his reputation and exposing his most vulnerable secrets. The Batter’s Box is an inspiring exploration of coping with post-traumatic stress, healing, and the victory of the human heart. A must-read for fans of World War II historical fiction, sports drama, and stories of redemption. “Andy Kutler has the eyes and ears of combat soldiers and the heart of those who love them. The horror, courage, and camaraderie of battle rivals the grit of Once an Eagle, while the poignant authenticity of Will Jamison’s struggles with his hidden wounds highlight that, for many, the impact of war lingers far past the last shots of battle. THE BATTER’S BOX is a superb work of historical fiction that carries important lessons for today.” — William E. Rapp, Major General, U.S. Army (Ret.), Former Commandant, U.S. Army War College, and Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy. “As a historian, a World War II veteran, and a devoted baseball fan, I can say that Andy Kutler’s imaginative dive into the past gave me special pleasure, but his new novel, THE BATTER’S BOX, will richly reward any reader who enjoys a gripping and skillfully told tale.” — Bernard A. Weisberger, historian and author of When Chicago Ruled Baseball