Seven original baseball short stories in the mystery and murder genres, written by an all-star lineup of writers, each of whom understands the game's lore and tactical nuances as well as its deep roots in American life. Compiled by Otto Penzler, the proprietor of The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City and regarded as the world's foremost authority on crime, mystery, and suspense fiction. Stories include:


• 'Ropa Vieja' by Laura Lippman—A rich and reputedly respectable eye doctor goes to criminal lengths to promote his success in rotisserie baseball.


• 'The Shot' by Mike Lupica—Even after nine years, a pitcher is unable to escape the crushing burden of his rotten pitch during a crucial game.


• 'The Power' by Michael Malone and read by Lee Horsley—A tough guy contemplates life, women, Plato, and baseball in prose.


• 'Harlem Nocturne' by Robert B. Parker and read by Dan Cashman—Parker vividly evokes the character of Jackie Robinson as he breaks the color-barrier. Follow the immortalized Robinson and his pals as they find themselves in a run-in with the mob.


• 'The Closer' by Thomas Perry—Hilarious yarn of a flimflam man who successfully utilizes his talents as owner of a major league club.


• 'Killing Teddy Ballgame' by Henry Slesar—After the Boston Red Sox receive continued death threats aimed at Ted Williams, an amusing tale becomes horrifying to the player assigned to keep Williams safe.


• 'Pick-Off Play' by Troy Soos—Soos brings to life the dust, sweat, and corruption of Texas minor league baseball prior to major league baseball's 1919 White Sox scandal.