Hit by Pitch - by Molly Lawless (Paperback)

About the Book

On August 16, 1920, Yankees pitcher Carl Mays threw a fastball that struck Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman in the head. Chapman died the next morning. Hit by Pitch is a nonfiction graphic novel about these men, their lives and legacies, and the event that linked them forever. Born the same year (1891), both in Kentucky, they had similar beginnings but opposing personalities. This wonderfully drawn work brings the two men and their era back to life.

Book Synopsis

On August 16, 1920, Yankees pitcher Carl Mays threw a fastball that struck Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman in the head. Chapman died the next morning. Hit by Pitch is a nonfiction graphic novel about these men, their lives and legacies, and the event that linked them forever. Born the same year (1891), both in Kentucky, they had similar beginnings but opposing personalities. This wonderfully drawn work brings the two men and their era back to life.

Review Quotes

"Lawless' evocative drawings, her imaginative and highly varied use of the elements of the graphic novel, her not-strictly chronological examination of the story and its aftermath from a variety of angles, and her surprising ability to inject humor into a most unfunny tale make Hit by Pitch a pleasure to read and a welcome addition to the genre"-Spitball; "the story has been told in many formats, but Lawless turns the central characters' lives and the tragedy that connects them into a graphic novel"-Journal Interactive; "its one of my favorite books of the year so far...captivating story...Lawless really goes above and beyond what's expected with her research and perspective. Lawless transcribes interviews with other players and experts and delivers them in wonderful comic form. I loved it. The book benefits from Lawless' expression-filled art and clear enthusiasm for her subject...definitely for everyone"-USA Today.

About the Author

Molly Lawless grew up in Boston, where she developed a passion for two things: drawing and baseball. After several years working as a freelance illustrator, she found a way to combine the two, publishing her baseball-themed comic art, including the series "Great Moments in Baseball." She lives in Arlington, Virginia. Hit by Pitch is her first graphic novel.