The Grip

Young Marcus Stroman is determined to make it to the highest playing level he can, despite every coach telling him he’s not tall enough to become a “real” pitcher. He’ll show them…with some struggling and a whole lot of learning.

It’s easy to forget that for every professional sports player there was a kid learning the sport, dealing with nerves during try-outs, dropping the ball when all their teammates were counting on them, and learning how to stay friends with someone who doesn’t make the team. These hard lessons are universal whether in the majors or on a school playing field, as are teamwork, competition, and believing in yourself. 

The Grip rotates between Marcus’ home life, practice with his father, and “assessments” for the baseball team. This allows Stroman to incorporate many important life lessons. However, there is very little action, and there are no baseball games. Despite this, many of the conflicts are relatable.  

Marcus feels a lot of pressure to perform well on the baseball field. His dad is convinced Marcus will make it to the big leagues, but Marcus wonders if his future could look different. He thinks, “It would be really cool to be a video game designer or musician. . .” In addition to worrying about his future, Marcus also worries that he’s short and won’t make the baseball team. While these are concerns that many middle graders have, Marcus’ worry is over the top, especially because he practices every day and is really good. This may leave some readers thinking that if someone like Marcus can’t make the team, then there’s no way they can.  

When Marcus gets stressed, he calms down by using breathing techniques that his mom taught him. While the breathing exercises help, Marcus’s mom also makes an appointment with a “mental-health coach” who gives more advice on ways to cope with stress. When Marcus sees one of his teammates struggling, he says, “It doesn’t matter what I say or how I play or even what the coaches say. It matters that you think you can do it. Block everything out, man. But don’t block out the voice in your head that tells you that you have this.” All readers will find this advice helpful, no matter what difficult situation they are facing. 

The Grip takes an overly optimistic view of facing difficulties and resolving conflicts. For example, Marcus’s parents are divorced, but they never argue, fight, or disagree with each other. The only indication that the parents don’t agree on everything is when Marcus’ mom lets him skip baseball practice and go to the pool instead. Since Marcus’ father wouldn’t agree with this decision, Marcus’ mom decides not to tell him. In addition, a mean boy named James is a thorn on Marcus’s side. Despite this, when James is having a difficult time, Marcus gives him good advice that cheers James up.   

The Grip encourages readers to find healthy ways to deal with stress as well as encourages them to believe in themselves. While the positive message will resonate with teens, neither Marcus nor the supporting characters are very memorable. Nevertheless, The Grip will appeal to sports players who want tips to improve their game. Readers looking for more baseball-inspired stories with positive lessons should also read The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson and Mascot by Antony John. However, if you’re looking for more baseball action, step up to the plate and read Fast Pitch by Nic Stone and Much Ado About Baseball by Rajani LaRocca. 

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• Marcus thinks one of his teammates is a jerk.  

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None