Mark Scarpaci

Wrigley Sanders, Volume 1 Mark Scarpaci

"It's Cubs' baseball. Anything can happen." So goes the magical journey of Wrigley Sanders, born in the bleachers of Wrigley Field and taught by his grandpa to throw with both arms. Wrigley grows up legally blind and partially deaf but determined to chase his dream of pitching for the Chicago Cubs. On his ninth birthday life throws Wrigley a nasty curve. Ultimately, his loss provides a unique gift that forever changes his path. Filled with a colorful cast of characters, this positive coming of age tale follows Wrigley as he evolves from a lonely shut-in child to a young man who pitches with both arms and dreams of playing for the Chicago Cubs...and taking them to the World Series. He grows up on a street full of kids who love baseball and getting into all kinds of trouble. When Wrigley joins the crew, he learns the ways of "the block" that transforms his daily life and forever changes his path. He is also mentored by the son of a famous old-time Chicago Cubs pitcher; he is helped by a quirky inventor neighbor who invents techniques to help him overcome many of his obstacles to pitching; and he listens and learns as a nearly toothless grandma of his best friend, who was born in 1908, passes on stories of "the good old days", educating Wrigley in the ways of Cub's baseball and life. Wrigley is "raised the hard way" with a single mom who is tough on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, like M& Ms candy. This story is more than about baseball, it's about family, and growing up, and overcoming life's challenges, and following your dreams - no matter where they take you.