Gil by Darin Gibby is such a powerful read. I grew up around baseball thanks to my grandfather who was an umpire at all levels. Baseball gets in your blood and becomes a passion. My family was very involved in watching and participating in the sport, just like Gil’s family.

Where to start with this book. You have a man, Gil, who has a good life as a coach and teacher. He has a wonderful wife, Keri, and two great kids. He is also facing some court trouble involving a local cheerleader. The stress and frustration of the lawsuit against him sends him out throwing baseballs. His best friend and assistant coach, Peck, watches him throw one day and is amazed by his speed and strength.

As fate would have it, professional baseball players are on strike and baseball season is closing in. The powers that be decide to search for some replacement players until the strike is over. Once Peck discovers this opportunity he tricks his best friend into going to tryouts.Gil thinks his friend is crazy. How can a man in his mid 40s, who walked away from his chance at a pro career 20 years prior, make it onto a professional team? The answer, he goes out onto the field and throws pitches that are clocked at over 100 mph.

Once the Colorado Rockies see what Gil can do they want to bring him onto the team. He undergoes multiple tests before he decides to join the team, finally given the chance to live his dream. What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately for Gil he has to face multiple challenges. He still has to face the lawsuit, he has to face other replacement players that don’t like him, then there are rumors that he is using drugs to pitch as fast and accurately as he is. He also faces issues with his family and the many questions about his health.

Gil is a story about finally having the opportunity to live your dream despite incredibly odds. It’s a story about family, friendship, love, and trust. It’s a story about not giving up even when certain factors tell you it is time to walk away. This book had me feeling so many emotions and yes, I even wept. I laughed, I smiled, and I cheered for Gil. I found myself so wrapped up in this book that I could not put it down until I read until the very end. This is a book that left a permanent mark on my heart and for that I must thank Darin Gibby and encourage others to read this book.