Born
in obscurity, William Jennings finds refuge within the walls of an
orphanage in the outskirts of Baltimore. Under the tutelage of
Xaverian Brothers, he thrives, escaping into his studies of history
and baseball. As he witnesses the first three World Series
Championships, his imagination begins to weave adventures of
heroism -- from the fields of play to the fields of
battle.
When they entered their room at the Buckminster, William ran to the bed and sat on its edge, swinging his feet and bouncing on the mattress.
“I’m curious, William,” Thomas said. He shut their room’s door, placed his satchel next to the nightstand, then walked toward William. “Why the Pirates? How or when or why did you become a Pittsburgh fan? Is it Wagner?”
Immediately, William frowned, leaped from his bed, reached into his back pocket, and laid out on the table near the room’s window the morning paper BJ had left at their breakfast table. He flattened the paper, running his hand over the front-page cartoon of the Pirates storming the shores of Boston.
“Look at them!” William hissed. “Sitting up there so sure of themselves with those grins and smiles. It makes me so angry. It’s like they think the Pirates haven’t got a chance.”
He was pointing at the line of Boston players atop the cliffs of the city as they watched the Pirates racing across the beach. As he pointed, his frown grew deeper, and as he looked at the players portrayed in the cartoon, his eyes narrowed. He took a deep breath, turned away from the paper, and looked up at Thomas. “That’s why.”
“William, you know why they call the people at the game ‘fans’?” Thomas asked.
“No, sir.” William’s frown lessened and his eyes widened.
“It is a shortened word, William, for a much longer word.”
William’s eyes widened more. “Really?”
“Fanatic.”
“What’s it mean?”
“Come here.” Thomas led William toward the room’s mirror and faced him toward it.
“There—you’re looking at one. One game and it’s clear to me. It was clear to that couple sitting next to us. It was clear to everyone at Huntington Park today that William Jennings is a baseball fanatic!”
engaging book
July 16, 2024
This book is an engaging mix of history and personal growth, capturing the reader's attention from the first page. The blend of baseball's Dead Ball Era with the protagonist's journey makes it a unique and compelling read.
A Heartwarming Journey Through Baseball and History
July 3, 2024
"Diamonds Through Waterloo: A Baseball Story" is a captivating and beautifully written novel that weaves together the history of baseball with the poignant tale of William Jennings. As a mother of two, I found the story both inspiring and heartwarming, exploring themes of resilience and the power of dreams. The detailed historical context and interactions with baseball pioneers bring the Dead Ball Era to life, making it a treat for baseball enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This book is a genuine tear-jerker with well-developed characters and a compelling narrative. Highly recommended for its rich storytelling and emotional depth!
It's a captivating journey!
May 13, 2024
I was hooked from the first page! William Jennings’ story is a masterful blend of history and baseball, told with heart and depth. The orphanage backdrop, the Xaverian Brothers’ influence, and William’s journey through the early days of the World Series made for a truly immersive read. The author skillfully captures the spirit of adventure and heroism, making it impossible to put down. If you love historical fiction with a touch of sports magic, this book is a must-read. You’ll be cheering for William every step of the way.
Historical milestone with personal growth.
March 18, 2024
This book is a treasure for those who appreciate the depth of historical fiction and the timeless allure of baseball. Diamonds Through Waterloo: A Baseball Story offers readers an enchanting blend of America's favorite pastime with a poignant coming-of-age tale.Set against the rich historical backdrop of the early 20th century, the narrative follows William Jennings, a young orphan whose life is profoundly shaped by the game of baseball and the wise Xaverian Brothers. The novel captures the essence of baseball not just as a sport but as a metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs. As William navigates his journey from obscurity to self-discovery, his love for history and baseball becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Home Run Hit!
March 7, 2024
I picked up this book for my dad, who's all about baseball and history, and he was hooked from the get-go. He couldn't stop talking about how great the story was and how accurate the historical bits were. It's like the author hit a home run (pun intended), blending the love of baseball with real historical events seamlessly. My dad couldn't put it down, and I have to admit, I'm eyeing it for my own reading list now. If you've got a baseball fan or history buff in your life, this book is definitely a winner.
What a story
February 8, 2024
I'm a baseball guy, admittedly. But even if I wasn't this would still resonate. Amazing!
Fun read!
February 7, 2024
Coming from someone that loves baseball and comes from a city of devoted baseball fans this book was great! The book is well written and obviously thoroughly researched. I didn't expect it to be so touching and actually shed a few tears along the way. This is a great read.
Wonderful book! Well researched and very inspirational.
January 24, 2024
This book is outstanding, think “The Natural” meets “Oliver Twist”. A genuine tear jerker and a simply amazing story. Character development is superb, a true modern day classic. If you’re looking for a gift for the person who has everything (and loves baseball), this is the book for you. Definite recommend.
A Grand Slam
January 20, 2024
This story is a literary gem that combines the love for baseball with a heartwarming narrative. The story of William Jennings, a young boy finding solace in an orphanage, resonates deeply. The Xaverian Brothers' influence on his life is beautifully portrayed, and his passion for history and baseball is infectious.
History, Heartache, Homeruns
January 18, 2024
Diamonds Through Waterloo by William Jennings is a compelling fusion of baseball history and a poignant coming-of-age story. Set against the backdrop of early twentieth-century America, the novel follows the life of William Jennings, an orphan who finds solace and purpose in the world of baseball. Jennings' journey, from the orphanage on the outskirts of Baltimore to the broader world, is masterfully intertwined with the Dead Ball Era of baseball, a period rarely explored in such depth in fiction. The author skillfully uses historical figures like Ban Johnson, John McGraw, and Christy Mathewson to enrich the narrative, making it not just a story about a boy but a vivid tableau of an era.
Magical and Moving!
November
4, 2023
This book is simply wonderful—rich, engrossing and lyrical, from page one I was hooked, and I couldn’t stop turning pages. Excellent writing, well-developed characters, and perfect pacing. The author has a thorough knowledge of baseball lore and as you read you feel like you are transported to another time. A great book, worthy to sit on the shelf with the likes of The Natural, The Southpaw and other literary baseball greats.
Swing and a
hit
October 17, 2023
I love baseball, although I'm no expert. I also love history, and this combines both while weaving a story about a young boy named William. His struggles were so human that he came alive on the page, as did the numerous people in his world. Good, page turning fun.
Captivating, nostalgic, and heartwarming.
October 12, 2023
A captivating and well-written drama set in early 20th-century America. The author's storytelling is both heartwarming and tragic, making it a modern-day classic for those who appreciate well-developed characters and insightful, nostalgic narratives. If you enjoy tales like "The Natural" or "Great Expectations," this book is sure to resonate with you.