-Coming Back with the Spitball

Trained as a lawyer, James Hopper never practiced law. Instead, he taught French at the University of California and honed his journalistic skills. Hopper notably coached college football for two single but highly successful seasons for Nevada State University and University of California. After his coaching career ended, Hopper resumed his journalism career and also started writing novels. Predating The Natural by thirty-eight years, Coming Back with the Spitball: A Pitcher’s Romance weaves a similar tale of wasted talent. Unlike Bernard Malamut’s Roy Hobbs, Hopper’s Tom Carsey earns his redemption by working hard, giving up alcohol, and living a “clean” life.