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Curveball at the Crossroads
After high school baseball star, JaMark Reliford, suffered a career-ending injury in his final game, his whole world fell apart. At a crossroad in rural Mississippi, JaMark thought he made the deal of a lifetime that put him back on top of the baseball world. But every “deal with the Devil” comes at a price. A deal that gave him everything he thought he wanted could cost him everything he loves.
Following in the footsteps of classic blues folklore and baseball fiction, Michael Lortz writes a new tale of fastballs and phantoms, strikeouts and second chances.
(Limited 1st edition only 250 published. 2nd edition available everywhere.)
Following in the footsteps of classic blues folklore and baseball fiction, Michael Lortz writes a new tale of fastballs and phantoms, strikeouts and second chances.
(Limited 1st edition only 250 published. 2nd edition available everywhere.)
278 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2020
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Michael Lortz
8 books9 followersMichael Lortz received his BA in Creative Writing from Florida State University. After getting a day job in the defense industry, he started writing about sports and music in his spare time on his personal blog. He has now written for many of the most popular baseball sites and covered music for local news media.
His writing and research has been quoted in USAToday, on ESPN.com, and at local county commissioner meetings.
Michael lives in Tampa, Florida and Curveball at the Crossroads is his first novel. He is working on his second novel.
His writing and research has been quoted in USAToday, on ESPN.com, and at local county commissioner meetings.
Michael lives in Tampa, Florida and Curveball at the Crossroads is his first novel. He is working on his second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 11, 2021
Curveball at the Crossroads was a great piece of fiction that is being played through America's past time. The story moves at a decent pace and definitely becomes an instant page-turner for the reader to move throughout the story. Reading about JaMark Reliford make a comeback story from "rock bottom" all the way from his journey through the minor-league system and eventually making it to The Show is something that definitely educates the reader to understand how baseball is endured for every player. The influence of literary devices used to make this a cherished favorite for baseball fans everywhere to pass down to generations in order to preserve, "America's past time." Other elements of the story give homage to blues music and the influence of Doctor Faustus in another form of an American tale. Writer Michael Lortz captures all of those elements and lets the reader's imagination run wild in a baseball adventure that is sure not to be missed.
September 2, 2022
Baseball fans can probably name many players who were great for a year or two, then because of injury or ineffectiveness became forgotten as quickly as they became household names – Mark Fidrych and Joe Charboneau just to name two. Michael Lortz has written a novel about a fictional pitcher JaMark Reliford, who became one. But not for the reasons that real ballplayers suffered from that indignity. Instead, after JaMark suffered an injury in high school baseball and hit “rock bottom”, he made a deal with the Devil that made him a star, but also had its consequences.
This story was an enjoyable read for a few reasons. One is that Lortz developed his characters well, especially JaMark, his love Betsy, JaMark’s Uncle Rufus and Inga, the old woman who Uncle Rufus said was the only one who could help JaMark. All of them are people with whom the reader can relate, even if the reader was never a major league pitcher, an awesome Southern cook or someone who had trouble staying out of jail.
Another part is the baseball scenes. While some of the play will most likely never happen in real life, they are fun to read. Two examples – JaMark pitches a minor league game in which he strikes out all 27 batters on 81 pitches – nine “immaculate innings.” Another is pitching seven innings in the MLB All-Star game – that will never happen when its an exhibition game to show off all the stars. But for the actual games, with the thinking by JaMark during his pitching and the description of both good and bad outings for him, a baseball fan will enjoy the realistic description.
The last characteristic of the book I liked was how Lortz’s story had a lot of elements of good baseball movies and stories woven together. He clearly didn’t steal anything from them, but if a reader has seen any of these baseball movies, then they will see how JaMark or others are just like some of the people in scenes of these movies: “The Scout” (where I remembered the above mentioned perfect game), “Rookie of the Year”, “Field of Dreams” and “Major League.” This is not to say that one had to see those movies to enjoy the book, but fans of them will look at parts of this story and remember them. Not to mention I kept hearing the song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” throughout the story – even though it takes place in Mississippi.
The story of JaMark Reliford is an engrossing tale that one doesn’t need to be a baseball fan to enjoy, but those who love the sport will want to read this if they enjoy baseball fiction.
I wish to thank Mr. Lortz for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
This story was an enjoyable read for a few reasons. One is that Lortz developed his characters well, especially JaMark, his love Betsy, JaMark’s Uncle Rufus and Inga, the old woman who Uncle Rufus said was the only one who could help JaMark. All of them are people with whom the reader can relate, even if the reader was never a major league pitcher, an awesome Southern cook or someone who had trouble staying out of jail.
Another part is the baseball scenes. While some of the play will most likely never happen in real life, they are fun to read. Two examples – JaMark pitches a minor league game in which he strikes out all 27 batters on 81 pitches – nine “immaculate innings.” Another is pitching seven innings in the MLB All-Star game – that will never happen when its an exhibition game to show off all the stars. But for the actual games, with the thinking by JaMark during his pitching and the description of both good and bad outings for him, a baseball fan will enjoy the realistic description.
The last characteristic of the book I liked was how Lortz’s story had a lot of elements of good baseball movies and stories woven together. He clearly didn’t steal anything from them, but if a reader has seen any of these baseball movies, then they will see how JaMark or others are just like some of the people in scenes of these movies: “The Scout” (where I remembered the above mentioned perfect game), “Rookie of the Year”, “Field of Dreams” and “Major League.” This is not to say that one had to see those movies to enjoy the book, but fans of them will look at parts of this story and remember them. Not to mention I kept hearing the song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” throughout the story – even though it takes place in Mississippi.
The story of JaMark Reliford is an engrossing tale that one doesn’t need to be a baseball fan to enjoy, but those who love the sport will want to read this if they enjoy baseball fiction.
I wish to thank Mr. Lortz for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
June 8, 2021
A fun and entertaining blend of baseball and fiction. It is a quick and engrossing read that blends sports and fable to create a unique take on making a deal with the Devil. It is very relatable if you're familiar with flash-in-the-pan sports stars who disappear almost as quickly as the burst onto the scene. Except this tale includes a supernatural twist that may make you wonder why those real life stars vanished.
March 5, 2021
Very good book overall. Parts of the book made me think of Tony Saunders, Robert Johnson, Field of Dreams, and even the legend of Toe Nash. For me the book kinda bogged down in the middle but the last 60 pages flew by as loose ends were tied up. Highly recommended for readers of baseball fiction and Tampa Bay fans!
June 26, 2021
Really enjoyed the humor and details woven throughout. The author’s deep love of the sport and homage to Delta legends is clear. There’s some great world building through some of the locations and minor characters (would love to read a companion novella about Uncle Rufus!)
November 24, 2020
The deal-with-the-devil is a favorite story motif. This book puts it in a baseball context. This is a fun read with vivid scenarios which could easily be adapted to video. Loved it.
August 3, 2022
*Thank you to the author for my gifted copy*
For someone who loves baseball, I have never read a baseball book. Curveball at the Crossroads has changed all that.
Lortz writes with a lot of humor that had me laughing throughout the book. Add in a bunch of crazy and lovable characters and you have a memorable tale about believing in yourself, never giving up, and cherishing what really matters most in life. I also loved that interspersed between the story are chapters written from an announcer’s point of view. It really makes you feel like you are actually in the stands.
The book is a fun fast read for baseball fans and non-fans alike. There’s a lot of facts and descriptions about the game so even if you have just a passing interest in the sport, you’ll never feel lost.
For someone who loves baseball, I have never read a baseball book. Curveball at the Crossroads has changed all that.
Lortz writes with a lot of humor that had me laughing throughout the book. Add in a bunch of crazy and lovable characters and you have a memorable tale about believing in yourself, never giving up, and cherishing what really matters most in life. I also loved that interspersed between the story are chapters written from an announcer’s point of view. It really makes you feel like you are actually in the stands.
The book is a fun fast read for baseball fans and non-fans alike. There’s a lot of facts and descriptions about the game so even if you have just a passing interest in the sport, you’ll never feel lost.
July 31, 2022
I went in without expectations and found a new twist on the old "deal with the devil at the crossroads" that was much more fun than I expected. As someone interested in vintage Americana, including baseball, blues music and especially America's unique modern mythology, Lortz's book appealed to be on multiple levels. But none of it would have landed for me without such clear, clever and entertaining storytelling - the style reminded me a bit of Christopher Moore. A fast read that relies on good solid storytelling; a modern fable that swings for the fences and delivers. Go read it already.
March 1, 2021
I wrote it. Kinda biased.
March 12, 2021
Enjoyable book about a young baseball pitcher who makes a Faustian deal with the devil. Author Lortz does a good job creating several memorable side characters and shows promise for future work.
January 24, 2023
Cozy familiar story. Not bad. It was a good break to read in between the epic fantasies I devour.
June 3, 2023
At its best, Curveball at the Crossroads is reminiscent of other beloved zany books written for fun loving readers of all ages. I think the more well-known comparison would be Roald Dahl, but Dahl's random mean streak is more offputting as I get older. I would instead pick Daniel Pinkwater, who knows his way around charming villains, delightful innocents, and a good crazy uncle or two.
I did enjoy the context and beginning of the book. Pitchers are somewhat rare among athletes in that it sometimes feels like their arm are a separate, independent part of their body. Their riches and success are oddly concentrated on their arms, and it's quite understandable that pitchers have a reputation for being oddballs. Choosing a pitcher for this type of setup was inspired.
The book does suffer a little in the middle, as the description of multiple baseball seasons can get dry. I wondered if it could all be compressed into one season: but I get that one can't rush The Devil, and that letting the tension simmer fit the book's mood.
But I recommend waiting around, much like The Big D himself, for the last 100 pages or so of the book. The final showdown between JaMichael and The Devil is worth the wait.
Slight disclaimer: the author of this book once talked me out of making a fool out of myself at an Orlando restaurant circa 2009, so admittedly there is a small karmic debt. Thanks, Michael!
I did enjoy the context and beginning of the book. Pitchers are somewhat rare among athletes in that it sometimes feels like their arm are a separate, independent part of their body. Their riches and success are oddly concentrated on their arms, and it's quite understandable that pitchers have a reputation for being oddballs. Choosing a pitcher for this type of setup was inspired.
The book does suffer a little in the middle, as the description of multiple baseball seasons can get dry. I wondered if it could all be compressed into one season: but I get that one can't rush The Devil, and that letting the tension simmer fit the book's mood.
But I recommend waiting around, much like The Big D himself, for the last 100 pages or so of the book. The final showdown between JaMichael and The Devil is worth the wait.
Slight disclaimer: the author of this book once talked me out of making a fool out of myself at an Orlando restaurant circa 2009, so admittedly there is a small karmic debt. Thanks, Michael!
December 11, 2025
This was book is a great, quick read! It is a fun, soulful twist on the classic deal-with-the-devil tale…but with baseball. JaMark’s journey from injury to stardom, thanks to a devlish figure at a Mississippi crossroads, is both heartfelt and haunting. The independent (not local) author Michael Lortz blends Southern folklore with America’s pastime in a way that feels fresh and engaging. Although it had small pacing issues, the characters and their relationships keep the pages turning. And I’m excited to hear that some of the side characters will be back for the sequel! Overall, it’s a unique and satisfying read. Definitely worth picking up if you like sports stories with a supernatural twist, which I can’t get enough of!
August 9, 2023
I knew the devil went down to Georgia; but I was surprised to see him in the Mississippi Delta as well. It’s written so well that I can’t help but feel all the emotions JaMark goes through. Lortz puts you in the pitcher’s mound, the locker room, and JaMark’s very soul. I thoroughly enjoyed how the viewpoint went back and forth from the narrator to the baseball commentators. This book reminds me of all that’s good about baseball. And how redemption is real. Lortz had me engrossed so I needed to know what happened next. It’s technical enough for the baseball geeks, yet light and fun. It’s a joy to meet these characters. Lortz stepped on the hill and pitched a perfect game.
November 20, 2022
I wrote it. Kinda biased. I hope you enjoy it as well.
July 14, 2024
This book sucked
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews