About the Book
"I SOON DISCOVERED this novel is a story of the indomitable spirit that potentially dwells in us all. About selflessness, sacrifice and the beauty of compassion. It's the story of hope and renewal; a second chance." - Jeff Lowrey Baseball Play by Play Announcer/Film Producer
If you can throw a 95 MPH fastball -or hit one- your teammates don't care what color you are, how pretty you are, or where you came from. They just know you can play. That's all they need to know.
Matt Wolf doesn't remember his past. Or what he used to look like. Or his real name. But the four people who rescue him from a devastating plane crash, do know...everything. Including that the world, including his wife, think Dylan Michael, the greatest baseball player of a generation, died in that crash.
As fans mourn Dylan's loss, Matt heals. While his face will never look the same, his body recovers and is stronger than ever. By chance, he realizes he may have played baseball at one time. As his talent resurfaces, it's clear he has major league ability, maybe super-star ability. But there's a catch; his past can't be discovered, or he could spend years in prison.
To reach his dream of returning to "The Show" Matt will need the help of everyone in the small town of Blossom, South Carolina. Problem is, Matt is a white guy and Blossom is a nearly all Black town. A town not really all that fond of white guys, even former big leaguers.
He will need to prove to the people of Blossom he's more than a baseball player.
MEET MARK
Mark Donahue is, first and foremost, a storyteller. As far back as high school, he had the gift of creative literary invention. His ability to create compelling characters, and stories continues to captivate readers.
For years, Mark's writing talents were just a hobby, shared only by those closest to him. But his wife, Marsha, an avid reader, urged him to write a book. "Your stuff's better than most of the things I read. Sit down and write a damn book." She said... kind of lovingly.
Finally, he did. The result was Last At Bat, a critically acclaimed story spanning topics from baseball and race, to love and loss. And redemption. All expertly woven in a tapestry of drama, excitement, romance, tears, and cheers. An author was born.
Mark isn't defined by any one genre; "I write stories I'd like to read." That includes historical fiction, twisted dramas, political thrillers, and sci-fi. He creates enthralling, "I couldn't put the damn book down," kinds of stories. His six novels feature gripping plots, and characters who become the reader's best friends.
Before becoming an author, he played basketball at Wright State University where he was captain and MVP. Later, he played in the Men's Senior Baseball League where his teams won 5 World Series Championships.
But he was more than a jock. He also enjoyed a successful, 35-year career in commercial real estate and served on the Operations Management Board of CBRE, and CEO of Prudential CRES.
After moving around the country for his career, Mark is back in his hometown of Dayton, where he lives with Marsha, their dog, Mik