Center Field, by Robert Lipsyte

Life is far from simple for high-school junior Mike Semak. He’s worked hard and fully expects to be the starting centerfielder on the varsity baseball team. Then Oscar, a new, talented student appears, threatening Mike’s life-long dream. Mike’s subsequent frustration results in actions that lead to community service with the Cyber Club. Coach demands he spy on these students, suspecting they are hacking into the school network. Mystery and relationship subplots enhance the story as Mike wrestles with increasingly difficult moral choices. Is pleasing his controlling, paranoid coach worth compromising his integrity? A thoughtful, entertaining tale with first-rate baseball action and a likeable, conflicted hero. 2010
A. Basso