It's 1966, and Lynn Sweet teaches English Language Arts at a local school in Illinois. Although he has never done anything related to baseball, he agrees to coach the baseball team at the school, called the Macon Ironmen.
Sweet is the type of person that just lets life flow around him. He is open to new ideas, but doesn't try to force them upon himself. For example, he became an English teacher because, otherwise, he would be forced by his father to go into the Army.
Lynn has the perfect personality to be a coach, even though it is not stereotypical. He is good with kids, encourages people, and has the ability to make people feel accomplished. However, the Macon school district where he works is mostly a Republican community, which goes against his Democratic views. For the time being, he decides to not let politics interfere.
Since this is a biography, the author introduces readers to some of the individual characters in the book. One of the players on the team is Steve Shartzer, who, in real life, was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Lynn continues to coach and teach, but develops harsh ties with the school administration. He seems to be pushing his political views on the children, making them what some would call "hippies".
However, it is decided that Lynn is the best person for the job. Not only does he go out of his way to learn to himself and teach baseball and English, he doesn't stop until he knows the kids truly understand.
