Martin Simmons was the king of the middle school. Ike Stearn was every bit as athletic as Martin, but unlike him, Ike didn’t flaunt his abilities. Before long, a showdown came, but the end result of it wasn’t the development of a vicious rivalry. Instead, the two became close friends. Ike struggled with Martin’s constant demands on his time. He wasn’t strong enough to stand up to his friend, so he went along and silently held a grudge. He and Ike, however, shined their brightest on the baseball field. Whenever Martin needed help, he called Ike to summon his presence. Resentment grew in Ike as he played baseball because Martin expected him to. His dad’s demands concerning his baseball play fueled more controversy as the man tried to find glory through his son’s abilities. Ike harbored a secret interest—writing. He successfully joins the staff of the school paper and finds an outlet for his need to create. In their senior year, the boys reach the title game for the state baseball championship. Martin covets the MVP award, but it’s Ike who makes the plays and receives it. The two experience some icy moments in their relationship, but things settle when Martin is offered a baseball scholarship from powerhouse LSU. He sees the opportunity as the first step toward a professional baseball career. Ike tells his dad that he has earned an academic scholarship to Northwestern University, where he can study to become a writer. His dad understands the importance of writing to Ike and gives his blessing. Martin arrives at LSU and in storm trooper fashion takes on life in college. On the field Martin excels, and his reputation grows. Ike arrives at NU and meets Barbara Watkins, the editor of the college paper, and after submitting a sample of his writing, he lands a weekly column about the new experiences in a freshman’s life. Now a junior, Martin leaves school and waits for the professional draft.. He is drafted by the Chicago Cubs and assigned to the minor league affiliate in Sevierville, TN, half way across the state from his home in Bellevue. Martin meets Susie Sexton after his car runs into hers. He falls for her immediately, and the two begin dating. Their relationship blossoms, and when Martin is called up to the big leagues, he proposes to Susie. Ike graduates and accepts an offer to work for the Chicago Sun Times. He is given another assignment writing a column on activities in the Chicago area. An unwelcomed part of his job is covering the Cubs for the paper. Both men marry and life settles. The wives become close friends, and Martin and Ike develop a friendship with new boundaries. Martin is a successful major league ball player and crowd favorite. In his twelfth year of playing, he breaks his leg, and ensuing difficulties and infections lead to amputation. Ike becomes a favorite of readers in the Chicago area. He also sells short stories and then writes a best selling novel. Martin travels to spring training with the Cubs and is stricken with severe headaches, dizziness, and temporary paralysis. His doctor tells him that he suffers from a brain tumor and has little time left. He asks Ike to speak at his funeral and to tell the truth about him. After Martin’s death, Ike does speak. His next visits Wrigley field at night, where he pours Martin’s ashes at the base of the ivy-covered walls. Ike knows that his last act for his friend will be writing a book about his life.