And My Father Was There: Eight Home Runs, One Unbreakable Promise by Noah McCaffrey is a story full of inspiration that chronicles the relationship between a father and his son and their love for baseball. For as long as Laird could remember, his father had done nothing for him after he came back from the war. The Laird Allen Young II who leaves his family behind for France is not the one who comes back ten months later. When he returns, he is wounded and broken and nothing can be done to restore his physical and mental abilities. His son, Laird, grows up angry at being robbed of the one man he needed most in his life and, later, angry that it is his father who, after all, chose to leave.

And My Father Was There by Noah McCaffrey is a heartwarming story that instills hope and has an meaningful lesson. At first Laird’s stubbornness persists and his relationship with his father continues to suffer, even as his mother tries to reconcile father and son. Laird is a powerful main character who has flaws emanating from his anger and bitterness at his incapacitated father. His loss and stubborn attitude help create a realistic plot that easily delights. There is also a lesson to take away from this book on top of the pleasure that comes from reading it. The story also contains unexpected moments that make it stand out. And My Father Was There is a treat for every fan of baseball and every reader who appreciates an exciting story.

And My Father Was There by Noah McCaffrey is a riveting story that begins with Laird Allen Young III telling the story about his love for the game of baseball. He is the son of a former Boston Braves player, Laird (Al) Young Jr. Shortstop, who goes off to WWI and gets seriously wounded by artillery fire. He is discharged and returns home in a catatonic state. Laird, his son, is raised by his mother, a strong-willed baseball statistician, who begins teaching her son how to pitch. After he grows up, he lands a spot in the Braves' minor league organization, the Hartford Bees. As the story unfolds, we learn a lot about both father and son, the heartfelt relationships with those around them, and we discover just what it is that resides in the tin box that sets Laird on an adventure of discovery.

McCaffrey does a remarkable job of telling this heartwarming story through the eyes of a struggling young baseball player who hated growing up without a real father, until his grandfather reveals important moments of his son's life. McCaffrey's characters are very real and believable. He is able to lead the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride of elating ups and heart wrenching downs. From beginning to end, this book is full of surprises, with a few change-ups, and curve balls thrown in for good measure. I was attracted to this book because of my love for the game of baseball and, having actually met some of greats mentioned, I was entertained on all levels. There were "Ah ha!" moments that reminded me of A Field of Dreams and Eight Men Out, but this surpassed them both. All I could say when I was finished was Wow! Right down the heart of the plate. The best story about love, life, and baseball ever!