“Clubhouse Confessions” follows the journey of Jim Miller, known to his teammates as “Buckethead,” a thirty-year-old pitcher whose promising Major League career has been repeatedly stalled by knee injuries. But with one final shot at the big leagues, Miller finds himself navigating the high-stakes world of professional baseball, where his dreams teeter on the edge of collapse. To save his career, Miller is tempted by a veteran player’s shocking offer to cheat, risking permanent banishment from the sport he loves.
Through 144 games, spanning cities from Tacoma to Tucson and Vegas to Vancouver, McDonald takes readers into the heart of the game, delivering a vivid narrative packed with laughs, camaraderie, and the behind-the-scenes moments fans rarely get to witness. From dugouts to buses, bars to bullpens, and wild brawls on the field, readers will experience the triumphs, the heartbreaks, and the chaos that make minor league baseball grueling and unforgettable.
This isn’t just a story about baseball, though. It’s also about personal redemption. Miller’s chance encounter with a high school teacher during a rainout sparks an unexpected journey that teaches him there’s more to life than the game that has defined him for so long. The novel offers readers not only the thrills of the season but a heartwarming exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and growth.
D.D. McDonald, a former minor league catcher who knows the sport intimately, brings an authentic voice to “Clubhouse Confessions.” His decades-long career as a player and an umpire is woven into the novel, delivering an insider’s perspective that is hilarious and heartfelt.
McDonald’s love for the game is evident not only in the sharp, witty dialogue between players and the quirky clubhouse antics but also in the way he captures the deep emotional connection athletes have with their sport – even when faced with the end of their career.
For fans craving a closer look at baseball’s minor leagues, “Clubhouse Confessions” is a grand slam. While baseball is the backdrop, anyone who has felt the pressure of chasing a dream will relate to the emotional depth and humor in the story. “Clubhouse Confessions” is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark.
About the Author
D.D. McDonald is a retired baseball player and umpire whose lifelong passion for America’s pastime has shaped both his career and his writing. Born and raised in a family of baseball enthusiasts, McDonald began playing the game at the age of five. Though he struggled as a hitter early on, a piece of advice from a former professional player helped transform him into a standout catcher by the age of thirteen. This turning point led to a successful high school career, where he earned all-state honors and was twice drafted by Major League Baseball, first out of high school and again in college.
After opting to pursue higher education, McDonald played college baseball and was drafted once more during his senior year. He went on to play in the minor leagues, reaching Class “AAA” before retiring in 1976 due to “bus trip burnout.” However, his love for the game never waned. In 1978, he transitioned into umpiring, quickly advancing through the ranks and spending over thirty years behind home plate at the high school, junior college, and college levels.
McDonald’s extensive experience on both sides of the game gives him a unique and authentic perspective on the sport. His deep understanding of baseball culture, from the dugout to the diamond, informs his writing, which is often marked by humor, insight, and a genuine love for the game. His novel “Clubhouse Confessions” is a testament to his ability to bring the world of baseball to life, blending the highs and lows of the sport with richly drawn characters and an unforgettable storyline.
Now retired from both the game and umpiring, McDonald lives with his wife and cat in a log cabin in the Pacific Northwest. When not writing, he enjoys the peace and beauty of the wilderness, reflecting on a lifetime spent in and around the ballpark.
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