When the Colorado Rockies take the field today in their home opener, they'll be led by pitcher Kyle Freeland, a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver. But what if the Spartans had produced another pitcher, one who set major league records every time he took the mound?
That's the premise of "The Fireballer." Written by local author Mark Stevens, the novel centers around Frank Ryder, who moved from TJ and Metropolitan State University of Denver to the major leagues, where his ability to reach speeds of 110 miles an hour with his pitches creates an uproar in the sport. Stevens says the fictional story is part of an existential argument that's taking place in the actual major leagues.
