Ricky Cooper is a well-polished, overachieving young man. He lives in Beaver Falls, Crossroad County where he is the catcher and senior captain for the known Beaver Falls High's baseball team. The story touches a bit of his childhood, but it's chapters read about his senior year and his quest, since the age of five, to parade the Tri-County Tournament's trophy back and through the streets of his hometown. With an experienced group, the team has its best shot in many years to pull off the coveted feat. Each of his teammates contain their own personality, especially his best friend, Red McStein, who's own goal is to set new practical prank records and to become the school's best ever class clown. Ricky and Red have been each other's shadow since Red's parents moved into town and started up an Irish-German restaurant just a few blocks from Ricky's dad's barber shop. Being the same age, the two quickly bonded into a classic duo of good and ornery. Together, along with their newly acquired shortstop, the team is getting ready for the start of the season during this "The Preseason" book.