Banton Hits a Homerun

Book Summary

Banton Hits a Homerun is a very heartfelt story about a young music inclined bat boy who desires to become famous and accepted among his peers. He is in a dilemma with his famous bat legend father Banton Senior who wants his only son to follow in his footsteps of becoming a bat legend making it possible for all time baseball players make it in the bat and ball hall of fame.

Banton had lost interest in playing baseball when he was hit in the head by his cousin Only and humiliated and sought out a new career choice. Upon leaving New York due to his father accepting a new job in Checkerville County, Banton thought that his dream was deferred and felt alone and isolated not making any new friends.

Banton's luck had changed when he is asked to participate in the school's first annual talent show. He overhears some classmates talk about needing a keyboard player and finally makes some new friends. Excited about his lucky break, he rushes home to have his mother Bat'Tra sign his permission slip only to find out that his father had signed him up to play in the first bat and ball youth tournament at Checker Stadium.

Banton's father's decision almost created a separation between the two, but Banton Senior comes up with a great plan for Banton to engage in both events. He passes down his bat splinter that needs work and promises him he would introduce him to the famous music composer Mr. Take 2. Banton becomes very popular after he announces that he is best friends with Mr. Take 2. He savages this plan, which savages the relationship with his father, and he is starting to like baseball once again.

Banton practices real hard to hit a homerun for the ball team when Mr. Take 2 gives him some new music equipment and teaches him how to create a winning number one song. The tournament and talent show have arrived, and Banton has gotten the case of bat bug jitters and seeks out some advice from his mother and father.

The pressure is on when he faces the notorious ball team. The bases are loaded, there are two outs, and Banton is extremely nervous. His father has a great idea when Banton almost strikes out. Banton Senior gives Mr. Take 2 the thumbs up, and the song he has created for the talent show is played over the loudspeaker.

Banton gets a little inspiration from the song, and the Ball family throws a fast pitch that looks like it is going towards Banton's head. He does not want to relive the same embarrassment he faced when his cousin Only hit him in the head with a fastball. Banton swings wildly and hits the fastball very hard, hitting the very first homerun of the day. The crowd is excited about the first homerun of the day and Banton's new song.