Hutch, the main character of The Big Field, has played baseball his whole life. He always played shortstop, the same position his father dreamed of playing as a professional. “Hutch always considered himself the captain of any infield he participated in” (Lupica 1). Hutch finds himself demoted to second base because there is another player, Darryl, on his new team who is expected to turn pro and also plays shortstop. Hutch struggles because he doesn't want to play second base and his father doesn't support him because he doesn't want baseball to crush Hutch's dreams like it did his. Hutch is betrayed by his father and Darryl when he finds them training together. Hutch must learn to adapt and ends up befriending Darryl, the promising shortstop. He understands that if he wants to win, he has to work with Darryl. His father also arrives and finally gives Hutch his approval. Students should read this book in a high school English class because it shows how relationships can be difficult, but teamwork can help solve many problems. Students should read this book in high school to learn how to take a negative situation and make it positive. Hutch is extremely jealous of Darryl because he knows that Darryl is a better baseball player, but he also knows that if he wants his team to win the championship, he must find a way to get along with him. This book arouses the interest of most teenage students. Most teenagers have played some type of sport and had to find a way to deal with being part of a competitive team. A team that is not able to work together will not win together. It is important for teammates to support...... middle of paper ...... take one for the team and learn not to be so selfish in the process of achieving your own dream. Students should read this book in a high school English class because it shows how relationships can be difficult, but teamwork can help solve many problems. Hutch realized that it wouldn't help his team to continue fighting with Darryl and being angry at his father. He was able to turn these difficult relationships into positive results and achieve his goal. After winning the championship game, “Hutch made his way among his teammates and into the stands and did something he hadn't done in a very long time: Hutch hugged his father. And his father returned his embrace” (Lupica 243). This proves to students that if they continue to work hard and focus on a goal, they can achieve it by showing team spirit on and off the field..