Ware, Massachusetts: population 9,000+. Remarkably, since the mid-1800s, no fewer than seven of its native sons have chased their boyhood dreams, become pro ballplayers, and made it to the major leagues. One invented the curveball and is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame; three others were members of World Series champion teams. Many were from families of immigrant mill workers; another's pedigree traces to the beginnings of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. WARE'S BOYS OF SUMMER accompanies them all as they climb to baseball's summit, witnesses their struggles and triumphs along the way, and weaves into their stories such colorful sketches as the purchase of a player for a dozen donuts; a congenial visit by teammates with Al Capone; home runs rewarded with a ham; and a team owner's zany ballpark attractions that saved minor league baseball. Over this 160-year journey, you'll get to know Ware's seven major leaguers while you follow the evolution of our national pastime.

Stephen Robert Katz is from Massachusetts, born in Ware and raised in Winthrop. Although his United Nations career took him to places far from his New England roots, he has retained an affection for Ware and an interest in its history.

Growing up a subway and trolley ride away from Fenway Park, Stephen was inaugurated into Red Sox fandom at an early age. A member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), he brings to WARE'S BOYS OF SUMMER his fascination with history and his love of baseball. His website is www.stephenrkatz.com.