Mark Donahue Hits A Homerun With His Bestselling Book "Last At Bat"
by Wilber Hubbard
May 29, 2021
MARK DONAHUE KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE BALLPARK with Last at Bat, one of his many bestselling books. This breakout book hits all the sweet spots needed for a book that keeps readers all-in from beginning to end — secrets, the love of baseball, overcoming obstacles and, yes second chances. Authors find inspiration in many things, and in this case a real life brush with death inspired this phenomenal book.
Donahue was thousands of feet in the sky heading back from a Men’s Senior Baseball League championship game (and yes his team won). “I was in the bathroom, the jet hit an air pocket and we dropped what seemed like a million feet. I hit the ceiling and got a bump on my head and a little cut, but I really thought we had all bought the farm. Once back in my seat, and with baseball and second chances firmly in my mind, I came up with the story found in Last at Bat .
Since that fateful day Donahue has written five books, with more to come. Last at Bat has already become a classic, and there is no doubt that people will be reading and talking about it for years to come. Recently we caught up with Donahue to talk about everything from inspiration and baseball to literary success and what’s next.
"Last at Bat came as a result of my own experiences playing baseball, but more importantly it is a story about people doing the right things in life. The town of Blossom is a mythical place where doing the right thing is not a question but a way of life."
Last at Bat is a compelling book, one that is not just about baseball, but it is also about secrets, community and finding your way in life. What inspired you to write this book brilliant book?
Last at Bat came as a result of my own experiences playing baseball, but more importantly it is a story about people doing the right things in life. The town of Blossom is a mythical place where doing the right thing is not a question but a way of life.
You did play on 5 World Series Championship teams in the Men’s Senior Baseball League. How much of that experience did you use to write the story of Matt Wolf, your protagonist?
The baseball action in my story is accurate. Having played in over 2,000 games in my amateur career I think I know the game pretty well. But the story is far more than just about baseball. It’s about people and how the game and an injured player brings them together.
You’re a bestselling author, and I am sure you have a lot of fans. What was the most interesting feedback or question you have received from a reader?
The most touching thing I heard from a reader of Last at Bat was from a 75 year old Marine who came up to me at a book signing several years ago and said, “I wanna talk to you about your book.” He didn’t seem real friendly. But then he told how LAB, and particularly the town of Blossom, reminded him of a small town he grew up in and the people who lived in that town. Tears began to roll down his face and he said, “I sure miss that place. Thanks for writing Last at Bat. That got me.
You’ve written five bestselling books. How would you compare all of your novels? Which one is your favorite?
That’s like picking your favorite child. I did want all my books to be different. I think they are.
Did the book change a lot through different drafts? How so?
The basic story did not change, although I would say it evolved. I added more depth to characters and expanded the social aspect of the story.
To get more information about Last at Bat check it out on Amazon.
