What lies ahead for a boy growing up in Billings, Montana, in the 1950s, who lost his father during combat in World War II? Can he realize the dream of thousands of youngsters and become a major-league pitching star? And can he shape the sport for decades after his retirement and death?

Yes, he can. This is the true story of Dave McNally, who began playing baseball as a Little Leaguer in Billings, became an American Legion star, and then developed into a stalwart of the Baltimore Orioles' pitching staff. McNally won 184 games in the major leagues, 181 for the Orioles and three for the Montreal Expos. He won twenty or more games in four consecutive seasons. He remains the only pitcher to have hit a grand slam home run in World Series play. But off the pitching mound, McNally took a principled stand in 1975 that brought workplace fairness to baseball players and other professional athletes.

Veteran journalist Dennis Gaub, who spent most of his career in Billings, has written the first biography of an unassuming man from Middle America. It will inspire you-and maybe the book will get you thinking about actions you could take to better your world or community, even if you're not a star athlete.

Reading about McNally will give you renewed optimism. You'll gain or regain a belief that a better future is possible for you, if you have a vision for achieving it through realistic steps you can take now.