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 professionally. “Hutch, he had always thought of himself as the captain of any infield he had ever been a part of” (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 break Hutch's dreams like it did his. Hutch is betrayed by his father and Darryl when he finds them practicing together. Hutch must learn to adapt and eventually becomes friends with Darryl, the up-and-coming shortstop. He realizes that if he wants to win, he has to work together with Darryl. His father also approaches and finally gives Hutch his approval. Students should read this book in a high school English classroom because it demonstrates 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, then he has to find a way to get along with him. This book appeals to the interest of most teenage students. Most teenagers have played some type of sport and have had to find a way to deal with being on a team with competition. A team that is unable to work together will not win together. It's important for teammates to support... middle of the paper... take one for the team and learn not to be so selfish in the process of achieving your dream. Students should read this book in a high school English classroom because it demonstrates how relationships can be difficult, but teamwork can help solve many problems. Hutch realized that it wouldn't help his team to continue fighting Darryl and be angry at his father. He was able to take those difficult relationships and turn them into positive outcomes and achieve his goal. After winning the championship game, “Hutch made his way through his teammates, climbed into the stands, and did something he hadn't done in a long time: Hutch hugged his father. And his father hugged him back” (Lupica 243). This shows students that if they continue to work hard and focus on a goal, they can achieve it by being a team player on and off the field..