"Dream Season is a well-written historical novel that makes Los Angeles County's past come alive...I strongly recommend this book. Stories of nineteenth-century baseball, family lore, and the history of Merriken's hometown of Norwalk, California, are beautifully told in this heartwarming tale that is based on the life of a pitcher and local celebrity, Walter Settle."- Barbara Field, President, Norwalk Historical Heritage Commission In 1890, a tall and robust fourteen-year-old named Walter Settle played baseball for a small community just north of his hometown in Los Angeles County. An exceptionally talented and motivated athlete with an incredible pitching arm, young Walter dreamed of playing baseball professionally. When news of his talent eventually caught the attention of Baltimore Orioles Manager Ned Hanlon, Walter's aspirations of playing in the big leagues seemed destined to become reality. But Walter had to choose between his dream and his responsibility to his family and community. Inspired by the life of a true baseball hero and the history of Norwalk, California, this heartwarming novel tells the story of a young man's ambition to play professional baseball despite his family's disdain for the sport, his unrelenting push for perfection, and his disappointments and triumphs along the way.