Out at the Old Ball Game

Bookbinder's novel leads off with a nifty premise but in the long run fails to score. New York Gents' first baseman Dick (Rootie) Toote publicly comes out of the closet and inadvertently gives team manager Scrappy Schwartzenberger a chance to reverse the Gents' flagging performance. Hearing from Toote about other ballplayers of like persuasion, Scrappy decides to assemble the sport's first all-gay team. As the story continues from different characters' viewpoints, irrelevant flashbacks and frequent tangents make for a choppy narrative and incosistent tone. Bookbinder's humor ranges from forced (``It's become the national crasstime'') to recycled (``Before I forget, call your mother.'' ``What should I call her?'') to stereotypic (the stadium's outfield wall is painted lavender). Because the ballplayers are never portrayed as individuals, the novel doesn't make it to first base. (Apr.)