Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3Xa19FS
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/64411821-satan-s-glove
Praise:
“Apt characterization boosts this enlightening sports tale about the allure and perils of fame.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis (from Amazon):
In 1991, Eddie Romano, an undersized, unconfident kid, finds an antique baseball glove while on a treasure hunt of the ruins of the old Comiskey Park in Chicago.
Instantly that glove becomes his obsession. While sleeping at night, he's transported to a dreary, decrepit ballpark where he learns the game of baseball from Billy, a skillful young ballplayer, who seems to be under the control of a dark, sinister figure who calls himself, “The Manager.”
Miraculously, Eddie becomes a better ballplayer and is rewarded for anti-social behavior by having his skills improve. As his bad attitude causes him to lose more and more friends on his team, he starts receiving phone calls from legendary baseball players Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig who attempt to steer his behavior in the complete opposite direction.
Unbeknownst to Eddie, two factions of “angels” are waging a war for his soul. What is the price of glory? Eddie will soon find out.
EXCERPTS
Chapter Eight – Home Sweet Home
As soon as he got home from school, Eddie raced up the stairs to his bedroom and shouted down to his mother, “I need to take a nap.”
Mrs. Romano ran up the stairs after him. “Is there something wrong, Eddie?”
“No, Mom. Everything’s great. I just need to get some rest. It was a long day at school, and I’m still worn-out from that treasure hunt Dad and I went on yesterday.”
“I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but I really like your mitt. I felt like wringing your father’s neck for bringing you to such a dangerous spot, but you two certainly were rewarded. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a glove quite like that one.”
To hear his mother speaking highly of his glove brought tears of joy to his eyes. “It’s really cool. I don’t think I’ve ever liked anything quite as much. I wouldn’t sell it, no matter what. It’s so unique. I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been. I’m the luckiest kid in the whole world, Mom.”
Eddie jumped off his bed to give his mother a big hug. He dried his eyes and then added, “I’m so happy you love it too.”
“I was never lucky enough to find anything like that. I’m sure it was somebody’s pride and joy. They would probably be happy a nice boy like you found it. I know if I lost something special, I’d want the finder to truly cherish it.”
“I do, Mom. I do cherish it. Don’t tell Dad, but it makes me dream,” Eddie said, holding the glove proudly.
“Well, I don’t want to disturb your dreams, so I won’t wake you up until supper’s ready at six, okay?”
“Yeah, Mom. That would be fantastic. I’m starting to get sleepy right now. I can’t wait to dream. I can hear my pillow calling me. See you later, Mom. I love you.”
“Sweet dreams, Eddie,” Mrs. Romano whispered as she closed his bedroom door.
Eddie held his glove against his heart and quickly fell into a deep sleep. He began to dream. Numerous faces flashed through his mind until he was staring up at the most handsome one he’d ever seen. This must be a dream. Suddenly, this handsome, young man spoke to him.
“Eddie. Eddie. Wake up. You’re here!” the handsome man in an old-fashioned Chicago White Sox uniform said.
“Where?” Eddie asked, confused.
“You’re here with me at the ballpark.”
Eddie sat up and looked around curiously at the abandoned stadium. The actual field was very well manicured, but the building itself was weathered with age. It looked like it must have been a real nice place at one-time, but somebody forgot to keep it up.
“Who are you?” Eddie asked in amazement.
“I’m your coach. I’m your dream coach.”
“A dream coach?” Eddie asked, now utterly fascinated.
“I’ve been waiting an awfully long time for you, Eddie. So, you’re the boy who found my glove. Do you mind if I look at it?”
“No, but you’re going to give it back, right?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
“Well, in that case, here,” Eddie said as he stood and tossed his “magical glove” to his dream coach.
“Wow. It hasn’t changed a bit since the last time I saw it.”
“It hasn’t?” Now Eddie worried. “Please tell me you don’t want to take it back.”
“No. It’s yours to keep, Eddie. I’m here just to teach you how to use it. It’s magical.”
“I knew it.” Eddie gloated. “So, you’re going to teach me how to control the magic. You’re going to be my new best friend, aren’t you?”
“That’s right. Now, here take your glove back,” the dream coach said, handing it to Eddie.
“Well, the field looks nice, but the rest of the place is a dump. Do you live here?”
“Yes.”
“Are you by yourself?”
The dream coach sighed. “For the moment, but that won’t always be the case.”
“Where do you sleep?”
“I don’t. Well, occasionally I do.”
“That’s not what I asked. Where do you sleep?”
“Oh, I sleep sometimes on the roof of the dugout and other times on the grass of the field. Don’t you love the smell of freshly cut grass?”
Eddie sniffed. “Yes. I do.” He looked up at the overcast sky. “It seems awfully dreary. It must be depressing to live here. Where’s the sun?”
“I don’t know. I never see it.”
“Well, how do you tell day from night?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. Look, I can’t waste any more time with this chit-chat because, you see, I’ve got a job to do. I’m supposed to teach you how to play baseball like a professional. Would you like to learn?”
Eddie grinned. “There’s nothing I’d enjoy more than learning how to be a great ballplayer. I just hope you realize I’m going to be a real project. I absolutely love the game, but I’m not very good at it. Maybe you could change that for me.”
“Well, that’s what I’m here for. That’s why they pay me the big bucks.” He looked toward the dugout.
“I thought nobody was here with us.”
“Believe me, when I tell you, nobody is.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. Fire away.”
“Are you with the spirit inside my glove?”
Dumbfounded, the dream coach asked, “What spirit are you talking about?”
“The one that says someday I’m going to be a professional baseball star,” Eddie said.
“Oh, that spirit. Well, I guess I am then,” The dream coach replied. Oh, my God, he’s just a child. This whole situation is beneath contempt. Now he felt despicable about playing a role in this corruption.
“Well, then I’d like to thank you and your friend inside my glove for helping me. You both are obviously going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to making my life so much better. Since I can’t communicate with the spirit inside my glove directly, could you please pass on my kind words? I would forever be in your debt if you could.”
“Sure,” the dream coach said, fighting off the nausea welling up inside. “It’s time for your baseball lesson, okay?”
“Alright. I don’t envy you though, because I’m afraid I really stink at the game.
“I’ll see what I can do about that. Well, where should I begin? I guess I’ll try to improve your hitting.”
Eddie and his dream coach worked on lots of fundamentals of hitting and fielding until Mrs. Romano banged loudly on Eddie’s bedroom door. The startling noise shocked Eddie back to reality. Suddenly he was swept away from that field of play back to his familiar bedroom.
“Wow! What a trip.” Eddie could hardly believe what had just happened.
“Are you coming down for dinner?” Mrs. Romano asked. “If you are, you better hurry before your food gets cold.” “Hello. Earth to Eddie! Did you hear me?” She slapped her hands together.
“Loud and clear. Give me a moment, will you?” Eddie begged as he got ready to face his critics. Being bothered by his family was becoming a chore.
EXCERPT 2
Eddie held his glove against his heart and quickly fell into a deep sleep. He began to dream. Numerous faces flashed through his mind until he was staring up at the most handsome one he’d ever seen. This must be a dream. Suddenly, this handsome, young man spoke to him.
“Eddie. Eddie. Wake up. You’re here!” the handsome man in an old-fashioned Chicago White Sox uniform said.
“Where?” Eddie asked, confused.
“You’re here with me at the ballpark.”
Eddie sat up and looked around curiously at the abandoned stadium. The actual field was very well manicured, but the building itself was weathered with age. It looked like it must have been a real nice place at one-time, but somebody forgot to keep it up.
“Who are you?” Eddie asked in amazement.
“I’m your coach. I’m your dream coach.”
“A dream coach?” Eddie asked, now utterly fascinated.
“I’ve been waiting an awfully long time for you, Eddie. So, you’re the boy who found my glove. Do you mind if I look at it?”
“No, but you’re going to give it back, right?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
“Well, in that case, here,” Eddie said as he stood and tossed his “magical glove” to his dream coach.
“Wow. It hasn’t changed a bit since the last time I saw it.”
“It hasn’t?” Now Eddie worried. “Please tell me you don’t want to take it back.”
“No. It’s yours to keep, Eddie. I’m here just to teach you how to use it. It’s magical.”
“I knew it.” Eddie gloated. “So, you’re going to teach me how to control the magic. You’re going to be my new best friend, aren’t you?”
“That’s right. Now, here take your glove back,” the dream coach said, handing it to Eddie.
“Well, the field looks nice, but the rest of the place is a dump. Do you live here?”
“Yes.”
“Are you by yourself?”
The dream coach sighed. “For the moment, but that won’t always be the case.”
“Where do you sleep?”
“I don’t. Well, occasionally I do.”
“That’s not what I asked. Where do you sleep?”
“Oh, I sleep sometimes on the roof of the dugout and other times on the grass of the field.
Don’t you love the smell of freshly cut grass?”
Eddie sniffed. “Yes. I do.” He looked up at the overcast sky. “It seems awfully dreary. It must be depressing to live here. Where’s the sun?”
“I don’t know. I never see it.”
“Well, how do you tell day from night?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. Look, I can’t waste any more time with this chit-chat because, you see, I’ve got a job to do. I’m supposed to teach you how to play baseball like a professional. Would you like to learn?"
Eddie grinned. “There’s nothing I’d enjoy more than learning how to be a great ballplayer. I just hope you realize I’m going to be a real project. I absolutely love the game, but I’m not very good at it. Maybe you could change that for me.”
“Well, that’s what I’m here for. That’s why they pay me the big bucks.” He looked toward the dugout.
“I thought nobody was here with us.”
“Believe me, when I tell you, nobody is.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. Fire away.”
“Are you with the spirit inside my glove?”
Dumbfounded, the dream coach asked, “What spirit are you talking about?”
“The one that says someday I’m going to be a professional baseball star,” Eddie said.
“Oh, that spirit. Well, I guess I am then,” The dream coach replied. Oh, my God, he’s just a child. This whole situation is beneath contempt. Now he felt despicable about playing a role in this corruption.
“Well, then I’d like to thank you and your friend inside my glove for helping me. You both are obviously going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to making my life so much better. Since I can’t communicate with the spirit inside my glove directly, could you please pass on my kind words? I would forever be in your debt if you could.”
“Sure,” the dream coach said, fighting off the nausea welling up inside. “It’s time for your baseball lesson, okay?”
“Alright. I don’t envy you though, because I’m afraid I really stink at the game.”
“I’ll see what I can do about that. Well, where should I begin? I guess I’ll try to improve your hitting.”
Eddie and his dream coach worked on lots of fundamentals of hitting and fielding until Mrs. Romano banged loudly on Eddie’s bedroom door. The startling noise shocked Eddie back to reality. Suddenly he was swept away from that field of play back to his familiar bedroom.
“Wow! What a trip.” Eddie could hardly believe what had just happened.
THE MAKING OF SATAN’S GLOVE
Louis Anthony ‘COUSIN VINNY’ Agnello believed so much in the merits of his first novel, “THE
DEVIL’S GLOVE” that in 2014 he took to the road using his own funds to support himself as he made
book-signing appearances at many BARNES & NOBLE and private book store locations throughout the
United States.
This unusual marketing ploy “did not” go unnoticed as he and his novel were favorably featured or
reviewed by news media in 21 different states. Over 10,000 novels were sold before he returned home
to rest and if this was an ordinary book, that would have been the end of it.
But three years later in 2017, legendary science fiction writer, BEN BOVA, stumbled across this
unique novel and asked if he could lend a hand in its promotion. While perusing the novel, BOVA stated
it was a “NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER in need of an edit.” He would know, since he won the
prestigious “HUGO AWARD” six times as best editor. He told ‘COUSIN VINNY’ AGNELLO, “I’m too old and
don’t have enough time left to edit your book, but I will guide you in this effort.” BOVA was eighty-four
years old at the time and had a few more novels of his own to write before his untimely death in
November of 2020.
By the end of 2018, according to BOVA, the novel you’re about to read, “SATAN’S GLOVE” was ready
for the big time. So he promptly sent it out to TOR BOOKS (Bova’s publisher) for review. BEN
BOVA called it, “The most fascinating novel he had read in years.” The editors at TOR said it was a
“strong effort at creating an atmospheric, all-American tale of effort, failure, temptation, hope, longing,
searching, and redemption. We empathize and appreciate Eddie’s struggle with his own personal
demons as well as the literal devil trying to corrupt his soul. The theme of sports success as a metaphor
for achieving life goals (likability, fame, personal satisfaction) is a resonant one and makes for
compelling motivation. However, the execution of the work requires refining, despite the touching
elements of redemption at the end. Overall, this is a charming effort but would require more work to be
made marketable.”
So, with BEN BOVA’S help, he went back to refine the novel one more time and enlisted the aid of his
published author aunt, Carolyn Rae, to rewrite the novel. Before it was ready, the great Ben Bova passed
away. The book is now everything BEN BOVA believed it could be so now it’s up to you to enjoy this
remarkable story. You are the jury and the executioner and your verdict will be final.
Interview:
On writing:
How did you do research for your book?
Since it is a period piece I had to look up the style of uniform worn by the dream coach “BILLY GREEN”. In order to do this, I had to find a famous ballplayer from that era for the Chicago White Sox and observe the uniform he wore to incorporate it into the novel. Also, I had to research the Chicago White Sox minor league system before 1952 and to my amazement their triple A team played in Hollywood, California. They were called the Stars and were owned by William Frawley from the “I LOVE LUCY SHOW”. For BILLY GREEN to play on that team really made my work easy.
Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
Obviously, the BILLY GREEN character was the most difficult character to write for because he was so dated. The EDDIE ROMANO character (the kid who finds Billy’s cursed glove) was the easiest because I knew very well that time period.
How did you come up with this idea for your book?
The most incredible night of my life was spent watching a “mental movie” of this great tale. Although I did not drink, smoke, use drugs, or have any kind of mental illness, I received a telepathic message from a visitor in my room. This visitor shouldn’t have existed according to the laws of physics but I can attest that he was there and he informed me that I had a job to do and I better pay attention to all the details since it was a message for the world. The “mental movie” he presented to me was the most fascinating, heartwarming adventure that I would ever be part of. When this movie ended my heart was pounding and my forehead was sweating and I screamed out, “It’s beautiful! It’s perfect!” I knew if I went to sleep (what I planned to do), I would blow the greatest opportunity of my life because I would certainly forget the details. So, instead I stayed up and jotted down every detail that I could remember of this wondrous story and I am so glad I did, and so will you be, when you read it.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
From a stranger from another dimension and I’m perfectly sane.
What makes your book different from others in this genre?
If receiving a message from a godly being from another dimension doesn’t interest you (when you’re not insane and have no drug or alcohol problems) then you’re probably dead or might as well be.
What advice would you give budding writers?
Don’t pursue it unless you totally believe in what you’re selling. If I was selling a murder mystery, detective novel, or something run of the mill, you wouldn’t be seeing my work being promoted. This book is my “Mona Lisa”, I will never write a more original or fascinating novel and I’ve lived a fascinating life. The late great BEN BOVA (science fiction writer with over 130 published novels and 6 HUGO AWARDS for best editor in the world) told me after signing a literary agreement with me, that SATAN’S GLOVE was the most fascinating novel he’d read in years. Maybe that’s why I believe in this novel.
Your book is set in _____. Have you ever been there?
Palatine, Illinois and no, I’ve never been there but did stop close by while test marketing this book.
In your book you state ____. Why is that?
That there’s hope. There’s always hope! I believe as long as you have breath in your lungs, you can change the road you’re on. I have. SATAN’S GLOVE is one of the great “anti-suicide” books you’ll ever read. If you want to end it all after reading SATAN’S GLOVE then you must’ve missed the message.
If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?
I’ve been BILLY GREEN (the dream coach in the novel) who’s been 90 feet from reaching his goal. I’ve been on third base most of my life but I just can’t seem to score that winning run. It’s the most frustrating thing ever, to be so close to reaching your goal but so far away. I’m BILLY GREEN as a writer and just like him, at this juncture I’d probably make a deal with the devil to get to the Major leagues of book writing as he made a deal with the devil to play in the Major leagues of baseball.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
Thanks to the late, great BEN BOVA’s interest in this novel I was permanently included in the encyclopedia (WIKIPEDIA) and that credibility launched a successful real estate career for me. It’s kind of cool to be famous, even if you’re probably a C grade celebrity but a celebrity just the same.
How long have you been writing?
Since 1987. I used to write screenplays but was pushed to write a novel by people in the industry because many books become movies. You’ll notice that my work reads like a movie and that’s because I went to the best acting school in the country, “THE LEE STRASBERG THEATER INSTITUTE, NYC”. Everything is visual to me. And yes, I’ve appeared in some movies and soap operas (Nothing to write home over). I really began writing my novel seriously in 1991 until 1993 and then I decided to finally finish something as I’ve dedicated my spare time to writing from 2011 to the present.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?
Never had it.
What is your next project?
The rewrite of the sequel. I need it to read like SATAN’S GLOVE.
What genre do you write and why?
They say I’m a fantasy writer and a morality writer. I believe goodness always wins out over evil.
What is the last great book you’ve read?
The Shining, my favorite besides SATAN’S GLOVE.
What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
When the late great BEN BOVA at 84 years old, decided to sign me to a literary agreement and promote my book. I was the last writer Mr. BOVA signed (It had been 10 years since BEN BOVA had signed a writer). I was honored to say the least and for him to tell me that “SATAN’S GLOVE” was the most fascinating novel he’d read in years really put me on cloud 9!
How are you similar to or different from your lead character?
Since EDDIE ROMANO is the lead character and is a victim of evil beings, I’m really not much like him except for his humanity and his realization that following the “golden rule” was his best bet. I try to walk the high ground in life. I’ve been blessed and even if SATAN’S GLOVE does not become a New York Times Bestseller as BEN BOVA predicted, I’ll live with it. The general public is finicky and if somehow they miss this exceptional book, then I’ll accept it. As the old adage goes, “You can lead the horse to water but you can’t make him drink.”
If your book were made into a movie, who would star in the leading roles?
A great looking, athletic, left hander would have to be BILLY GREEN and who knows who would play EDDIE ROMANO? The “MANAGER” could be Al Pacino or someone who can be evil and amusing at the same time.
If your book were made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?
SILENT LUCIDITY by QUEENSRYCHE (Theme song) because a lot of the book takes place in the dream domain. And my wife Lisa Ann has written some great music for this endeavor.
What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing your book?
Getting recognized by a legendary writer like BEN BOVA. Test marketing a different version of the story for 9 months on the road wasn’t easy (BOOK SIGNINGS GALORE).
In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like?
When it’s dark outside it’s hard to recognize the forest from the trees.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Find something interesting to write about and make sure you know what you’re writing about.
Which authors inspired you to write?
My father, Louis A Agnello Sr. had his own column in the Chemical Engineering News. He wanted to write the great American novel but he ran out of time here and I wrote SATAN’S GLOVE for him.
What is something you had to cut from your book that you wish you could have kept?
The language had to be made PG-13 and that’s not the language that “real” ball players use but the message was more important than the restrictions.
On rituals:
Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?
Flan. In fact, I want some now.
Where do you write?
In my office, by myself.
Do you write every day?
BEN BOVA said I should but life tries its best to steal you away from what you should be doing.
What is your writing schedule?
Whenever my editor Carolyn Rae emails me her take on my chapters.
Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?
Not really.
In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?
Sure. Back in 1991-1993. It was a major problem scanning those pages into the present computer format.
Fun stuff:
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I’d go back to the 1960’s and warn my beloved father about smoking and other vices. I’d tell him how proud he would be of me if he could only see what I’ve done and what I’ve written. I’d encourage him to take better care of himself so he’d be around to see me featured in Wikipedia or how successful SATAN’S GLOVE will become and how many lives my book will save. That’s where I would go.
Favorite travel spot?
Australia, particularly Tasmania. What a beautiful place.
Favorite dessert?
Flan and Baklava
If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you?
The Bible, SATAN’S GLOVE, and THE REVENGE OF THE MANAGER. Two are written by me and one by God.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you? The scariest? The strangest?
My life hasn’t been funny but I did build a garage for my late father’s car that was given to me. Unfortunately, my imagination took hold and I decided to build a guest house above it. One year later, after the town inspector made me change everything, I was finally finished. Sadly, the staircase I built to stay within code, interfered with the space I needed to park my dad’s Lincoln. So, the Lincoln never was parked there. Funny in a sad way. Being shot by an unknown assailant in Sleepy Hollow, New York in 2008. (Pretty scary). How I came up with the story for SATAN’S GLOVE, my experiences with the paranormal. (Pretty strange)
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Standing up for my legal rights that were violated by the franchisor of the franchise I once owned. Oh, I was the only one who ended up getting paid although you’d never know it by reading the propaganda online.
Any hobbies? or Name a quirky thing you like to do.
I have a personalized game jersey for every NFL team except the Minnesota Vikings. They choke too much for me to want to represent them.
If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?
Like Rocky Bleir (Pittsburgh Steeler running back who lost part of his foot in the Vietnam war) once said, “Life’s battles are not always won by the bigger or stronger man, but in the end the one who wins is the one who thinks he can.” That’s me!
What is something you've learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I can overcome adversity.
What TV series are you currently binge watching?
I don’t watch TV too much because I’m not impressed with the content.
What is your theme song?
Flying High Now!
What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Stay warm and entertain my friends with my incredible, but true, life stories.
What is a favorite holiday tradition (or memory)?
Every day above ground is a blessing.
What song is currently playing on a loop in your head?
“Silent Lucidity” (Queensryche). It plays in my head when I’m writing about SATAN’S GLOVE.
What is something that made you laugh recently?
My wife does impersonations and speaks for the pets we own. She’s really good at creating voices and has unfortunately missed her calling.
What is your go-to breakfast item?
Chocolate milk.
What is the oldest item of clothing you own?
My official game jerseys that I’ve collected since 2001.
Tell us about your longest friendship.
I remarried my wife after a 27 year separation back in 2017. Since we got together originally in 1981, that means we’ve been friends (on and off) for 42 years. She plays the piano and composes and I sing and I’ve written great songs too.
What is the strangest way you've become friends with someone?
I had a woman from Tasmania come to the US to see her mother and met me briefly playing softball in a senior league. Next thing I know she’s writing to me online and piqued my interest so much that I flew to Tasmania and spent 6 months with her. It didn’t work out but was exciting while it lasted.
Who was your childhood celebrity crush?
Probably Jane Seymour. I loved Somewhere in Time.
Author Bio:
Wherever controversy is found it’s likely you’ll find “Cousin Vinny” in the thick of it.
On the evening of August 22, 2008, Mr. Agnello was accosted by two gunmen and shot twice in the leg in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The motive for that shooting was never determined. As of this date, no one has been arrested.
Agnello recovered from the shooting and currently resides in Monticello, Georgia. This is the final evolution of a story that he received in a dream-like state back in 1991. “Cousin Vinny” believes that his colorful past gives him greater insight into the plights of the people we meet in our daily lives. He truly hopes you enjoy this adventure.
Visit Cousin Vinny on Facebook.
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