Baseball or Basketball?

You may be asking yourself, "Why is she posting this in the 'Romance' part of the forum?"

Good question. My reasoning is I think the answer I am looking for will come from within this group.

I'm working on a contemporary love story and my main male character is a former pro athlete. My question: Which sport did he play?

Back when I originally began this story, I wrote him as a basketball player, mainly due to my own knowledge, and the story worked well that way.

Fast forward to now, I've converted the basketball parts to baseball- my reasoning, baseball seems to be more of the all American sport (What is that saying- baseball, hot dogs and apple pie?) and my character is the all American guy. (Think one of Nicholas Sparks main characters)

Truth- I like the story better with him as a basketball player- practices in gyms, a little tighter setting, etc...

But, I'm concerned that the readers of a story such as this will relate better to a baseball player.

I am anxious to hear your thoughts.

Deb Kinnard said:

I'm 1/3 of the way through a book set in AAA baseball. I obviously never played, and it's been more challenging to write than I thought it would be.

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And that is the truth. I've gotten a couple of good books about coaching youth baseball and they have been helpful, laying out recommended practice schedules, drills, etc...

The main thing I liked about basketball is the practices taking place in the gym, keeping my characters in closer settings rather than out in the field. And that my high school son has played basketball since he was in kindergarten, so I understand the youth aspect of it.

And lastly, as Jen pointed out with the pics- stereotypes. A lot of people may see my character as more of a Dwayne Wade, rather than a Cal Ripken... and this particular character is more of a Cal Ripken.

c.e.lawson said:

How about volleyball? You're still in a gym, and the guys look like this:

http://volleyball.teamusa.org/multimedia/photo_gallery/235?photo=3791#gallery-header

For some reason, I can't seem to insert the pic, only the link.

My favorite is Clay Stanley on the left. Or, as I call him, Manly Stanley. 6'9'' 240 lbs. He's got a killer jump serve.

What a fun dilemma you have!

c.e.

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Wow! My eyes have been opened to something new here. I knew there were hotties playing beach volleyball, but I knew nothing about this. Yummy!
Fun dilemma- that's for sure.

katiemac said:

I'll throw a loop out on this one. Don't think about the readers' opinions. What about your leading lady?

There's a fairly big physical difference between basketball and baseball players. I'm not talking about race, but real physical differences--height's the big one, but also weight. Basketball players have more defined muscles and are in top top shape. Baseball players have a bit more of an "average joe" (not necessarily all-American) type look. Baseball players can be smaller guys as long as they have the powerhouse to smack a home run (unless he's a pitcher and then he can really look like anything), basketball players are usually bigger.

The readers will relate to either profession if you, the author, make it relatable.

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Great point, looking at it from my leading ladies perspective. I'm going to spend some time thinking on that one.
Also, the differences in looks, distinctly different. Personalities are different as well.
Hmm...
I'm thinking I have my guy written as a cross between the two- if you can picture that... I obviously need to define his character a bit more.

EriRae said:

Why not break the stereotype and make him a little Larry Bird? "White guys can't jump" is just a myth.

Write what you know, and love. If you love basketball, let it shine through. Don't make him a baseball player so that he fits a stereotype. Make him your own character.

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And you're right, that is a myth, my own white son a perfect example. Although he can't dunk yet (he keeps trying), to my surprise, many of his team mates can.
My concern is that by making my character a basketball player, I paint an immediate picture for readers and have to spend too much time painting the real picture of him, taking away from the rest of the story line.
For example, I had a picture of a guy like Jordan Farmar (who I've now learned is bi-racial) in my mind as I wrote my character as a basketball player. To me, he's an All American Athlete.

On a similar, but different note, I do have a story involving an inter-racial relationship (white leading lady, black leading man) but, I'm not going to make the leading man a basketball player, nor will I make him a jockey.

kristie911 said:

Personally, I find baseball players far more sexy than basketball players. I'd be far more likely to pick up a book with a baseball playing MC than a basketball playing one.

But, it's definitely easier to write what you know. Go with your gut.

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Yep, they are sexy. I've always loved athletic men, especially football and baseball players. And I do love the basketball players arms and shoulders.
Anyway, back to writing, I was having a tough moment with my story yesterday and began questioning whether I should have kept the guy as a basketball player. Today, I have continued with him as a baseball player.
I understand the baseball player life quite well, just not so familiar with youth baseball.