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.
by Cousin Vinny Agnello, Carolyn Rae
November 9, 2022
Genre: urban fantasy, ghosts
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.Praise:
“Apt characterization boosts this enlightening sports tale about the allure and perils of fame.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Amazon-Goodreads
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.
und 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.
