Stephen King - Novella - 2010 - Blockade Billy

This novella by Stephen King follows the career of William "Blockade Billy" Blakely, a rookie catcher for the New Jersey Titans in 1957. Narrated by an elderly coach from a retirement home, the story details Billy's extraordinary talent and his peculiar habit of echoing others' speech. While Billy becomes a fan favorite for his tough defensive plays, a dark reality emerges when police reveal his true identity is Eugene Katsanis, a troubled farmhand who murdered the real Blakely family. The tension peaks when Billy uses a concealed razor ring to kill an umpire, a violent act influenced by his pitcher's constant grievances. Ultimately, the team’s season is erased from history, serving as a grim reminder of a hidden and horrific past.