Speed Austin never meant to get in trouble, but it seems to follow him wherever he goes. Yet, even though he's part of the playground gang of toughs, the boys from St. Leo's are desperate for a shortstop to take the place of Bud Philips-and Speed is the best candidate they can find. Speed jumps at the chance to get away from the fast life, but the gang wants him back, and they're out to show him what happens to members that try to "quit." Will Jack and the other Catholic school boys manage to help save him, or is it too late?

Written in 1930 by a Chicago Priest who served as chaplain at the County Jail and knew the difficulties faced by boys growing up in the big city, this thrilling story is newly illustrated by Erin Bartholomew.