The novel is inspired by the real life story of Ray Chapman, the only professional baseball player killed by a pitch.

Mays had killed the Indians' Ray Chapman the year before, but it was Chapman's fault.

The Indians also wore black armbands to commemorate Ray Chapman's passing, also taking place 90 years ago.

Ray Chapman never really saw the pitch that hit him.

The Yankees were trailing when Ray Chapman came to the plate in the fifth inning on August 16, 1920.

The dead-ball era came to an end after the fatal beaning of Ray Chapman during the 1920 season.

August 17 - Ray Chapman, baseball player (born 1891)

There is also a memorial plaque commemorating Ray Chapman that was originally installed at League Park.

Cleveland's 1920 season had also been significant for the death of Ray Chapman on August 17.

Despite the fatal beaning of Ray Chapman in 1920, batting helmets were fairly uncommon in the major leagues.