As young men on the cusp of life, Charlie Beresford and Kevin "KC" Conroy forged an unlikely friendship. Though the years have lead them down unexpected paths, the bonds of an enduring love will bring them back to where they have always belonged . . .

In the summer before college, hauling furniture is the last thing Charlie Beresford wants do with his time. Then, Kevin Conroy-the Mighty KC-joins the moving crew. A star baseball player bound for the big leagues, Charlie is shocked when KC reveals another side of his jock persona-and suddenly, Charlie finds the long summer coming to a bittersweet end. But as Charlie moves on to Dartmouth, KC never makes it to the majors. He finds himself in Oregon, no longer defined by his physical gifts, but building a new life with new friends, and learning to play by the heart . . .

At twenty-two, Charlie has a degree in hand and an entry-level job in radio. But sometimes he feels like the only thing he learned in college was that he's already made the biggest mistake of his life. So when he runs into his old high-school crush, he's more than ready to make up for lost time, even if the odds are long. Because the one thing Charlie and KC know too well is that the only thing worse than striking out is never taking a chance at all . . .

Praise for Tom Mendicino's Probation "Thoughtful, textured and poignant…an exciting impressive debut." -Time Out NY

"A smart, engaging, witty, sad and unusual book about the complicated nature of family and love." -Bart Yates, author of Leave Myself Behind

"A potent debut." -Publishers Weekly

"Achingly honest." -Vestal McIntryre, author of Lake Overturn