THATCHER HELDRING grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where he taught himself to write and play sports--though not at the same time. He has had several jobs in publishing. He has also worked as a grocery bagger, a ditchdigger, a small forward, a goalie, a scorekeeper, a coach, a rabid fan, a benchwarmer, and a shortstop. This is his second novel. He lives with his wife and son in Seattle, a good place for indoor sports.