A well written account of some individuals that make up the seamy side of southern California culture. The book is centered around the formation of a baseball team in a mens league. The down and outs are all in search of something better than their nihilistic drug-music addicted lives had brought them. And baseball brings them together in what is described as an alienating LA. Some recover, some don't. Sad and funny together. A little cute at the end with the cross-dresser but still a very good and easy read. ( )