Kevin Zahn is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. He also holds a master's degree from Boston College. He sailed all over the world as a mate, or deck officer, for over 20 years (1965-1987), some years full time, some part time. His ships were a variety of steam, diesel and nuclear powered. They carried every kind of cargo imaginable. He was also a junior high school teacher and coach of baseball and basketball. His last occupation before retiring was as a Geographic Information Systems Analyst. Kevin likes to play tennis, walk his dog, Sassie, and go for hikes around his home in northern Arizona. He is married, and has three children and two grandchildren.

The Bucko Mate: Twenty Years in the Merchant Marine describes the author's seafaring experiences over two decades sailing as an officer in the American Merchant Marine. This nonfiction, nautical adventure is full of the profane, the dangerous, the drunken, the crazy, the humorous, the romantic and the brave shipmates the author knew. The degeneration of the maritime industry in the United States is paralleled with the disintegration of the abilities and mental stability of a man who had to finally realize that he was burned out at the age of forty. -140,000 words

"I was particularly impressed by the authenticity of the writing, the range of issues faced by the main character, the honesty and clarity of emotions described and the relevance to today's current opportunities. This book is on par with one of my favorites in this category "Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy"."
Professor James A. Mucci, on Amazon

"Good book! I enjoy sea stories in general and I would be happy to read this author again."
M. Chambers, on Smashwords.

Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

Years ago, some men got together and formed a Boys Club in a hard-working, hard-drinking, inner-city neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, for the sole purpose of providing an opportunity for the local kids to play baseball. The City Heights teams were not part of the official Little League. It was an effort that stood alone in an area of the city that needed it badly. It is my experience living there and coaching with them in the early 1980's that inspired this book (92,000 words).