Chris Columbus has acquired the rights to John Grisham's baseball-themed novel Calico Joe. The book was published in April by Doubleday, and has topped The New York Times best seller list ever since its debut.

The story is set in the world of major league baseball and follows Joe Castle, a rookie prospect from Arkansas who quickly gains a massive fan base, until one fateful pitch changes it all. The plot also revolves around the New York Mets pitcher who threw that fastball, and how the relationship with his son is altered after that one throw. Here's what Chris Columbus had to say about the project.

"When I finished this beautiful, deeply moving novel, I immediately started to see the movie in my head. I knew that I had to write and direct Calico Joe. The story deals with universal themes of betrayal, tragedy and redemption. It has the potential to be a classic film and I am honored to be a part of it."

Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe will produce alongside Chris Columbus, with John Grisham serving as an executive producer. No production schedule was given.