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What: “A Pitcher’s Story: Innings with David Cone”

Author: Roger Angell (Warner Books).

Price: $24.95.

When legendary baseball writer Roger Angell from the New Yorker begins the task of writing a book profiling Yankee right-hander David Cone, he hasn’t the slightest idea of what’s about to happen.

Could anyone?

Cone had been dominant in his 14 years leading up to the 2000 championship season, when the book takes place. In 1988, he finished with a record of 20-3 with the New York Mets. In 1994, with a record of 16-5 for the Kansas City Royals, he won the Cy Young Award. And easing into the twilight of his career, he had five consecutive seasons (1994-99) with a winning record.

So, going in, Angell seemed to have the makings of a positive story.

Wrong.

Cone, then 38, at times magnificent and virtually unhittable on the mound, begins to unravel at the seams, mentally and physically, and Angell gets a front-row seat, watching the pitcher struggle through his worst season.

Angell takes readers on a stream-of-consciousness voyage through Cone’s childhood and the beginnings of his career, all based around the pitcher’s season.

Their friendship, which has developed over the last decade, helps Angell try to unravel Cone’s psyche in his trademark, rhythmic prose as the two spend time together.