Play Baseball the Ripken Way: The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Fundamentals FROM THE PUBLISHER
Based on the teachings of the late Cal Ripken, Sr., a player, coach, manager, and scout in the Baltimore Orloles system for thirty-seven years, Play Baseball the Ripken Way shows players just what they need to do to be their best while maintaining a sense of fun and accomplishment with every new lesson.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
This book is the next best thing to a personal lesson with the man who broke Lou Gehrig's record of playing in 2,632 consecutive games; it's a comprehensive look at all aspects of how to play baseball that will benefit young players and adult weekend warriors. Assisted by his brother Bill, who also is a Major League veteran, and Sports Illustrated baseball editor Burke, Ripkin presents the training philosophy taught to him by his father, a legendary scout for the Baltimore Orioles. The book's nine chapters, or "innings," offer clearly detailed, precisely illustrated (by photographer Bill Wood) and incredibly helpful advice on all aspects of batting, base running, infielding and outfielding. The best are the chapters on catching, where Ripkin provides numerous insights into how a catcher can be "a true on-field manager," and on pitching, where Ripkin relies on the insights of John Habyanas, a former player and current pitching guru. He also offers short "Cal's Corner" sidebars with teaching tips. Perhaps the most helpful chapter is the "9th Inning" look at how managers need to examine "behavior issues" in the same way as catching and throwing to help players "cope with their failures and their losses." (Apr.) Forecast: This volume has the potential to become a classic instructional book, not only because of the well-known Ripkin name but also because of its solid content. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
The authors of this instructional book on baseball have impressive pedigrees: former Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken is a future Hall of Famer who was recently honored by the Babe Ruth League when it named its 12-and-under group the Cal Ripken Division. His coauthor and brother was a major league infielder as well. Their understanding of the game stems largely from their late father, Cal Sr., who was a player, manager, coach, and scout in the Baltimore Orioles organization for 37 years. Chapters written by Cal cover batting, base running, infield play, and catching; Bill's chapters outline pitching and outfield play. The text is interspersed with scores of illuminating photographs as well as sidebars on special tips, and each chapter closes with a review checklist. In addition, each brother aims a chapter at coaches: Bill writes on how to run a practice, while Cal expounds on the secondary importance of winning in youth sports and instead emphasizes the need to keep the experience fun and positive for the kids. This instructional guide is recommended for all public and school libraries.-John Maxymuk, Rutgers Univ. Lib., Camden, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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