Every adult who has kids in sports should read this book. It should be required reading for every youth league baseball coach. I admit I caught myself coaching my two boys from the stands, as I have taught both of them how to throw, how to catch, how to swing a bat, and how to pitch - including situational pitching. After reading this book, I now enjoy watching my boy's games much more because I know they have the tools to succeed. Now I just sit back and watch them play and find it's a lot more fun and much less stressful. I had the distinct pleasure of having met Mr. Matheny on a couple of occasions when he played for the Giants. We found him to be engaging and would talk baseball with us, and truly made our day doing so. Mike truly walks the walk.

It was a moment of weakness when this die-hard Cubs fan purchased this book. But as a father to three boys who inherited a love for baseball, I was given Mike's five page letter by a good friend. This is a must read for every parent of young athletes as well as all baseball fans (including Cub fans). Thank you, Mike, for giving your voice about baseball, but more importantly about life.

I played baseball for many years. Into my 30's until my back gave out from an old injury. Now with kids of my own I found this book not only to be a great book about playing the game the right way, but also a way to teach my kids about life. There is a way to win and lose with pride and dignity. Many of his stories have helped to remind me of those principles I want to instill in my own kids.

Jerry Jenkins has done it again. And Mike tells it like a respected ball player / manager he is.

As a travel baseball program director and manager this book (and mike's leadership in writing his letter) has helped me validate my beliefs further about how to coach players 'the right way'. Our goals as selfless leaders are to utilize the game to teach life's lessons and impart some wisdom. As you said so perfectly, we will win a few and we will lose a few but we will always do it with the utmost class. Thank you Mike... I hope to meet you someday to shake your hand. Not as a fan but as a fellow coach learning to better himself. Coach Gregory - St. Pete Tsunami

The author does a very good job of explaining some of the issues affecting young children in athletics today. All too often, we see over zealous parents screaming at their children, opposing players, coaches, umpires, and even other parents. The children lose the meaning of organized sports when they are pressured to "win at all costs" in little league.

This book should be required reading for all parents and grandparents of children playing youth sports. All coaches of youth teams will benefit too! This book would have served me well years ago when my son played on a traveling soccer team. Thanks Mike for sharing with us and Go Cardinals!

First of all I am not a cardinals fans, but I was sad when I reached the end. I didn't want it to end.

A book explaining why society should be concerned about its future as seen through youth sports