Download or read book The Story of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays written by Shawndra Shofner and published by The Creative Company. This book was released on 2007-07 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examines the history, players, and future of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball team.
Download or read book The Extra 2 written by Jonah Keri and published by ESPN. This book was released on 2011-03-08 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What happens when three financial industry whiz kids and certified baseball nuts take over an ailing major league franchise and implement the same strategies that fueled their success on Wall Street? In the case of the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays, an American League championship happens—the culmination of one of the greatest turnarounds in baseball history. In The Extra 2%, financial journalist and sportswriter Jonah Keri chronicles the remarkable story of one team’s Cinderella journey from divisional doormat to World Series contender. When former Goldman Sachs colleagues Stuart Sternberg and Matthew Silverman assumed control of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005, it looked as if they were buying the baseball equivalent of a penny stock. But the incoming regime came armed with a master plan: to leverage their skill at trading, valuation, and management to build a model twenty-first-century franchise that could compete with their bigger, stronger, richer rivals—and prevail. Together with “boy genius” general manager Andrew Friedman, the new Rays owners jettisoned the old ways of doing things, substituting their own innovative ideas about employee development, marketing and public relations, and personnel management. They exorcized the “devil” from the team’s nickname, developed metrics that let them take advantage of undervalued aspects of the game, like defense, and hired a forward-thinking field manager as dedicated to unconventional strategy as they were. By quantifying the game’s intangibles—that extra 2% that separates a winning organization from a losing one—they were able to deliver to Tampa Bay something that Billy Beane’s “Moneyball” had never brought to Oakland: an American League pennant. A book about what happens when you apply your business skills to your life’s passion, The Extra 2% is an informative and entertaining case study for any organization that wants to go from worst to first.
Download or read book The History of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays written by John Nichols and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hightlights the new major league baseball franchise that began play in Tampa Bay, Florida, in 1998.
Download or read book Dream Makers written by Jim “The Rookie” Morris and published by Savio Republic. This book was released on 2020-06-23 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jim Morris is no stranger to big dreams. Since he was five years old, he passionately yearned to play baseball in the major leagues. However, despite all his hard work and determination, a series of unfortunate events and injuries scuttled his career before he was twenty-five. Doctors told him he would never play again. Then at age thirty-five—after a string of highly implausible events and at an age when most players are retiring—Morris found himself on the mound as a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His return to the game was so incredible that Disney made his story into a heartwarming film—The Rookie—with a stellar performance by Dennis Quaid. It was released to popular acclaim and was a huge box office success. It won the ESPY for Best Sports Movie in 2002 and the CAMIE award for Character and Morality in Entertainment. Dream Makers picks up where The Rookie left off. This compelling memoir explores the untapped territory of Morris’s life, including his contentious relationship with his father, his incessant and grueling struggle with pain and addiction, the mentorship with his wise and loving grandfather who kept him grounded, and the resolve and faith that drove him to overcome every tribulation. Dream Makers explores the transformative power of surrounding yourself with the best, most accomplished people possible—inspiring you to overcome life’s obstacles and achieve your dreams. Life can come at you fast, but with God, all things are possible. “It’s not about me. It’s what God can do through me.”
Download or read book The History of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays written by John Nichols and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hightlights the new major league baseball franchise that began play in Tampa Bay, Florida, in 1998.
Download or read book Where Have All the Mangoes Gone written by Sarah-Jane Vatelot and published by . This book was released on 2019-10-02 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Rookie written by Jim Morris and published by Grand Central Publishing. This book was released on 2008-11-15 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The heart-wrenching, unbelievable true story of MLB pitcher Jim Morris's last-ditch attempt to join the major leagues. He Played A Boy's Game. He Lived A Man's Life. As a lonely child, Jim Morris took one thing with him wherever his family moved-his ability to hit and throw a baseball. For Jim, the passion of becoming a major-league ballplayer was his anchor and inspiration...until injuries and life got in the way. A decade after Jim walked away from the minors and began a life of fatherhood and mortgage payments, he made a promise to the hardscrabble high-school team he coached: If they could win their local championship, he would try out again for the big leagues. They did-and he did. Now, in this wondrous, heart-tugging book, Jim Morris tells the story of his remarkable life and his amazing journey to the Big Show at the age of thirty-five . . . and how he finally fulfilled his childhood dream.
Download or read book The Happy Heckler written by Robert Szasz and published by Booksurge Publishing. This book was released on 2005-07-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Happy Heckler is for baseball fans everywhere. It's a hilarious day at the ballpark, seated beside the sport's greatest fan, Rob Szasz, a.k.a. the "Happy Heckler." Szasz provides an insightful view of America's favorite pastime-not just from the stands, but from the unique perspective of a loud, funny, and wildly enthusiastic fan who heckles players on the field towards victory or defeat.
Download or read book Beyond Belief written by Josh Hamilton and published by FaithWords. This book was released on 2008-10-13 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Josh Hamilton was the first player chosen in the first round of the 1999 baseball draft. He was destined to be one of those rare "high-character " superstars. But in 2001, working his way from the minors to the majors, all of the plans for Josh went off the rails in a moment of weakness. What followed was a 4-year nightmare of drugs and alcohol, estrangement from friends and family, and his eventual suspension from baseball. BEYOND BELIEF details the events that led up to the derailment. Josh explains how a young man destined for fame and wealth could allow his life to be taken over by drugs and alcohol. But it is also the memoir of a spiritual journey that breaks through pain and heartbreak and leads to the rebirth of his major-league career. Josh Hamilton makes no excuses and places no blame on anyone other than himself. He takes responsibility for his poor decisions and believes his story can help millions who battle the same demons. "I have been given a platform to tell my story" he says. "I pray every night I am a good messenger."
Download or read book Baseball Junkie written by Aubrey Huff and published by . This book was released on 2017-01-01 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Beneath a Ruthless Sun written by Gilbert King and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2018-04-24 with total page 434 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY NPR and THE WASHINGTON POST "Compelling, insightful and important, Beneath a Ruthless Sun exposes the corruption of racial bigotry and animus that shadows a community, a state and a nation. A fascinating examination of an injustice story all too familiar and still largely ignored, an engaging and essential read." --Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy From the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller Devil in the Grove, the gripping true story of a small town with a big secret. In December 1957, the wife of a Florida citrus baron is raped in her home while her husband is away. She claims a "husky Negro" did it, and the sheriff, the infamous racist Willis McCall, does not hesitate to round up a herd of suspects. But within days, McCall turns his sights on Jesse Daniels, a gentle, mentally impaired white nineteen-year-old. Soon Jesse is railroaded up to the state hospital for the insane, and locked away without trial. But crusading journalist Mabel Norris Reese cannot stop fretting over the case and its baffling outcome. Who was protecting whom, or what? She pursues the story for years, chasing down leads, hitting dead ends, winning unlikely allies. Bit by bit, the unspeakable truths behind a conspiracy that shocked a community into silence begin to surface. Beneath a Ruthless Sun tells a powerful, page-turning story rooted in the fears that rippled through the South as integration began to take hold, sparking a surge of virulent racism that savaged the vulnerable, debased the powerful, and roils our own times still.
Download or read book A Pitcher s Story written by Roger Angell and published by Grand Central Publishing. This book was released on 2008-12-14 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Baseball's best writer offers an extraordinarily candid and thorough exploration of the inner craft of pitching from one of the game's best, David Cone. There is no big league pitcher who is more respected for his skill than David Cone. In his stellar career Cone has won multiple championships andcountless professional accolades. Along the way, the perennial all-star has had to adjust to five different ballclubs, recover from a career-threatening arm aneurysm, cope with the lofty expectations that are standard for the games highest paid players, and overcome a humbling three-month, eight-game losing streak in the summer of 2000. Cone granted exclusive and unlimited access to baseballs most respected writer Roger Angell of the New Yorker. The result is just what baseball fans everywhere would expect from Angell: an extraordinary inside account of a superstar.
Download or read book Field of Schemes written by Neil deMause and published by U of Nebraska Press. This book was released on 2015-03 with total page 479 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Cardinals Way written by Howard Megdal and published by Macmillan. This book was released on 2016-02-23 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chronicles the history and tradition of the St. Louis Cardinals, from the era when they were managed by Branch Rickey in the years following World War I to the present day.
Download or read book THE HISTORY OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL written by James Bren and published by James Bren. This book was released on with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Embark on an enthralling journey through the captivating history of America's cherished pastime with "The History of Major League Baseball" by James Bren. This meticulously researched and eloquently written chronicle offers readers an immersive exploration of the evolution, iconic moments, and enduring legacy of Major League Baseball (MLB). From its humble beginnings in the mid-19th century to the contemporary spectacle we know today, Bren unravels the rich tapestry of baseball's history. Delve into the early days of the sport, the formation of the first professional teams, and the emergence of baseball as a cultural phenomenon that would come to define the nation. Bren skillfully navigates through pivotal moments that shaped MLB, from landmark rule changes that revolutionized gameplay to the gripping narratives of legendary World Series matchups. The book meticulously examines the rise of iconic teams, the triumphs of unforgettable players, and the profound impact of historical events on the sport's trajectory. No exploration of baseball's history is complete without a focus on the extraordinary individuals who became legends. Bren brings to life the stories of baseball's most iconic figures, from the unparalleled achievements of Babe Ruth to the groundbreaking journey of Jackie Robinson, and the modern-day excellence of players like Derek Jeter. These narratives provide a comprehensive understanding of how these players not only influenced the game but also left an indelible mark on American culture. As Bren takes readers through the pages of history, he addresses the challenges that baseball confronted during pivotal moments in time. From the repercussions of the Black Sox Scandal to navigating the adversities of the Great Depression and the impact of World War II, the narrative underscores baseball's resilience and its ability to mirror the societal landscape. Beyond the diamond, the book explores the strategic shifts in gameplay, the evolution of team dynamics, and the enduring passion of fans that have made baseball a cultural touchstone. The narrative captures the essence of the sport's ability to captivate generations, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among fans. "The History of Major League Baseball" is not just a recounting of scores and statistics; it's a compelling exploration of a sport that has become synonymous with the American experience. Whether you're a seasoned baseball aficionado or a newcomer to the game, Bren's masterful storytelling and comprehensive research make this book an indispensable guide to understanding the unparalleled legacy of Major League Baseball.
Download or read book The Impossible Mile written by Johnny Agar and published by Dexterity. This book was released on 2021-09-21 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An incredible story of Johnny Agar, born with cerebral palsy and whom doctors thought would never walk, overcoming the odds to compete in Ironman triathlons. Featured on ESPN, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, and other media outlets, Johnny delivers a moving memoir that is a testament to the power of family, faith, and extraordinary courage. Johnny’s story shows the impact of a life lived to its fullest, from the first difficult steps in training, to becoming a brand ambassador for global apparel company Under Armour. He now serves as an inspiration for not only other professional athletes, but for anyone facing their own impossible mile. Come walk a mile in Johnny’s shoes, and realize, as Johnny did, you never walk alone, and anything is possible, if you’ll just take on life one step at a time.
Download or read book Help the Helper written by Kevin Pritchard and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2012-09-27 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “The real lessons of teamwork don’t happen on camera. They happen behind the closed doors of locker rooms and team meetings and practice facilities. Kevin and John open those closed doors. All you need to do is get reading!” —Larry Bird “Help the helper” is a basketball motto preached by some of the sport’s legendary coaches, including Dean Smith and Phil Jackson. All good players know they should support a teammate who’s under pressure. But the true greats know how to take it one step further. They fill the gaps left behind when one teammate goes to help another—gaps that are often far from the basket and out of the spotlight. The true greats step up in quiet ways to make sure no subtle holes develop on defense and no opportunities are missed on offense. Help the Helper will show you how to put this level of teamwork to work in your business, to build a culture that recognizes and rewards those who help the helper—even when they don’t have sexy statistics. In the process, it will teach you how to de-emphasize the CEO/quarterback/superstar and effectively redefine leadership. You’ll learn, for instance, how to: Create a dynasty of unselfishness. Manage energy, not people. Eat obstacles for breakfast. Act like an “unleader.” Consider how it works in the hospitality industry. In a great restaurant you don’t have to wait for your server to check on you; your needs are taken care of instantaneously, sometimes before you notice them. Everyone from the busboy to the maître d’ has one goal: the success of the team. Such coordination seems complicated for a small eatery, nearly impossible for a large organization. But it’s easier than you think. For a combined forty years, Pritchard and Eliot have focused on building high-performing groups. They’ve crushed Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-Hour Rule, logging upward of 50,000 hours studying the factors that create champions and dynasties, from the NBA and Major League Baseball to the Fortune 500. Exhaustive testing, scouting, and evaluating have taught them that truly special teams in all fields have one common denominator: a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the helper. Drawing on true and inspirational stories from sports to medicine to business, Help the Helper shows what’s behind the curtain that fuels great team performance.
