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juntakinte1968's review
4.0
As a huge fan of Joe Maddon's personality and strategies, as well as the writing of Tom Verducci, I was amped for this book.
And in many ways, it doesn't disappoint. Joe's telling of his biography is fascinating--especially in how young he transitioned to coaching and the financial woes he had as he started out. What's also cool is how he cultivated his interesting approaches he used in games. From things like batting practice, lineup construction, to even in game plays, it's fun.
I also liked how he was very open with how his tenures with both the Cubs and the Angels ended. I still believe he was done wrong with the Cubs (and personally believe that the front office took away the culture he created). And the Angels decision is as mystifying to me as it is him.
I do wish he was the bigger focus of the book, though. I would've liked to know more about his social and political understanding (seeing as how big his charity and hometown are to him). And I think some backstories on other coaches who worked before him could've been trimmed down.
Still, this is a great read for anyone with even a passing interest in baseball. And like Moneyball, I could see the lessons being used in business in general.
And in many ways, it doesn't disappoint. Joe's telling of his biography is fascinating--especially in how young he transitioned to coaching and the financial woes he had as he started out. What's also cool is how he cultivated his interesting approaches he used in games. From things like batting practice, lineup construction, to even in game plays, it's fun.
I also liked how he was very open with how his tenures with both the Cubs and the Angels ended. I still believe he was done wrong with the Cubs (and personally believe that the front office took away the culture he created). And the Angels decision is as mystifying to me as it is him.
I do wish he was the bigger focus of the book, though. I would've liked to know more about his social and political understanding (seeing as how big his charity and hometown are to him). And I think some backstories on other coaches who worked before him could've been trimmed down.
Still, this is a great read for anyone with even a passing interest in baseball. And like Moneyball, I could see the lessons being used in business in general.
wyntonrude17's review
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I have to admit, I thought I’d like it more. I’ve got the bias of a Cubs fan who watched Joe’s 2016 win it all, so it was tough to read about his final year in Chicago. I couldn’t help feeling that there was a lot of complaining about how baseball is changing. But that is the nature of the game right? It changes? That’s part of what keeps it exciting, I’d say. Also, there was very little complaining when the changing game seemed to benefit his teams (especially during his time on the Rays). I also was a little lost on how this book was about “not sucking a life”. Almost all of the book was applied to baseball, not his life outside of baseball, at least that’s how I felt. I feel like they missed an opportunity to make those connections, especially given the wonderful Maddon-isms.
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