Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve Them [Hardcover]

Dave Winfield (Author), Michael Levin (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 20, 2007

Baseball is in trouble. Yes, revenue has never been higher, attendance has never been better, and baseball has never had a stronger international presence. But the game has rarely faced more significant problems: Steroid scandals, management-labor rifts, self-centered superstars, a dramatic decline in the number of African American players and fans, constraints on youth baseball fields and resources, and competition from other sports and entertainment options all threaten the foundations of our national pastime.

Dave Winfield knows and loves the game and he believes baseball can be rescued and revitalized. A respected role model and ambassador of the sport, Winfield outlines his strategy for making baseball the game he knows it can be: inclusive, empowering, and entertaining. He focuses on how to make the game more fan-friendly, and especially how to reach out to the African American community. From the commissioner's office to the kids on the street, Winfield examines the game from every perspective, offering ideas and solutions for diversifying front offices; marketing the game; developing community-based programs; and working out fair, creative, and lucrative parameters for the business of baseball. Making the Play inspires readers to get out of the armchair and into the action.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Only a former ballplayer who possesses the astute ability to look beyond race, power, and money in confronting the long-term issues that are certain to continue to plague baseball could have written Dropping the Ball. Dave Winfield is such a former player. He offers up a solution in his Baseball United plan -- a plan in which we can all, in some way, contribute, thereby guaranteeing that baseball forever remains America's favorite pastime!"

-- George M. Steinbrenner III

"Dave is not only a Hall of Fame baseball player but a Hall of Fame human being who deeply loves the game of baseball."

-- Earvin "Magic" Johnson

"Dave Winfield's genuine concern for the game he played so well and loves so much is evident on every page. Along the way he makes telling points and offers valuable suggestions for baseball's future."

-- Bob Costas

"This is not your ordinary book about America's pastime. Dave dissects every aspect of baseball to reveal a lot of unanswered questions about what is hurting the game. This book is not only for the avid baseball fan but for everyone!"

-- Torii Hunter

"Dave has always shown great respect for the history of the game and concern for the game's future. He has done a great job of combining the two. When Dave speaks, I listen."

-- Joe Morgan

"Fueled by his love for baseball, Dave has some great ideas for strengthening it and reengaging African Americans in the game."

-- Sharon Robinson, author and educational consultant, MLB

"This is a must-read book and one that I feel has something for everyone."

-- Hank Aaron --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Dave Winfield is best known as a New York Yankee and won a World Series ring with Toronto in 1992. Currently an executive with the San Diego Padres, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Michael Levin writes and ghostwrites in Orange County, California, where he runs www.Business Ghost.com.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Scribner; First Edition edition (March 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416534482
• ISBN-13: 978-1416534488
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,078,308 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive, effective solutions for a troubled game, March 22, 2007

By 

Mrs. Jones - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve Them (Hardcover)

I've grown tired of all the baseball scandals...from BALCO to Pete Rose, etc. I've been a fan of the game all my life, but have kind of lost touch from the strike on up until now. It just seems like MLB and its players are out of touch with the concerns of the average fan and parent. I was surprised to find that this book, written by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, is a positive and throughly researched look at the game and how to make it better. I sincerely hope that the suggestions he's made in these pages are acted upon by MLB execs at the top level and by community leaders and youth baseball coaches at the bottom.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting take on America's pastime, March 5, 2007

By 

Music Mogul (New York City) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve Them (Hardcover)

I thought this was going to be another baseball bashing book focusing on the hot-button steroid issue. I was pleasantly surprised that Winfield discusses all the issues that we fans bring up on the various sports radio shows. It's nice to know someone on the "inside" is listening. But the kicker is... he offers solutions -- from the grass-roots little league level to upper management. I was shocked to see George Steinbrenner's most flattering endorsement right on the cover. If these two can make peace, I suppose anything is possible.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Class Act, March 6, 2007

By 

D. Quincy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve Them (Hardcover)

When Dave came to Toronto in 1992, he not only brought his bat, but he brought experience and a positive attitude that led the Jays to the pinnacle -- the World Series. Once again, his experience and hope for the game he obviously loves comes thru. This is a good read.