Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make the Difference [Hardcover]

Cal Ripken (Author), Donald T. Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 10, 2007

In the spirit of Rick Pitino’s New York Times phenomenal bestseller Success Is a Choice, living legend Cal Ripken, Jr., presents an inspiring guide to overcoming any challenge and building a life you love.

Baseball’s all-time Iron Man, Cal Ripken, Jr., retired from baseball in 2001 after breaking countless records, including Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played (Ripken played 2,632). Ripken is admired by thousands of fans not only for his relentless perseverance, but also for his unparalleled integrity. Now, in a stirring book that draws on his exhilarating career as well as the wisdom of his legendary father, Ripken shares rousing advice centered around his proven 8 Elements of Perseverance:

• The Right Values: hard work, excellence, honesty, and integrity

• A Strong Will to Succeed: advice for those who inadvertently "bench" themselves in life

• Love What You Do: tips for discovering where your true passion lies

• Preparation: ways to continually envision your next position and prepare for it as if it were already yours

• Anticipation: strategies for creating your own opportunities

• Trusting Relationships: how to build them in even the most turbulent environments

• Life Management: making time to enjoy the journey
• The Courage of Your Convictions: insight into how Ripken not only broke but far exceeded numerous records Cal Ripken is a sought-after advisor to fans from all walks of life.

From his numerous public-speaking engagements each year to his weekly "Ask Cal" column for the Baltimore Sun, he always brings a winning combination of compassion and motivation to each topic. A book for moms and dads, recent graduates, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is simply facing an important turning point, Get in the Game gives all of us access to legendary advice from a legendary achiever.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Athletic superstar Ripken (Play Baseball the Ripken Way) turns the often pro-forma business/personal management guidebook into a well-written combination autobiography and inspirational self-help book. During his long career with the Baltimore Orioles, Ripken broke numerous baseball records, including New York Yankee Lou Gehrig's record for most consecutive games played, and he was recently voted into the Hall of Fame at his first opportunity. Unlike Ripken's other autobiographical books on baseball, this one begins with a contemplation of Gehrig's famed work ethic (maintained even after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and analyzing "the many parallels in our careers and how similarly he and I approached our jobs." Ripken breaks down Gehrig-style perseverance—"steadfastness, hanging in there in the face of difficulty, overcoming obstacles"—into eight elements, each with its own chapter: "The Right Values," "A Strong Will to Succeed," "Love What You Do, "Preparation," "Anticipation, "Trusting Relationships," "Life Management" and "The Courage of Your Convictions." Many of his observations border on the clichéd ("Straight shooters get more work, are appreciated more, and are almost always respected"). But overall the book's essential message—"If you enjoy the journey, you're going to be more involved. And then you'll always be in the game"—is illuminating even to those who aren't baseball fans. (Apr. 10)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Get in the Game: 8 Principles of Perseverance that Make the Difference teaches us how to be our best . . . a lesson in perseverance from Cal Ripken, Jr. is similar to a piano lesson from Mozart. Don't miss it! -- former Senator Bill Bradley

A great book...Ripken takes the reader from the field to the boardroom. -- Brian Kilmeade, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Games Do Count

Cal Ripken, Jr. is an athlete whose words match his deeds, and what he says about perseverance in Get In The Game is wise advice, whatever game you're in. -- Frank Deford

Cal Ripken, Jr. set the standard for hard work, dependability, and dedication on the playing field. In Get in the Game, he describes eight principles that enabled his record-breaking consecutive games streak and helped him to excel throughout his career. Whether you seek athletic, professional, or personal excellence, Cal will inspire you to persevere. -- President William Jefferson Clinton

Cal Ripken, a genuine national hero, has written a book that will inspire many young people. He talks about sound values as they apply to sports and to life itself. -- former President George H. W. Bush

Every boy-even at age 76-needs some heroes. Cal Ripken, Jr. is one of mine. When you read this book you'll know why. -- Warren E. Buffet, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway

For anyone looking to get ahead in life, this book is a great motivational tool. Cal Ripken brings together the basic principles of success and provides readers with insight on how they have helped him succeed in baseball, business and life. -- David Bach, bestselling author of The Automatic Millionaire and Start Late Finish Rich

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Gotham; 1 edition (April 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159240264X
• ISBN-13: 978-1592402649
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #756,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An education in more ways than one. June 11, 2007

By Jerry Saperstein HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

I am not now nor have I ever been a baseball fan. It just never appealed to me. But Cal Ripken has been heralded as the nicest guy in baseball and the sub-title ("8 elements of perseverance that make a difference" was definitely attractive, so I read the book.

I'm glad I did.

Ripken interweaves a literal history of baseball into his core message of how persevverance plays out in a ball game and life. It's an interesting, informative approach. I can see why Ripken has succeeded in his motivational speaking career as he did is his baseball career: life literally starts anew each day for this guy. Yesterday's msitakes and regrets are left behind. One of the most fascinating parts of the book for me are Ripken's descriptions of team work in baseball and how it works. Frankly, because I've never been a fan, I didn't realize just how much cooperation and coordination is required on the field.

Overall, a very worthwhile read and uplifting.

Jerry

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Ripken Knocks it Out of the Park July 11, 2007

By Steve Amoia

Format:Hardcover

This is an excellent book by one of our modern-day greats: Cal Ripken, Jr. A native of Aberdeen, Maryland, he spent his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles. He broke a record that many said would stand forever, and this book parallels the former holder of that feat, Lou Gehrig, with a treasure trove of quotes about the latter's life. In a sense, we learn as much about the character and perseverance of Mr. Gehrig as we do about Mr. Ripken.

One early quote set the tone for the entire book:

"I just played because I loved the game, and because I had been taught certain principles that prevented me from backing away from anything."

Mr. Ripken chronicled his youth, the special relationship with his father, Cal, Sr., and then explained in concise fashion his eight principles for perseverance. Some themes related directly to baseball, while others are about life itself.

Here are the eight elements:

Right Values
Strong Will to Succeed
Love What You Do
Preparation
Anticipation
Trusting Relationships
Life Management
The Courage of Your Convictions

This is a very entertaining and informative book. Thank you for the opportunity to review it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Get in the Game: 8 Elements of perseverance that make the Difference May 12, 2007

By Eric F. Wickham

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a Book!! One those great books you have to read over & over again.

Not just a book for sports people, a book for every one who wants to get somewhere in their life.