Play Baseball the Ripken Way: The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Fundamentals by Cal Ripken Jr., Larry Burke, Larry Burke, Bill Ripken, Bill Ripken

From the Publisher

Every year, hundreds of thousands of children play “Cal Ripken Baseball” in the largest division of Babe Ruth League, Inc. Play Baseball the Ripken Way is the ultimate guide to playing the game, by one of the sport’s living legends.

Baseball is America’s national pastime, but that doesn’t mean we’re all born naturals. Kids of all ages (and their parents) are eager to improve specific skills, and now they can learn from one of the most respected baseball families in history. Cal and Bill Ripken have written a thoroughly illustrated instructional book that clearly explains proper baseball fundamentals—hitting, fielding, baserunning, pitching, and much more.

Based on the teachings of the late Cal Ripken, Sr., a player, coach, manager, and scout in the Baltimore Orioles system for thirty-seven years, Play Baseball the Ripken Way shows players just what they need to do to be their best while maintaining a sense of fun and accomplishment with every new lesson. The Ripken Way consists of the following principles:

*Keep It Simple: Teaching that is too complicated is difficult to remember and can result in frustration.

*Explain Why: A teacher who cannot explain why is not truly teaching. Lessons that make sense will stick with players.

*Celebrate the Individual: No two players are alike, so why treat them as if they are?

*Make It Fun: The game gets serious enough quickly enough on its own. Drills and instruction should be structured so that players can enjoy themselves while learning.

The book also includes tips for parents and coaches, practice workouts, and drillsfor players of every level.


From the Hardcover edition.

Publishers Weekly

This book is the next best thing to a personal lesson with the man who broke Lou Gehrig's record of playing in 2,632 consecutive games; it's a comprehensive look at all aspects of how to play baseball that will benefit young players and adult weekend warriors. Assisted by his brother Bill, who also is a Major League veteran, and Sports Illustrated baseball editor Burke, Ripkin presents the training philosophy taught to him by his father, a legendary scout for the Baltimore Orioles. The book's nine chapters, or "innings," offer clearly detailed, precisely illustrated (by photographer Bill Wood) and incredibly helpful advice on all aspects of batting, base running, infielding and outfielding. The best are the chapters on catching, where Ripkin provides numerous insights into how a catcher can be "a true on-field manager," and on pitching, where Ripkin relies on the insights of John Habyanas, a former player and current pitching guru. He also offers short "Cal's Corner" sidebars with teaching tips. Perhaps the most helpful chapter is the "9th Inning" look at how managers need to examine "behavior issues" in the same way as catching and throwing to help players "cope with their failures and their losses." (Apr.) Forecast: This volume has the potential to become a classic instructional book, not only because of the well-known Ripkin name but also because of its solid content. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

The authors of this instructional book on baseball have impressive pedigrees: former Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken is a future Hall of Famer who was recently honored by the Babe Ruth League when it named its 12-and-under group the Cal Ripken Division. His coauthor and brother was a major league infielder as well. Their understanding of the game stems largely from their late father, Cal Sr., who was a player, manager, coach, and scout in the Baltimore Orioles organization for 37 years. Chapters written by Cal cover batting, base running, infield play, and catching; Bill's chapters outline pitching and outfield play. The text is interspersed with scores of illuminating photographs as well as sidebars on special tips, and each chapter closes with a review checklist. In addition, each brother aims a chapter at coaches: Bill writes on how to run a practice, while Cal expounds on the secondary importance of winning in youth sports and instead emphasizes the need to keep the experience fun and positive for the kids. This instructional guide is recommended for all public and school libraries.-John Maxymuk, Rutgers Univ. Lib., Camden, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents