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

Ripken, Cal; Phillips, Donald T.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 159240264X ISBN 13: 9781592402649

Publisher: Gotham, 2007

Synopsis

An inspirational guide to overcoming personal challenges and building a fulfilling life draws on the lessons learned by the author throughout his record-breaking career and introduces his "8 Principles of Perseverance," in a reference that makes such recommendations as finding one's passion, creating opportunities, and embracing virtuous values. 100,000 first printing.

About this title

About the Author

Cal Ripken, Jr., played twenty-one seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and has broken numerous baseball records, including Lou GehrigÂ’s record for consecutive games played (Ripken played 2,632). He is one of only eight players in history to achieve 400 home runs and 3,000 hits. His previous books include The Only Way I Know (which was a New York Times bestseller and a #1 Washington Post bestseller) and Play Baseball the Ripken Way: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Fundamentals (coauthored with his brother, Bill Ripken), also a national bestseller.
Donald T. Phillips is the bestselling author of major works of nonfiction, including Lincoln on Leadership and On the Wing of Speed. He has also collaborated on books with Mike Krzyzweski (Coach K of Duke University), Phil Mickelson, and Greg Norman.

Reviews

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)
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Edition details

• Publisher: Gotham
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 159240264X
• ISBN 13: 9781592402649
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272