When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs: Finding Happiness in Life's Changeups - Softcover

Peters, Jon; Kolbaba, Ginger

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1946114057 ISBN 13: 9781946114051

Publisher: Author Academy Elite, 2018

Synopsis

When dreams collapse . . . Jon Peters had it all: record-breaking high school baseball pitcher, on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a beautiful girlfriend. He was going to play professional baseball. He was going to have everything he'd ever wanted. Until a shoulder injury and four surgeries changed his life. With dreams shattered, Jon struggled to find value and happiness. After years searching vainly to make sense of it all, alcohol, a suicide attempt, deep-seated anger, and a failed marriage made him feel even more desperate. When new dreams come . . . In the worst place of his life, he reached out and found help and hope. Trading in his old dreams for beautiful new ones birthed out of the ashes of his past, he’s at last found value, fulfillment, and purpose. Now in When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs, Jon shares the secrets he’s learned to living a happy life. His message is universal: no matter what dreams you've lost or what demons you’re battling, you too can find hope, redemption, and joy.

About this title

About the Author

Jon Peters is a father, friend, coach, author, and speaker. The national record holder for the most consecutive wins by a high school pitcher, he was the first high school baseball player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. His passion to serve and help others is displayed through his energetic, positive, and contagious personality. He resides in the Houston area, and when not traveling and speaking, he is often found hanging out with his kids. Connect with Jon at JonPeters.org.

Review

"After his high school baseball career, Jon Peters experienced what many professional athletes have faced when their careers are over. He has a unique story of being in the spotlight--an eighteen-year-old, who broke a national pitching record and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. This book is about what Jon experienced during that time and afterward, going through four arm surgeries and losing his dream. In this candid personal story, Jon shares his struggles and disappointments and his desire to help other athletes overcome their challenges."

--Nolan Ryan, former Major League Baseball pitcher, National Baseball Hall of Fame member, and author of Throwing Heat: The Autobiography of Nolan Ryan

"Jon's personal story is real, genuine, and powerful. He goes from reaching the top of the mountain to falling to the bottom, only to rise again. The way he shares himself is an act of true generosity. When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs is the story of a champion who never gave up on himself and created a life that is truly admirable."

--Bo Eason, former NFL standout, acclaimed Broadway playwright and performer, public speaker, and performance coach

"Jon Peters has written a raw and honest story about what it's like to be on top of the world, but to still feel empty inside. He reminds us that it's often in our brokenness where God meets us and offers us grace and redemption. You will find life, mercy, and hope as you read each page of his story."

--Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author of Nobody's Cuter Than You

"Jon Peters says growing as a young pitcher was like being a snake. He got bigger and shed a skin every year. He got stronger, but on the inside he still had the same nature. This powerful story of soaring fame and the calamitous fall that followed ultimately winds its way to greater glory from the inside out. It is a path that all of us must find in our own way."

--Larry Dierker, former Major League Baseball pitcher, manager, broadcaster, and author of This Ain't Brain Surgery

"Insanely brave and courageous! This book is not just about baseball, this is about life. A selfless act to be vulnerable with the sole purpose of helping others is remarkable. A must read."

--Scott Nethery, former special assistant to the general manager of the Atlanta Braves

"How athletes are seen in the public eye is not necessarily who we really are. Jon Peters brings transparency to the intimate feelings and issues a lot of us struggle with.

--Woody Williams, former Major League Baseball pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros

"When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs chronicles the life of a genuine high school baseball prodigy who has an athletic mountaintop experience only to fall into the deepest valley life can bring. It then shows the hope that can be found when he realizes no mountaintop is enough or no valley can be escaped until we experience a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a must read for any athlete, parent, coach, or fan."

--Lee Driggers, former head baseball coach at Brenham High School

"I had the honor of being a business coach and confidant to Jon for several years. After coaching athletes, celebrities, and influential people for two decades, it was quickly apparent that Jon's authenticity and passion, especially for kids and athletes, were like no other. So proud and supportive of his message in this book."

--Mike Lindstrom, J. D., speaker, business coach, and author of What's Your Story: Discover the Man Behind Your Dad

Edition details

• Publisher: Author Academy Elite
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1946114057
• ISBN 13: 9781946114051
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 264