For purposes of full disclosure, I am a life-long, die-hard hard Chicago Cubs fan. Anyone following baseball knows the intense rivalry between my beloved Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. With this book being by Mike Matheny, who is the manager of the Cardinals, I must dislike him a great deal. As much as I have tried to in reading this book, I simply cannot. Again, if you understand the depth and magnitude of that rivalry, you will comprehend just how much I enjoyed this read.
The Matheny Manifesto originated after the author retired from baseball and was approached by some parents who wanted him to coach a kids' baseball team. Before taking them up on their offer, he drafted a 5 page letter that outlined his concerns with youth sports, his expectations for them as parents, and his goals for the team. Needless to say, this letter went viral and sparked a "movement" within the youth baseball ranks.
In reality, the book is divided into two phases -- the problem and better way for youth sports then the keys to success that surfaced during that experiment. Matheny will be quick to tell you that these principles were "old school" and "Mid-western values" with "Biblical roots;" however, he will not be as quick to tell you that they are exemplified by him. Since the world does not offer many examples of individuals, even in youth sports, focused on teaching, the manifesto resonated with many folks.
Throughout the book, he shares personal examples from his childhood, high school/college days, minor league work, and work in the big leagues. He does this with a sense of humility sharing his successful moments as well as those of failure. If this book is an accurate representation of the man, and I have to believe that it is, then no wonder he was hired as such a young manager for the Cards.
As a Cubs fan, I looked for ways to absolutely smash this book, but I just could not. I thought I had found the area. He professes to be a Christian but quickly says he will not shove that down the throats of others. I thought: "Aha, he doesn't want to offend anyone, so he is bowing to the realm of political correctness." Well, that disappeared when I read chapter 10: Stand your Ground (faith - the 4th key to success). Right in the middle of this chapter, he spells out the "Romans Road" that shares the need and way for a journey to Christ.
Simply, this book is a delightful read. It has wonderful lessons for those coaching and refreshing takes on leadership. As my subject says, the book is a must read. I've added it to my list of "You Need to Read in Order to be Educated List" because of its simplicity and pop culture appeal.
In making a Cubs fan somewhat tolerate or begrudgingly like you, to that I say: Bravo, Mike Matheny. Bravo!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing
Group for this review. I was not
required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,
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