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Little League Confidential: One Coach's Completely Unauthorized Tale of Survival
One coach’s completely unauthorized tale of survival, s et in the manicured sandlots of suburban New Jersey
Bill Geist, semi-permanent coach of Curl Up ‘N Dye’s Fighting Hairdressers, brings us a riotously funny record of an institution and its inmates—the innocent kids, the ruthless coaches, the shameless moms, and the litigious dads. Just when it seems that Little League may be no place for a kid, this all-star line-up of conniving commissioners and mitt-impaired fielders sends the sport off and over the wall.
Praise for Little League Confidential
“Bill Geist is the funniest writer since Marcel Proust—I mean Mark Twain—no, make that Yogi Berra.” —Russell Baker
“A lighthearted romp . . . essential reading for seasons to come.” — The New York Times Book Review
“Very, very, very funny.” —Larry King, USA Today
Bill Geist, semi-permanent coach of Curl Up ‘N Dye’s Fighting Hairdressers, brings us a riotously funny record of an institution and its inmates—the innocent kids, the ruthless coaches, the shameless moms, and the litigious dads. Just when it seems that Little League may be no place for a kid, this all-star line-up of conniving commissioners and mitt-impaired fielders sends the sport off and over the wall.
Praise for Little League Confidential
“Bill Geist is the funniest writer since Marcel Proust—I mean Mark Twain—no, make that Yogi Berra.” —Russell Baker
“A lighthearted romp . . . essential reading for seasons to come.” — The New York Times Book Review
“Very, very, very funny.” —Larry King, USA Today
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1992
15 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 29, 2016
Geist normally puts a smile on my face, but my lips remained firmly closed while reading this one.
Well, okay, there was one line that made me snicker and that's because today, twenty-four years after the book's original publication, the line It's something Bill Cosby would do takes on entirely different meaning.
This book made me glad that my kids were SO NOT into sports.
Well, okay, there was one line that made me snicker and that's because today, twenty-four years after the book's original publication, the line It's something Bill Cosby would do takes on entirely different meaning.
This book made me glad that my kids were SO NOT into sports.
January 30, 2019
As a Little League dad, coach, umpire, and board member, I found Geist’s book hilarious — though, at times, the humor hit a little too close to home. The book skewers the personality archetypes ubiquitous in Little League including the hyper-competitive coach who wins at all costs, the president who keeps repeating that “winning isn’t important”, and the parents who are convinced that their child is destined for the Major Leagues.
The story unfolds throughout a single Little League season and covers all the high points: tryouts, the draft, unseasonably cold pre-season practices, the first game, and playoffs. Anyone who has been through even one season will recognize adults and children from their own experience in Geist’s characters. Little League’s central challenge, in my experience, is the conflict between its stated mission of character development and the desire of many participants to develop as competitive ballplayers. Geist highlights that challenge well; tongue planted firmly in cheek he takes equal-opportunity potshots at both sides.
The outlandish exaggerations are amusing, but the end of the book drags a bit. And, unfortunately, the consistent cynicism obscures the beauty of Little League: the kid who finally gets his first hit on the last day of the season, the community that comes together around the game, and the chance for kids to have their first “real job” as umpires. So, while I certainly laughed out loud at various points, I found Geist’s humor just the slightest bit sad.
The story unfolds throughout a single Little League season and covers all the high points: tryouts, the draft, unseasonably cold pre-season practices, the first game, and playoffs. Anyone who has been through even one season will recognize adults and children from their own experience in Geist’s characters. Little League’s central challenge, in my experience, is the conflict between its stated mission of character development and the desire of many participants to develop as competitive ballplayers. Geist highlights that challenge well; tongue planted firmly in cheek he takes equal-opportunity potshots at both sides.
The outlandish exaggerations are amusing, but the end of the book drags a bit. And, unfortunately, the consistent cynicism obscures the beauty of Little League: the kid who finally gets his first hit on the last day of the season, the community that comes together around the game, and the chance for kids to have their first “real job” as umpires. So, while I certainly laughed out loud at various points, I found Geist’s humor just the slightest bit sad.
January 7, 2011
This book is definitely one of the funniest books I have ever read. William Gesit goes deep into the life of a Little League coach and his silly team as they become underdogs in a league of try-hard and reluctant teams. If the uncensored HBO Sports Special 24/7 was introduced as a book, this would be it. I recommend it to anyone who loves baseball/little league ball, the Bad News Bears (this book has that type of feel to it), and to anyone who's in for a good laugh.
April 5, 2013
One of the funniest parent books I have experienced.Human nature is personified in parents,coaches,and players in each chapter.Sometimes politically incorrect,but I like that.I Highly recommend the book if you can find it.
June 27, 2014
As someone who has coached for the past 10 years, I can tell you that this is the closest book that I have read that replicates the coaching experience.
January 8, 2017
Anyone who has ever experienced kids' sports will relate to this book. You will have met all of the hilarious characters described. I read it in the 90s and it is just as good now.
January 17, 2025
Bill Geist's Little League Confidential is a humorous, heartwarming look at youth baseball. Written from the point of view of a coach, it details all the chaos, feelings, and silliness involved in running a Little League team. The book is full of stories about kids, parents, and the stress of youth sports. It takes a humorous but thoughtful view of how to balance competition with fun. Geist’s funny jokes and relatable stories make it a fun and important read for anyone who knows about youth sports.
One of the best parts of the book is Geist’s talent for mixing humor with real understanding. His stories about very competitive parents, kids who get easily distracted, and the crazy moments of Little League games are both really funny and very true. For example, Geist’s funny comment, “You haven't truly lived until you've been booed by a group of third-graders,” shows his cleverness while highlighting the silly situations he faced (Geist, 42). However, the jokes can sometimes feel the same, with some stories going on too long without adding much to the overall story. Still, the combination of humor and touching moments keeps readers interested.
Beyond the laughs, Little League Confidential talks about important ideas like teamwork, not giving up, and how adults' expectations affect kids. A memorable moment is when a young player is comforted by a teammate after missing his turn to hit: “It wasn’t the coach’s pep talk that mattered—it was the small pat on the back from his best friend” (Geist, 103). This scene depicts what it is all about: youth sports, a time to make friends and learn life lessons that mean more than winning. It reminds us to appreciate the innocence and friendship of childhood, even with the competitive nature of sports today.
I highly recommend Little League Confidential to anyone who enjoys sports, humor, or heartwarming stories. It balances humor with more significant thoughts, and for that, it is a fun read, which earns 4 out of 5 stars. Sometimes the jokes may fall a little flat, but it's appealing and its lessons make it a book parents, coaches, and fans of the game should read for a light and nostalgic look.
One of the best parts of the book is Geist’s talent for mixing humor with real understanding. His stories about very competitive parents, kids who get easily distracted, and the crazy moments of Little League games are both really funny and very true. For example, Geist’s funny comment, “You haven't truly lived until you've been booed by a group of third-graders,” shows his cleverness while highlighting the silly situations he faced (Geist, 42). However, the jokes can sometimes feel the same, with some stories going on too long without adding much to the overall story. Still, the combination of humor and touching moments keeps readers interested.
Beyond the laughs, Little League Confidential talks about important ideas like teamwork, not giving up, and how adults' expectations affect kids. A memorable moment is when a young player is comforted by a teammate after missing his turn to hit: “It wasn’t the coach’s pep talk that mattered—it was the small pat on the back from his best friend” (Geist, 103). This scene depicts what it is all about: youth sports, a time to make friends and learn life lessons that mean more than winning. It reminds us to appreciate the innocence and friendship of childhood, even with the competitive nature of sports today.
I highly recommend Little League Confidential to anyone who enjoys sports, humor, or heartwarming stories. It balances humor with more significant thoughts, and for that, it is a fun read, which earns 4 out of 5 stars. Sometimes the jokes may fall a little flat, but it's appealing and its lessons make it a book parents, coaches, and fans of the game should read for a light and nostalgic look.
May 25, 2024
I remember Bill Geist from TV and always thought he was funny. A couple of weeks ago his son Willy mentioned on TV that his dad had written a book about Little League, and I decided to find it. I loved it! Only problem was that I couldn’t read it after I went to bed, because laughing out loud would wake up my husband and the dog, and I couldn’t read this without laughing out loud!
LLC is a little bit dated- some of the words used wouldn’t make a reprint- but hey, we still read Mark Twain, don’t we? For the time, they were fine. And then there’s the fact that Geist’s role model for working with children was Bill Cosby….oh my, times change.
This book is a wonderfully amusing light hearted read full of memorable characters and dramatic yet hilarious moments.
LLC is a little bit dated- some of the words used wouldn’t make a reprint- but hey, we still read Mark Twain, don’t we? For the time, they were fine. And then there’s the fact that Geist’s role model for working with children was Bill Cosby….oh my, times change.
This book is a wonderfully amusing light hearted read full of memorable characters and dramatic yet hilarious moments.
April 29, 2025
I believe Little League Confidential is a must-read for anyone even remotely involved in kids' league baseball — whether you're a parent, coach, grandparent, or just a fan in the bleachers. It’s a reality check disguised as comedy. Geist’s storytelling reminds us what youth sports are supposed to be about: kids having fun, learning, and growing — not parents living vicariously through them.
Highly recommended. It will make you laugh, maybe cringe a little, but ultimately appreciate the simple joy of a ballgame.
Highly recommended. It will make you laugh, maybe cringe a little, but ultimately appreciate the simple joy of a ballgame.
January 10, 2022
Never Laughed So Much
Bill Geist made me laugh more than my top 3 favorite comedians put together. His paraprosdokians are priceless and his similes smoking on target.
Being a little league coach for 8 years with my player son, and having experienced many of Geist’s anecdotes made this book a natural for me.
Little did I know that this NBC commentator could hit such a home run from the other side of his persona.
Thanks for laughs and memories
Phil Ellerin MD
Lynnfield MA
Bill Geist made me laugh more than my top 3 favorite comedians put together. His paraprosdokians are priceless and his similes smoking on target.
Being a little league coach for 8 years with my player son, and having experienced many of Geist’s anecdotes made this book a natural for me.
Little did I know that this NBC commentator could hit such a home run from the other side of his persona.
Thanks for laughs and memories
Phil Ellerin MD
Lynnfield MA
July 20, 2018
Having coached my kids in many a t-ball and coach pitch game, I was blown away by how relevant nearly all of Geist's anecdotes and lessons still are. Even in this day and age of shrinking little leagues and increasing travel teams. Absolutely laugh out loud funny. A treasure that I will be sure to revisit through the years.
May 17, 2019
Funny, but a little bit dry at first. My dad had this book and I t brought back memories of my time in little league, back in the early 90s. No way it’s like this now. References to the PC culture of today are probably the best part of this book, so if you’re into PC and don’t like offensive comments, this book isn’t for you!
September 17, 2019
every youth coach should read this book to find his players, parents, other coaches and himself. definitely true to life after years of coaching my children and then other's children. funny to read some of the comments as you can see these reviewers in the book as players, coaches and parents.
December 22, 2019
It was like he had directly seen every moment of my Little League career. So funny that I laughed out loud several times. Gave it to my Little League Coach (Dad) and he couldn't stop talking about how much it was just like his experience, too.
May 4, 2020
It has been awhile since I've read this, but I remember laughing quite a few times at Geist's humor and thinking back over my own experiences of coaching youth baseball. I'll need to read it again soon.
January 25, 2022
It has been awhile since I've read this, but I remember laughing quite a few times at Geist's humor and thinking back over my own experiences of coaching youth baseball. I'll need to read it again soon.
July 8, 2017
Laugh out loud funny.
December 4, 2019
Bill Geist makes me laugh very hard.
January 9, 2023
Easy read that is funny especially if you coached children
April 18, 2024
This has a slightly dated feel to it, but that adds to the charm. It's fun to read and hear the authors voice, and to think about his son now being a TV news person is a quirk.
September 24, 2025
A quick read which was amusing. If your kids ever played any sports you can completely relate.
April 2, 2015
I know that there seems to be a lot of people here who really enjoyed this book. You can definitely say, that I'm not one of them. I spent months last summer helping to coach a Little League Baseball team and I thought that I'd definitely be able to identify with the book, but I couldn't. I didn't connect with the author at all and I didn't find the book funny at all. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't enjoy this one at all.
May 4, 2015
Someone gave my husband a copy of this book because he's now in his 4th year of coaching within little league. I'm a big fan of WIllie Geist on the Today Show, and have also always liked Bill Geist. This was a fast, fun read. Maybe since we're still so early in Little League we haven't gotten all jaded - it's really been refreshing that we haven't ever had to deal with nightmare parents or kids. It's been all fun.
December 18, 2007
This book is really funny. William Geist was a little league coach and collaborated a lot of the players on various teams throughout the years into one team for the story. He took all of the hilarious things that happened and jammed them into one season, for a great effect. If you like baseball, you'll love this book.
October 6, 2012
This book is an absolute must-read for anyone ever involved with Little League baseball in any way. With three sons, our family's involvement was deep. I can't even remember where I stumbled across this, but it remains one of the funniest and most entertaining books I have ever read. In fact, I made it a point to re-read it every year in the "pre-season".
April 5, 2008
Most readers will enjoy this book. Anybody who has ever been a coach for children will identify with this book. There were parts of this story that made me laugh until I cried. It's a fun, easy read.
July 9, 2010
This read like a sanitized version of the original "Bad News Bears" movie! It even has the "miracle" catch at the end of an important game by the worst kid on the team! Very cliched! But it is funny at times, and a very quick read.
January 9, 2013
This is a cute book that gives the author's view of coaching Little League baseball, although most of it applies to any volunteer-run youth sports program. It's a fun 3 stars - I smiled and read a few parts out loud to my husband, although I wan't holding my sides from laughing.
November 1, 2015
This was a good quick read. I really enjoyed the comedic take on what it is to be a little league coach. He also interjects the over optimism of seeing your son play sports for the first time which leads to dreams of him making it to the pro's. Enjoyed it.
January 4, 2018
Story of a man who spent a year coaching a little league team in New Jersey. Story of the ups and downs of this team sponsored by a local beauty salon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews