One Last Strike

by Tony La Russa

Fifty Years in Baseball, Ten and a Half Games Back, and One Final Championship Season.

Genres: Sports

Paperback

Published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Stephen McNett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book that gave good insights on why La Russa made certain moves and insights on mistakes. I liked how he didn’t hide from some gaffes or highly questionable moves he made. He owned them and acknowledged what he could/should’ve done differently.

Tony La Russa is one of the all-time greats in the managerial world. Reading his history and what his thought processes were—even though I wish it went further in depth sometimes—was great.

[Matt Jeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Last Strike is about the amazing 2011 St. Louis Cardinals championship season and the hardships that they battled through to win the World Series. This book dives into the head of manager Tony La Russa and walks us through his manager decisions. There is a lot of background talked about throughout La Russa’s career and how it has developed him into the manager he was late in his career and the decisions he made. Being a Cardinals fan, this book kept me busy and I really enjoyed reliving one of the best seasons in Cardinals history!

[Jerry MeCaskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting details about the 2011 STL Cardinals, the greatest comeback team I’ve ever personally witnessed. I was at Game 7, though Game 6 was the crown jewel in the Cards’ comeback against the Rangers.

LaRussa is not the easiest guy to feel connected to, by way of media, etc. That said, I’ve always admired his managerial skills. This book reveals what I’ve always suspected: within the confines of sport, LaRussa has many meaningful relationships.

There is something melancholy about the passage of time, that distances us from the 2011 Cardinals. That team, however, now enjoys legendary status, and will be remembered as long as MLB endures.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Any explanation is an excuse"