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Sparky and Me: My Friendship with Sparky Anderson and the Lessons He Shared About Baseball and Life
In the tradition of Tuesdays With Morrie, Dan Ewald pens a memoir of his friendship with legendary Tigers manager Sparky Anderson, the man who taught him not only the nuances of baseball, but the importance of life’s unwritten rules.
Few sports figures, regardless of their position, have generated as much good will as Sparky Anderson, the legendary manager for the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers. Sparky met author Dan Ewald, in 1979, and thus was born a lifelong friendship not likely ever to be seen again in baseball. Along the way, Dan never took for granted the front row seat he had to watch one of history's most memorable managers’ absolute mastery of baseball's nuances and intricacies.
But the most important things Sparky taught Dan were the "unwritten rules" of life, which he practiced meticulously. To Sparky, a real professional was as great away from the diamond as he was on it. His goal was for his players to be the best husbands, fathers, and community leaders they could be—he believed that was the mark of a winner, not the box score. Sparky had a gift for taking something as inane as the infield fly rule and turning it into a lecture on how to lead a more meaningful life.
In 2010, the old friends had planned a get-together before the end of the year. But Sparky’s health was taking a turn for the worse, so Dan arranged a three-day visit as quickly as he could. During their last days together, the friends recalled the memories of a lifetime as each prepared silently for their final good-bye. When that weekend came to a close, Dan had grown to appreciate Sparky more than he ever thought he could. In this heartfelt memoir, Dan imparts to readers his best friend’s spirit through his unforgettable life lessons and stories only the two of them shared.
"Like a wizard, Sparky Anderson was white-haired and wise, and sitting with him was like visiting with an oracle. Dan Ewald, who spent more time with Sparky than any of us, beautifully captures the magic of Sparky’s wit, humor, and humanity in these pages. All baseball fans should read it.” -- Mitch Albom, New York Times bestselling author of Tuesdays with Morrie and Have a Little Faith
“No one understood Sparky better than Dan Ewald. Managing people in a scope far broader than a pennant race is a rare quality, and Sparky understood people, their insecurities, their motivations. This is a great read, a great understanding of the humanity of playing baseball.” –Peter Gammons, MLB Network
“For decades, it seemed like everyone in baseball knew Sparky Anderson, and almost all of us considered him a friend. But few knew him as Dan Ewald did. Here, Dan provides a unique look at an endearing man who led a significant life both in and out of the game.” –Bob Costas
Few sports figures, regardless of their position, have generated as much good will as Sparky Anderson, the legendary manager for the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers. Sparky met author Dan Ewald, in 1979, and thus was born a lifelong friendship not likely ever to be seen again in baseball. Along the way, Dan never took for granted the front row seat he had to watch one of history's most memorable managers’ absolute mastery of baseball's nuances and intricacies.
But the most important things Sparky taught Dan were the "unwritten rules" of life, which he practiced meticulously. To Sparky, a real professional was as great away from the diamond as he was on it. His goal was for his players to be the best husbands, fathers, and community leaders they could be—he believed that was the mark of a winner, not the box score. Sparky had a gift for taking something as inane as the infield fly rule and turning it into a lecture on how to lead a more meaningful life.
In 2010, the old friends had planned a get-together before the end of the year. But Sparky’s health was taking a turn for the worse, so Dan arranged a three-day visit as quickly as he could. During their last days together, the friends recalled the memories of a lifetime as each prepared silently for their final good-bye. When that weekend came to a close, Dan had grown to appreciate Sparky more than he ever thought he could. In this heartfelt memoir, Dan imparts to readers his best friend’s spirit through his unforgettable life lessons and stories only the two of them shared.
"Like a wizard, Sparky Anderson was white-haired and wise, and sitting with him was like visiting with an oracle. Dan Ewald, who spent more time with Sparky than any of us, beautifully captures the magic of Sparky’s wit, humor, and humanity in these pages. All baseball fans should read it.” -- Mitch Albom, New York Times bestselling author of Tuesdays with Morrie and Have a Little Faith
“No one understood Sparky better than Dan Ewald. Managing people in a scope far broader than a pennant race is a rare quality, and Sparky understood people, their insecurities, their motivations. This is a great read, a great understanding of the humanity of playing baseball.” –Peter Gammons, MLB Network
“For decades, it seemed like everyone in baseball knew Sparky Anderson, and almost all of us considered him a friend. But few knew him as Dan Ewald did. Here, Dan provides a unique look at an endearing man who led a significant life both in and out of the game.” –Bob Costas
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Dan Ewald
19 books13 followersDan Ewald broke into the world of professional sports the old-fashioned way -- covering them for a daily newspaper. He was the baseball writer for The Detroit News before joining the Tigers as Public Relations Director. Throughout his baseball career, he served as Sparky's confidante even after the two retired from the game.
Dan is the author of 13 offbeat sports books with such luminaries as Sparky, Bo Schembechler, Al Kaline, George Kell and Ron Kramer. If you go to the books section of this site you may purchase his books!
Dan is the author of 13 offbeat sports books with such luminaries as Sparky, Bo Schembechler, Al Kaline, George Kell and Ron Kramer. If you go to the books section of this site you may purchase his books!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 26, 2017
Several months ago, I picked up this book at a local bookstore, keenly curious about its content.
As an avid Major League Baseball follower and a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Sparky Anderson was a man that I had long respected for his contributions to the game. (As a 10-year old, I first saw him on TV during the 1975 World Series, in which he managed the "Big Red Machine", the Cincinnati Reds, to the world championship. I was impressed by the way he carried himself. Sparky was solid. Four years later, after he was released by the Reds, he was hired by the Tigers as manager. Upon hearing the news, my reaction was: "Why is Sparky coming here?" I would've thought Sparky might have preferred to manage a team in a high profile media place like Los Angeles or New York, were either managerial post available to him. Not Detroit, which, during most of the '70s, finished from the mid-range to the lowest rung of the Eastern Division of the American League. Notwithstanding that, from Sparky's first meeting with the media in June 1979, I had a feeling that he had the best interests of the Tigers at heart and would do all in his power to make it one of the best teams in the majors. Indeed, he promised us a championship in 5 years. And you know what? Sparky delivered. Whenever I think about that magical 1984 season in which the Tigers became World Champions, tears well up. I'll always be grateful to Sparky for giving me one of the happiest moments in my life.)
In reading this book, I learned so much more about Sparky Anderson the man. This is a loving tribute by the author to Sparky, with whom he had a firm, enduring, and special friendship for 3 decades, spanning the entire period of Sparky's tenure with the Tigers up to his death in 2010. As a Tigers fan, I was focused on Sparky as manager. His baseball persona was what commanded my attention. I simply never thought about the myriad other endeavors that Sparky immersed himself in, nor the charities (e.g. CATCH = Caring Athletes Team for Children's and Henry Ford Hospitals) he quietly supported.
By way of example, I want to cite the following passage in this book which profoundly impressed me because it showed how generous and respectful Sparky Anderson was toward all people. (There was no artifice to the man. He was the real deal.)
"Sparky made his point on a bus trip to the airport after a steamy Sunday afternoon game in Texas. Dressed in the coats and ties mandated by Sparky, the players were sweating profusely as the air-conditioning struggled to circulate throughout the bus. Texas sweat seems different from all other kinds. It has a nasty way of penetrating right to the bones.
" 'Hey, driver,' one of the players shouted from the back. 'Turn up the AC.'
"Some of the players gave their teammate a hand.
"A few moments passed and again the player shouted: 'I told you to turn up the AC, driver. It's burning back here.'
"Now the players were hooting and whistling.
"After his third call, Sparky spoke deliberately. 'In case anyone didn't look at the sign above his head, it's Herman. Now Herman is doin' the best he can. So if you wish to say anything else to Herman, I suggest you call him by name.'
"As the players departed the bus at the airport, Sparky remained seated until the boisterous player from the back approached. He grabbed the player by his sleeve and suggested it might be wise to apologize to Herman.
"The player wisely apologized, and Herman smiled at him in return. Herman also thanked Sparky for the consideration he had shown.
"Just one of those things that meant so much to Sparky."
For any reader wanting to read an inspiring, heartfelt story about someone who always sought to do right by everybody and inspire others to embrace "the better angels of their nature", look no further. Read "Sparky and Me." You'll be glad that you did.
As an avid Major League Baseball follower and a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Sparky Anderson was a man that I had long respected for his contributions to the game. (As a 10-year old, I first saw him on TV during the 1975 World Series, in which he managed the "Big Red Machine", the Cincinnati Reds, to the world championship. I was impressed by the way he carried himself. Sparky was solid. Four years later, after he was released by the Reds, he was hired by the Tigers as manager. Upon hearing the news, my reaction was: "Why is Sparky coming here?" I would've thought Sparky might have preferred to manage a team in a high profile media place like Los Angeles or New York, were either managerial post available to him. Not Detroit, which, during most of the '70s, finished from the mid-range to the lowest rung of the Eastern Division of the American League. Notwithstanding that, from Sparky's first meeting with the media in June 1979, I had a feeling that he had the best interests of the Tigers at heart and would do all in his power to make it one of the best teams in the majors. Indeed, he promised us a championship in 5 years. And you know what? Sparky delivered. Whenever I think about that magical 1984 season in which the Tigers became World Champions, tears well up. I'll always be grateful to Sparky for giving me one of the happiest moments in my life.)
In reading this book, I learned so much more about Sparky Anderson the man. This is a loving tribute by the author to Sparky, with whom he had a firm, enduring, and special friendship for 3 decades, spanning the entire period of Sparky's tenure with the Tigers up to his death in 2010. As a Tigers fan, I was focused on Sparky as manager. His baseball persona was what commanded my attention. I simply never thought about the myriad other endeavors that Sparky immersed himself in, nor the charities (e.g. CATCH = Caring Athletes Team for Children's and Henry Ford Hospitals) he quietly supported.
By way of example, I want to cite the following passage in this book which profoundly impressed me because it showed how generous and respectful Sparky Anderson was toward all people. (There was no artifice to the man. He was the real deal.)
"Sparky made his point on a bus trip to the airport after a steamy Sunday afternoon game in Texas. Dressed in the coats and ties mandated by Sparky, the players were sweating profusely as the air-conditioning struggled to circulate throughout the bus. Texas sweat seems different from all other kinds. It has a nasty way of penetrating right to the bones.
" 'Hey, driver,' one of the players shouted from the back. 'Turn up the AC.'
"Some of the players gave their teammate a hand.
"A few moments passed and again the player shouted: 'I told you to turn up the AC, driver. It's burning back here.'
"Now the players were hooting and whistling.
"After his third call, Sparky spoke deliberately. 'In case anyone didn't look at the sign above his head, it's Herman. Now Herman is doin' the best he can. So if you wish to say anything else to Herman, I suggest you call him by name.'
"As the players departed the bus at the airport, Sparky remained seated until the boisterous player from the back approached. He grabbed the player by his sleeve and suggested it might be wise to apologize to Herman.
"The player wisely apologized, and Herman smiled at him in return. Herman also thanked Sparky for the consideration he had shown.
"Just one of those things that meant so much to Sparky."
For any reader wanting to read an inspiring, heartfelt story about someone who always sought to do right by everybody and inspire others to embrace "the better angels of their nature", look no further. Read "Sparky and Me." You'll be glad that you did.
March 25, 2014
I've always held a special place in my heart for Sparky Anderson ever since he answered a letter I wrote him as a kid with a signed baseball card. After reading this book, I shouldn't be surprised that he took the time to send a signed card to a little girl in Wisconsin who was born the year his Tigers won the World Series. This book was a complete joy to read. I laughed and I cried. If everyone in the world lived life with half the integrity that Sparky Anderson did, the world would be a much better place. A highly recommended read for any baseball fan!
July 4, 2020
Sparky Anderson is one of my favorite people in the world. I was too young to remember the hoopla of the Tigers back in the 1980s, but I will cherish the memory of Sparky as just a pure, wonderful human being, as well as a critical part of Tigers history.
Summer is a time for baseball and I've tried to read a baseball book each year. I've definitely missed a couple years, but with COVID-19 impacting the season, I thought now was a better time than ever to get back into the habit and get a baseball fix. Plus, I knew I needed something positive as this whole pandemic thing gets me down sometimes.
This book delivered. The stories and lessons that Sparky taught Dan were very eloquently retold to the reader. This book hit me just like "Bless You Boys" hit me. It further solidified that Sparky is not only one of the game's greatest people, but he's an all around great, great person. Honestly, if I could be a quarter as great and kind as Sparky seemed to be, I'd be doing alright.
While I picked up the book knowing it'd be full of great stories, it also really tapped my emotions. As I started reading this book right before the pandemic really got out of control, I found myself tearing up a bit more often than usual. Sparky talked about treating every single person well. No exceptions. He was all about the people. He was humble beyond imagination. It took me a while to get through, because the book made me sob several times. There were so many great reflections about empathy, friendship, memories, love, and of course, baseball. Get your feelings ready.
Summer is a time for baseball and I've tried to read a baseball book each year. I've definitely missed a couple years, but with COVID-19 impacting the season, I thought now was a better time than ever to get back into the habit and get a baseball fix. Plus, I knew I needed something positive as this whole pandemic thing gets me down sometimes.
This book delivered. The stories and lessons that Sparky taught Dan were very eloquently retold to the reader. This book hit me just like "Bless You Boys" hit me. It further solidified that Sparky is not only one of the game's greatest people, but he's an all around great, great person. Honestly, if I could be a quarter as great and kind as Sparky seemed to be, I'd be doing alright.
While I picked up the book knowing it'd be full of great stories, it also really tapped my emotions. As I started reading this book right before the pandemic really got out of control, I found myself tearing up a bit more often than usual. Sparky talked about treating every single person well. No exceptions. He was all about the people. He was humble beyond imagination. It took me a while to get through, because the book made me sob several times. There were so many great reflections about empathy, friendship, memories, love, and of course, baseball. Get your feelings ready.
November 2, 2017
This is a great book for any fan of Tigers or Reds, or for any baseball fan, actually. It is not only fun to learn about the manager Sparky Anderson, but also what a great man George Anderson was away from the game. Sparky is definitely my favorite manager of all time!
April 23, 2019
Excellent
If you are a baseball fan and old enough to remember the man you will not read a better review of his life.
If you are a baseball fan and old enough to remember the man you will not read a better review of his life.
April 21, 2020
Some lovely anecdotes, but even for a huge Tigers fan, this was a bit of a slog.
February 8, 2016
I was one of the lucky Good reads first reads winner of this book. It was an ARC book.Sparky and Me. My friendship with Sparky Anderson and the lessons he shared about Baseball and Life. by Daniel Ewald. I am from Michigan and have been to a few Detroit Tigers games over the years. so i was interested in reading about Sparky Anderson. Glad I got the chance to read this book. Daniel Ewald wrote a nice touching book about Sparky Anderson and what a giving down to earth man he was. George "Sparky" Anderson treated everyone the same. He did NOT have a superiority complex. I liked reading that he knew everyone's name who worked at Tiger Stadium right down to the vendors. he helped out with charities such as "CATCH" that helped out under privelaged Children. he had a love for Michigan and had a lot of respect for the blue collar workers. I could go on and on about the praises that Daniel Ewald gave of his friend. I really enjoyed reading how Sparky worked with the baseball teams and the players. He was firm but fair of his baseball players. he earned the players respect. after reading this book i was happy to read about a good caring man.
May 8, 2012
Haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. So excited, Love baseball and all that is related to it. 5/8/12
Received my copy last night and hope to start soon. Have 9 others plus my current read in front. 5/18/12
Started today 6/28/12
Finished 7/4/12
Sparky (George) Anderson was the manager of the Cincinati Reds and the Detroit Tigers. His friend and manager Dan Ewald has already written several books with Sparky but this one was written after he passed. In it Dan brings to light the lessons Sparky taught him about baseball and life.
I normally don't like Non-Fiction books, but I LOVE baseball and thought this sounded fun, so I signed up for it. I was excited that I had won, and couldn't wait to get to it. I loved this book. I was Sparky as my grampa! The reason he was such a great manager is because he was such a wonderful person. You can't manage, lead, etc. anyone if you don't treat them right and he was always treating everyone right!
Received my copy last night and hope to start soon. Have 9 others plus my current read in front. 5/18/12
Started today 6/28/12
Finished 7/4/12
Sparky (George) Anderson was the manager of the Cincinati Reds and the Detroit Tigers. His friend and manager Dan Ewald has already written several books with Sparky but this one was written after he passed. In it Dan brings to light the lessons Sparky taught him about baseball and life.
I normally don't like Non-Fiction books, but I LOVE baseball and thought this sounded fun, so I signed up for it. I was excited that I had won, and couldn't wait to get to it. I loved this book. I was Sparky as my grampa! The reason he was such a great manager is because he was such a wonderful person. You can't manage, lead, etc. anyone if you don't treat them right and he was always treating everyone right!
April 7, 2013
As a fan of baseball in general, I enjoy books about former players and coaches, most of whom talk of their days involved in the game and some of the nuances of the game way back when.
This book on Sparky Anderson is not only about Sparky Anderson the manager who led the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers through 3 World Series Championships, but also Sparky (George) Anderson, the person, who did more for the goodwill of baseball and whose lessons will hopefully be never forgotten on how to live life.
The background for this book is three days spent at the home of Sparky one October not too long ago. The author, being the personal assistant to Sparky, goes out to California to spend what turns out to be the last time together where they retell the tales of a fantastic life lived and lessons learned in the world of baseball.
This is a fantastic look at the life of one major league manager and the positive influences he had on baseball in general.
This book on Sparky Anderson is not only about Sparky Anderson the manager who led the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers through 3 World Series Championships, but also Sparky (George) Anderson, the person, who did more for the goodwill of baseball and whose lessons will hopefully be never forgotten on how to live life.
The background for this book is three days spent at the home of Sparky one October not too long ago. The author, being the personal assistant to Sparky, goes out to California to spend what turns out to be the last time together where they retell the tales of a fantastic life lived and lessons learned in the world of baseball.
This is a fantastic look at the life of one major league manager and the positive influences he had on baseball in general.
November 3, 2015
What an outstanding book about an outstanding man written by someone who knows the true meaning of friendship!
As someone who grew up watching Sparky manage the Reds, it was interesting to see how much he loved and respected not only the game, but everyone who had an affect on the game. From the vendors to the players to the owners, Sparky showed with his actions how people should be treated and how the game should be developed.
Ewald lets the reader into his relationship with Sparky and shows us what it is like to have a friendship that will last longer than either lifetimes. Clearly, Sparky had a profound affect on Ewald, but it is just as clear that reverse is also true.
I would recommend this book to anyone!
As someone who grew up watching Sparky manage the Reds, it was interesting to see how much he loved and respected not only the game, but everyone who had an affect on the game. From the vendors to the players to the owners, Sparky showed with his actions how people should be treated and how the game should be developed.
Ewald lets the reader into his relationship with Sparky and shows us what it is like to have a friendship that will last longer than either lifetimes. Clearly, Sparky had a profound affect on Ewald, but it is just as clear that reverse is also true.
I would recommend this book to anyone!
July 24, 2014
I was always a Sparky Anderson fan when he was the Cincinnati Reds manager, but lost track of him when he went to the Tigers, and I stopped paying attention to baseball. This shows me how much I missed by not being more observant.
After reading this, I added Sparky to my list of kind, gentle men I aspire to be. The only other man on the list was Mister Rogers. So now I have two to emulate.
I also love Dan Ewald's writing style. He has a flair for language and using it to spin some great yarns.
After reading this, I added Sparky to my list of kind, gentle men I aspire to be. The only other man on the list was Mister Rogers. So now I have two to emulate.
I also love Dan Ewald's writing style. He has a flair for language and using it to spin some great yarns.
September 5, 2012
This felt like a hero-worship project. As a first-read it was difficult for me to get through because the stories all seemed to virtually make the same point. I discovered I prefer to read more about the action of the game as well as learn more about the character of the various players. It was too slow paced for my enjoyment.
June 17, 2012
As a baseball fan I was so happy to have won this book as a first read! Advice from people that have led a remarkable life always gets my attention. Sparky Anderson acted in ways we wish more people did. It reminds us once again how important it is to do the right thing, treat others with kindness and respect no matter what position we have in life.
August 7, 2014
Growing up as a Pittsburgh Pirates fan, I hated anything to do with the Big Red Machine. The stories in this book changed my perception of Sparky Anderson. His ideas and beliefs should be shared with all professional athletes. I would recommend this book to even the casual sports fan.
Want to read
April 26, 2012I would love to win this book so i coulod give it to my husband for an anniversary gift in June. He would love to have this book!
Want to read
May 8, 2012Will read and review.
May 24, 2012
every good story about ones life events, read in 2 days and i found it hard to put down
May 29, 2012
This book looks like it will be a GOODREAD from GOODREADS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2012
A great book about a great man.
April 21, 2013
Preachy. Whiny. A baseball book with no baseball in it. Not recommended.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews