Get in the Game

by Cal Ripken Jr.

Baseball's all-time Iron Man, Cal Ripken, Jr., retired from baseball in 2001 after breaking countless records, including Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games played. Now, in Get in the Game, he gives us his insights on hard work and success that can be applied on and off the field, based on stories from his exhilarating career in baseball. Get in the Game includes Ripken's 8 Elements of Perseverance: 1. The Right Values 2. A Strong Will to Succeed 3. Love What You Do 4. Preparation 5. Anticipation 6. Trusting Relationships 7. Life Management 8. The Courage of Your Convictions Ripken is admired not only for his relentless perseverance but also for his unparalleled integrity. From his numerous public-speaking engagements each year to his weekly "Ask Cal" column for the Baltimore Sun, Cal Ripken, Jr., is a sought-after advisor and role model to fans from all walks of life.

Genres: Sports, Baseball, Biography, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Self Help

ebook

First published April 10, 2007

About the author

Cal Ripken, Jr. was a shortstop and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles for his entire career (1981-2001). Nicknamed “The Iron Man” for his relentless work ethic and reliability on the field, Ripken is most remembered for playing a record 2,632 straight games over 17 seasons. He was a 19-time All Star and is considered to be one of the best shortstops professional baseball has ever seen. In 2007 he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Since his retirement, Ripken has worked as President and CEO of Ripken Baseball, Inc. to nurture the love of baseball in young children from a grassroots level.

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having been a lifelong Cal Ripken Jr. fan, I find that as I get older and continue to see mindless athletes acting out in ignorant ways, my sense of appreciation for having such a great role model as a child continues to grow. As a baseball player, and more importantly as a person, Cal Ripken Jr. is a true class act.

And so it was with disapointment that I found this book to be nothing more than a chamber of typical, oft-heard platitudes, no different from your very average self-help book. Nonetheless, Ripken does manage to throw in some interesting and telling examples from his career, which is what makes this uninspiring book worthy of 2 stars.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this years ago and enjoyed it a lot. Great read for anyone looking for some motivational inspiration. Ripken was an old-school ball player and a tremendous example of what a real work ethic can do.

[Gregory Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore in the 80s and 90s, of course I heard about Cal Ripken Jr, the Iron Man. I was never a super baseball fan, but he always seemed like a stand up character, and certainly a great ball player, playing the All Star game a number of times in his career. The book is framed around his consecutive game record, and has a lot of interludes about how he and Lou Gehrig, who's record he beat, were very similar in ethic and history. It was an inspiring book, outlining the values and practices that allowed Ripken to succeed, and acts as a guide not just for baseball, but for living a good and meaningful and inspiring life in general. Unfortunately, Ripken comes across as a bit of a goody two-shoes in the book, which makes it a bit harder to stomach at times. His biggest regrets are hardly relatable, like losing his temper at an umpire or missing a ground ball. But, ultimately, it is a testament to a life well-lived and the attitude of a person that is always trying to be an exemplary teammate and celebrity. In some ways, the work ethic and the high standards that Cal Ripken had and has are denigrated in our society, and that is a sad turn of events. As such, it was good to read about his positivity and perseverance, and though I don't feel I'll ever measure up to the tenets of his book, as the saying goes, If you shoot for the stars, you might end up among the moon.

[Tony]

The book Get in the Game by Cal Ripken Jr. and Donald T. Phillips is a book based on the life and baseball career of Cal Ripken Jr., who was a shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles for his entire 20 years in the MLB. Although there are many baseball references and stories in the book, it is not entirely about baseball. The book talks a lot about courage and self confidence. The book mostly revolves around Ripken’s eight elements of perseverance. This book can sure turn some peoples’ heads about the struggles of a professional athlete and what it takes to get through daily life struggles.

What is good about Get in the Game? The sports fans will really enjoy the baseball side of it where Ripken even brings in some humor to the book with stories of baseball situations and dugout games. The average reader will pick up certain aspects of perseverance in life which can help propel them to be the best worker, father, and overall the best person they can be. I really enjoyed the baseball stories about the 2001 All Star game where Ripken was forced to play shortstop for one inning by his teammate. Also how he hit a homerun on the first pitch he saw in the all star game before being named All Star MVP.

What was bad about Get in the Game? I thought that at some parts the book kind of dragged on and got somewhat hard to read. I just felt that some of the eight elements of perseverance were almost explained too in depth and this ended up taking some meaning away from them. Some people may not like all the baseball references who are just reading it for the courage and self confidence side of the book.

My final recommendation is that Get in the Game is a well written, fun book to read. It is a great way for any person to better themselves by realizing what it takes to get through life’s struggles and persevere until success is achieved. The book shows this is true by going through the life of Hall of Fame baseball player Cal Ripken Jr.


Tony Butler

[James Gingerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Get in the game. Do the best you can. Try to make a contribution. Learn from the day. Apply it tomorrow." Cal Ripken Sr. 1935-1999

This quote from his father concludes Cal Ripken Jr's book "Get In The Game". A classic book from a class act. Cal Ripken Jr spells out in plain english what it takes to persevere and be a success not just in sports but in business and in life itself.

Ripken outlines in a straighforward manner through eight chapters his eight elements of perseverance that make a difference. Each element is broken down further into eight principles at the end of each chapter. It makes for a very quick, informative and inspirational read. The two chapeters I found most interesting were "Love What You Do" and "Preparation". I had no idea the dedication and intensity that went into the game of baseball. It becomes clear that Ripken still has a passion for the game and continues his thorough "preparation" through to his business and community service work today where he continues to achieve stellar results.

Ripken's accomplishment of 2,632 straight ball games transcends the modern game of baseball back to a time where player's values were different and perhaps by some considered old school. His book takes those sames values and gives them value in today's game of baseball as well as in today's business environment.

Get In The Game should be required reading for anyone looking at establishing a career in professional baseball or business.

Thanks Cal!

James Gingerich
Sr Partner Account Manager
Sybase iAnywhere Solutions
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesg2006

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

While "Get in the Game" is listed as a self-help/business on the cover, it reads like a mini-autobiography of Cal Ripken, Jr. Ripken, with the assistance of Donald T. Phillips, writes about eight elements that he attributed in not only making a difference in his legendary baseball career but also his successful transition to business. Within each of the eight chapters detailing each element, Ripken shares stories and situations from his early life and baseball career that are examples of the featured element. At the end of the book, Ripken his a brief overview of his post-baseball life and how the eight elements have influenced his transition into business. At less than 300 pages, the book reads quick but is very thought provoking.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, how I wanted to like this book, but it fell a little flat. For one, it needs to pick a genre -- biography or business advice -- rather than trying to do both. The summarized lists of advice seemed unnecessary; as the reader, I can distill those lessons from the text. Secondly, the parenthetical parallels to Lou Gehrig were overused, and, at times, stretches. We get it. There were similarities.

Despite the distractions, this book is an easy read and contains many good lessons. It's just too bad that such a great story wasn't presented in a more compelling way.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Cal Ripken as a ball player. Enjoyed his book. I have a hard time with books like this when ultra successful people write post success and tell you that great things can happen to anyone who works hard. I tend to agree with Gladwell (see The Tipping Point, Blink, etc) that more than hard work has to line up in your favor. Success is almost a perfect storm of circumstances that line up for a few. Sure, the harder we work, the more probable we are to line up with that perfect storm, but some factors are beyond our control. Love ya Cal, thanks for the years we got to see you play!

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's your typical motivational "self help" type of book. There's some small but interesting stories from his career but it isn't what I would call a biography . Most of the book seemed rather uninteresting but I didn't hate reading it. For a fan of Cal's this will be worth the short read but it isn't a must find. The writing is decently done and will keep you engaged even if it isn't always interesting material.

[Magic · Rating 3 out of 5]

It an interesting book with some valuable lessons which may be applied to any sport, office, or career. The thing I wonder about Ripken, who states over and over he feels he did what was best for his team by playing so many consecutive games, and he did it because he loved baseball so much. So, I wonder, if he played in 3001 career games...how many would he have played in had he taken some rest from time to time? Another Season? Two?...we'll never know.

[Jim Serger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professional baseball, MLB is a job few will ever achieve; but like the business world-- we see that hard work, commitment and sacrifice leads to success. Cal is that beacon we all can use as a tablet to give it our best at all times. He loved the game so much; it led to shattering records--that was not his goal, giving his best and "Get in the Game" motto was. Excellent book, audio book was very clear.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. At times, I was having doubts and it did feel very self-help-ish. Not that this was bad. Got the feel of a Captain America persona for this Iron Man of baseball. Nothing stunning. Nothing sensationalistic. No great controversy.Just a man with a plan telling his story. An everyday guy that did an incredible thing. Don't think it warrants more than 3 out of five stars but I think some readers would be okay with that.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal is a class act. A good look at the ideas and principles that led Cal to break Gehrig's consecutive game record. The book had a nice personal touch to it. I always admired Cal for his game, but after reading the book, I have even more respect for him and his family. A true American Baseball hero!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any day I don't feel like getting out of bed and getting to work, I think of Cal. Never missed a day. Very motivating although I'm not generally a self-help type of reader, I think every kid today should read this book!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminded me not only why Ripken was one of my favorite players, but why I loved baseball as a kid. The scene of Cal breaking the consecutive games record truly moved me! I do wish the book hadn't been mixed with odd self-help/business elements.

[Matthew Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book to learn from. I agreed with most of what Cal had to say, and I really have come to admire him.
A very easy book to read and something you could pick up just once a week and get a lot out of.
I recommend it because of its lessons.

[Jen Schroeder]

Not a true baseball fan, but from what I know of Carl Ripken, this sounds interesting. From a Newsweek article, I think.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent book for young adults who a seeking a role model! Cal signed our copy and we found him to be just as authentic as the voice in his book!

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

All star book from All star player

[Pmcdnld2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would probably have to be a baseball fan to ennoy this one

[Kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt a little to much like a last tribute to himself, but I do love baseball so I'm giving Cal the benefit of the doubt here.

[Michelle]

I may never read this book. Bought it and stood in line for 2 hours waiting for an autograph for my husband's Christmas present. I got right up to the door and they sent us away. I cried.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good comparisons between baseball and life

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge Cal Ripken fan. It was nice to read this book and see what he went through to get to 2131 and eventually 2632. The way he applies baseball to life worked out nice.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who likes baseball or who has kids who like sports, I would recommend this book, to both the parents and kids! Interesting stories and good life lessons for my 9yr.

[Ed Pienta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book at the dollar tree but worth way more. Really pushed me to be more successful in life while being an enjoyable read

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good dude right here. I watched the game live when he broke the record when I was in high school. Liked all his stories he shared.

[Mark Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal Ripken Jr. is most famous for appearing in 2,632 consecutive baseball games with the Baltimore Orioles. The book purports to share lessons Ripken has learned from his incredible streak that are generally applicable to all of us in our personal and professional endeavors. But, if you are not a fan of the game, you will likely find Ripken's anecdotes at best and uninteresting and at worst incomprehensible. And, even if you are a die-hard fan, the principles Ripken shares (the benefits of having "a strong will to succeed" and that you should "love what you do") are hardly revolutionary. Those who love baseball will, however, enjoy the stories -- and find Ripken's story an inspiring reminder of truths already known.

The book is in eight chapters, presumably in reference to the fact that Ripken wore number eight throughout his career. Each chapter covers a different principle, so there is no chronological order to the book. Instead, Ripken relates experiences that reinforce each concept. Many of the stories are serious, but some are quite humorous, and some (like the tale of a 32-inning minor league game played under freezing conditions) are both. The book intersperses facts about Lou Gehrig with Ripken's first-person narrative, honoring the fact that it was Gehrig who held the record for most consecutive games for 56 years before Ripken surpassed him. There are a number of parallels between the two players, so the Gehrig references -- though surprising at first -- have real value.

Unfortunately, Ripken at times repeats himself, referencing the same incident in multiple contexts. And, despite his conscious attempts at humility, he presents himself in such a favorable light that one is left to wonder whether he should really bother being humble. But, then again, why should a Hall of Famer and 19-time All-Star have to bow and scrape? In any event, those who enjoy baseball will find this a thoroughly enjoyable book -- and probably find that they are inspired by Ripken's principles and examples to try just a little harder to persist in their own endeavors.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sports fan, there are times when, even though you cheer for a particular team, you develop an admiration for a player from a different team who becomes your favorite player. In the 1990s, Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles was that player for this Expos fan. Ripken's claim to fame is showing up for work every day and contributing with excellence. What translates to is appearing in 2632 consecutive major league baseball games, shattering a record set by the great Lou Gehrig that many thought would never be broken. In retirement Ripken has remained active in baseball through a foundation that encourages kids to get involved in the sport. He has also been involved in business and in motivational speaking. This book is his attempt at teaching principles of perseverance learned over two decades of stellar performance on the baseball diamond.

As a motivational book, it is ok. The elements he describes are not particularly ground-breaking, though they are principles that work and that we all need to be reminded of. Where this book works best is that it is really a topical autobiography. 80 percent of the book is Ripken talking about his career and relating anecdotes that relate to the principles he wants to highlight. For anyone who is a baseball fan, and particularly a Ripken fan, this book is an excellent overview of a unique career told in a very personal fashion. As purely a self-help book, the reader may find it hard to connect with the material if he/she is not a baseball fan. But as a baseball and Ripken fan, I really enjoyed it. Worth the read.