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Skipper: Why Baseball Managers Matter and Always Will
Scott Miller, award-winning baseball writer, New York Times contributor and coauthor of Ninety Percent Mental, provides an unprecedented look at the job of Major League Baseball managers, showing how they shape the game…and have been shaped by a changing game and nation.
From award-winning national baseball writer Scott Miller, Skipper takes on an ambitious Moneyball-esque a deep dive into the ongoing struggle for control that often takes place behind the scenes between MLB managers and the ownership groups and their data analysts. As Miller says, this struggle “reflects the changing culture and norms of a nation still attempting to come to terms with the technological revolution of the Digital Age, in the authoritative narrative of the evolution of managing in the major leagues.”
Packed with baseball history, interviews with dozens of the MLB's current stars and veterans, and an exclusive, inside look at the day-to-day life of a manager competing for the World Series, LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Skipper is a fascinating look into the highs, the lows, and the inner workings of professional baseball.
From award-winning national baseball writer Scott Miller, Skipper takes on an ambitious Moneyball-esque a deep dive into the ongoing struggle for control that often takes place behind the scenes between MLB managers and the ownership groups and their data analysts. As Miller says, this struggle “reflects the changing culture and norms of a nation still attempting to come to terms with the technological revolution of the Digital Age, in the authoritative narrative of the evolution of managing in the major leagues.”
Packed with baseball history, interviews with dozens of the MLB's current stars and veterans, and an exclusive, inside look at the day-to-day life of a manager competing for the World Series, LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Skipper is a fascinating look into the highs, the lows, and the inner workings of professional baseball.
- GenresBaseballSportsNonfiction
400 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2025
57 people are currently reading
1970 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 4, 2025
This Scott Miller guy really knows his stuff!!
June 8, 2025
With the increased use of analytical data in baseball today, there has been talk that the importance and role of the manager of a major league baseball team has been reduced. This book by Scott Miller provides reams of excellent information on that leader, both in the perspective of “old school” and “new school.”
While reading this book, I came across with the sense that Miller was truly objective with his writing and opinions. He never came across as a grouchy old man that can’t accept the use of analytics to influence in-game decisions, but he also never was dismissive of the authoritarian era of the manager when skippers like Earl Weaver and Tommy Lasorda had total control over the players (on the field) and the decisions made affecting the games on the field.
That does leave a reader to wonder just how Miller feels about the current status of a manager, but to me, that’s a good thing. That means the reader will need to absorb all of the information, stories and records that Miller provides and come up with their own conclusion. Why Miller doesn’t share much in the way of opinion is known only to him, but while that may not appeal to some, for me it is one of the strengths of the book.
The range of stories is also fascinating plus Miller uses some actual game scenarios to illustrate how the role of the manager has changed. The best example of this to me is shown in his interviews with Tom Kelly and Kevin Cash in two of the more well-known pitching situations in World Series history. Kelly, considered to be one of the better “old school” managers, had to decide whether to remove Jack Morris in game 7 of the 1991 World Series after he had thrown nine shutout innings. Morris was not going to leave the game without a fight and told Kelly “I can pitch.” Kelly then replied “Oh, hell, it’s only a game.” Morris pitched a 1-2-3 tenth inning and then the Twins win in the bottom of the tenth.
Cash, on the other hand, is more known for a move that didn’t work. Following the plan that was developed between him and the baseball operations department (a department that never existed in Kelly’s time), Cash came out to remove starting pitcher Blake Snell with one out in the sixth inning. Snell at that point had only allowed two hits and struck out nine batters. But after a single by Austin Barnes of the Dodgers brought up Mookie Betts and the top of the batting order, Cash did not want Snell to face the Dodger lineup a third time. The bullpen couldn’t hold off the Dodgers offense as Los Angeles went on to win the game and the World Series.
The reason I highlight these two highlights is that they perfectly illustrate the range of time that this book covers, the types of managers highlighted (there’s great information on Terry Francona, Dusty Baker and Gabe Kapler as well, just to name a few) and the unique situations these leaders faced with their clubs.
Also, it should be noted that Miller had an excellent chapter on the lack of Black managers throughout the time covered and the difficulties encountered by those who had a job to find that next managerial position. The grace in which Baker and Gaston handled those situations makes for wonderful reading. After this chapter, while I already had great respect for Dusty Baker and his accomplishments, my respect for him grew even more as this revealed what kind of person he truly is.
I wish to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
While reading this book, I came across with the sense that Miller was truly objective with his writing and opinions. He never came across as a grouchy old man that can’t accept the use of analytics to influence in-game decisions, but he also never was dismissive of the authoritarian era of the manager when skippers like Earl Weaver and Tommy Lasorda had total control over the players (on the field) and the decisions made affecting the games on the field.
That does leave a reader to wonder just how Miller feels about the current status of a manager, but to me, that’s a good thing. That means the reader will need to absorb all of the information, stories and records that Miller provides and come up with their own conclusion. Why Miller doesn’t share much in the way of opinion is known only to him, but while that may not appeal to some, for me it is one of the strengths of the book.
The range of stories is also fascinating plus Miller uses some actual game scenarios to illustrate how the role of the manager has changed. The best example of this to me is shown in his interviews with Tom Kelly and Kevin Cash in two of the more well-known pitching situations in World Series history. Kelly, considered to be one of the better “old school” managers, had to decide whether to remove Jack Morris in game 7 of the 1991 World Series after he had thrown nine shutout innings. Morris was not going to leave the game without a fight and told Kelly “I can pitch.” Kelly then replied “Oh, hell, it’s only a game.” Morris pitched a 1-2-3 tenth inning and then the Twins win in the bottom of the tenth.
Cash, on the other hand, is more known for a move that didn’t work. Following the plan that was developed between him and the baseball operations department (a department that never existed in Kelly’s time), Cash came out to remove starting pitcher Blake Snell with one out in the sixth inning. Snell at that point had only allowed two hits and struck out nine batters. But after a single by Austin Barnes of the Dodgers brought up Mookie Betts and the top of the batting order, Cash did not want Snell to face the Dodger lineup a third time. The bullpen couldn’t hold off the Dodgers offense as Los Angeles went on to win the game and the World Series.
The reason I highlight these two highlights is that they perfectly illustrate the range of time that this book covers, the types of managers highlighted (there’s great information on Terry Francona, Dusty Baker and Gabe Kapler as well, just to name a few) and the unique situations these leaders faced with their clubs.
Also, it should be noted that Miller had an excellent chapter on the lack of Black managers throughout the time covered and the difficulties encountered by those who had a job to find that next managerial position. The grace in which Baker and Gaston handled those situations makes for wonderful reading. After this chapter, while I already had great respect for Dusty Baker and his accomplishments, my respect for him grew even more as this revealed what kind of person he truly is.
I wish to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
June 12, 2025
This is a book for baseball fans that documents the changes to the manager’s role over time. It covers the various types of managers’ styles and provides examples. Miller makes a case that, even though the game has changed, a capable manager makes a difference. The manager serves many important roles requiring people skills, such as dealing with the media, and relating to all levels of staff, from the youngest player to the upper management. The author points out how managers are adjusting to the era of analytics. He elaborates on the roots of this strategy with the Oakland A’s, as documented in the book (and film) Moneyball. It is filled with anecdotes and behind the scenes vignettes from interviews the author has conducted.
Several of the managers included in this book are Sparky Anderson, Dusty Baker, Buddy Bell, Bruce Bochy, Aaron Boone, Bob Boone, Kevin Cash, Craig Counsell, Bobby Cox, Terry Francona, Cito Gaston, Whitey Herzog, Art Howe, Gabe Kapler, Tom Kelly, Tony LaRussa, Grady Little, Joe Maddon, Billy Martin, Bob Melvin, Dave Roberts, Joe Torre, Jim Tracy, Earl Weaver, Dick Williams, Don Zimmer, and more. Miller discusses examples of the major moves in key games of the past that either worked out or did not. The more of these types of situations a reader is aware of, the greater the appeal of this book. While there are no longer “my way or the highway” managers, people skills and knowledge of the game remain crucial.
Several of the managers included in this book are Sparky Anderson, Dusty Baker, Buddy Bell, Bruce Bochy, Aaron Boone, Bob Boone, Kevin Cash, Craig Counsell, Bobby Cox, Terry Francona, Cito Gaston, Whitey Herzog, Art Howe, Gabe Kapler, Tom Kelly, Tony LaRussa, Grady Little, Joe Maddon, Billy Martin, Bob Melvin, Dave Roberts, Joe Torre, Jim Tracy, Earl Weaver, Dick Williams, Don Zimmer, and more. Miller discusses examples of the major moves in key games of the past that either worked out or did not. The more of these types of situations a reader is aware of, the greater the appeal of this book. While there are no longer “my way or the highway” managers, people skills and knowledge of the game remain crucial.
January 12, 2025
Skipper?! This book sure isn't! Great read and one of my favorite authors. :)
May 22, 2025
If you’re looking for a well written, interesting collection of accounts of baseball managers from recent history, this book will do the job. But as for the statement of “why managers still matter (and always will),” I’m not sure the book ever successfully makes that argument.
The chapters are organized by individual managers and each one lauds the gentleman in question, but I’m not sure any of them make the argument the title purports that the book will. The “and always will” piece of it feels particularly neglected, given that these are for the most part not current MLB managers. I work in sports media so I can certainly appreciate how difficult it is to get active MLB managers to talk much, but it’s also hard to argue that managers really matter based on the few active managers who are discussed, aside from Terry Francona.
I think it’s also important to know as a reader that there isn’t really anything new here in terms of information. Most of what is discussed is very familiar baseball lore and history that most dedicated fans will already know. Miller writes well and it certainly isn’t unpleasant to hear him rehash this stuff, but I do think it’s important to know that it is a rehashing.
To that end, this might be a good read for a newer or more casual fan, as there is a lot of recent baseball history here that is presented in a very well-organized and compelling manner. But while I would certainly never say managers don’t matter at all, I also can’t say I’m any more convinced of their importance than I was before reading this.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The chapters are organized by individual managers and each one lauds the gentleman in question, but I’m not sure any of them make the argument the title purports that the book will. The “and always will” piece of it feels particularly neglected, given that these are for the most part not current MLB managers. I work in sports media so I can certainly appreciate how difficult it is to get active MLB managers to talk much, but it’s also hard to argue that managers really matter based on the few active managers who are discussed, aside from Terry Francona.
I think it’s also important to know as a reader that there isn’t really anything new here in terms of information. Most of what is discussed is very familiar baseball lore and history that most dedicated fans will already know. Miller writes well and it certainly isn’t unpleasant to hear him rehash this stuff, but I do think it’s important to know that it is a rehashing.
To that end, this might be a good read for a newer or more casual fan, as there is a lot of recent baseball history here that is presented in a very well-organized and compelling manner. But while I would certainly never say managers don’t matter at all, I also can’t say I’m any more convinced of their importance than I was before reading this.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
Really fascinating look into the life of a MLB manager. Great stories and behind the scenes tidbits!
August 13, 2025
Perhaps the biggest thing to keep in mind while reading Scott Miller’s “Skipper” is that the sub-title “why baseball managers matter and always will” is a bit of an advertising, eye-catching misnomer. This book does not definitively answer that exact question. Miller does, however, provide some great insight into how MLB managerial jobs have changed tremendously since their decades-ago predecessors.
Within the pages of this tome itself, Miller references studies on how managers have relatively little (perhaps a two-game swing either direction) impact on wins and losses when it comes to the mechanical X’s & O’s (shifting, pinch hitting, baserunning decisions, bullpen management, etc.). It is also made very clear here that managers take more orders from owners and POBO’s (President of Baseball Operations) than ever before. While perhaps not as stark as being told who to play and when, rosters and organizational philosophies are now largely shaped at those higher levels rather than the field managers.
So, titling this book “why managers matter” is a little misleading (hopefully born more out of advertising than philosophy), because the technical answer to that question in the traditional sense is “eh—maybe they do and maybe they don’t”.
All that said, I still generally enjoyed “Skipper” once I realized it probably should have been titled something like “how the MLB manager role has changed in the era of analytics”. If read through that lens, the book can really be enjoyed. Miller nicely contrasts managers of the field-general era (Sparky Anderson, Dick Williams, Earl Weaver, Jim Leyland, Joe Torre, for example) with those of the modern collaborative, mouthpiece-of-the-organization era (Dave Roberts, Kevin Cash, Aaron Boone, Bob Melvin, & Bruce Bochy to name a few). It really is fascinating to see how that role has changed from sharp-tongued, irascible fellows who set the organizational strategy/tone to more middle-management types whose main role is to bridge the gap between front offices and those actually playing the game.
As such, even though the stated premise of Skipper confused me just a bit, once I realized the authorial intent I was able to enjoy the writing even without definitive conclusions to the matter.
Within the pages of this tome itself, Miller references studies on how managers have relatively little (perhaps a two-game swing either direction) impact on wins and losses when it comes to the mechanical X’s & O’s (shifting, pinch hitting, baserunning decisions, bullpen management, etc.). It is also made very clear here that managers take more orders from owners and POBO’s (President of Baseball Operations) than ever before. While perhaps not as stark as being told who to play and when, rosters and organizational philosophies are now largely shaped at those higher levels rather than the field managers.
So, titling this book “why managers matter” is a little misleading (hopefully born more out of advertising than philosophy), because the technical answer to that question in the traditional sense is “eh—maybe they do and maybe they don’t”.
All that said, I still generally enjoyed “Skipper” once I realized it probably should have been titled something like “how the MLB manager role has changed in the era of analytics”. If read through that lens, the book can really be enjoyed. Miller nicely contrasts managers of the field-general era (Sparky Anderson, Dick Williams, Earl Weaver, Jim Leyland, Joe Torre, for example) with those of the modern collaborative, mouthpiece-of-the-organization era (Dave Roberts, Kevin Cash, Aaron Boone, Bob Melvin, & Bruce Bochy to name a few). It really is fascinating to see how that role has changed from sharp-tongued, irascible fellows who set the organizational strategy/tone to more middle-management types whose main role is to bridge the gap between front offices and those actually playing the game.
As such, even though the stated premise of Skipper confused me just a bit, once I realized the authorial intent I was able to enjoy the writing even without definitive conclusions to the matter.
June 22, 2025
Picked it up b/c topic is on my mind as Nats' manager Davey Martinez is on the hot seat, but book proved disappointing. Very much of the old pre-Bill James style of baseball writing epistemology -- i.e., rather than ask a question and go seek evidence to find answer, author has a conclusion (managers are important and should be allowed to follow their experience-honed gut instinct rather than having to kowtow to analytics-oriented "Ivy League" graduates in the front office who never played the game, didn't pay their dues managing in the minors, etc. etc.) and goes out to collect anecdotal and testimonial evidence for it.
Stylistically, my main quibble is repetition. Structure is that each chapter is about a particular manager or a couple managers, and each one gets used to make the author's overall point (computers and analytics and bossy front offices bad; instincts and communication and autonomous managers good) by reminiscing about a particular game or season, without reference to whether the same material has already been covered. Ex. p. 212 and p. 235 both cover in considerable detail Jim Tracy's experience managing Colorado and chafing against being told by higher-ups to run a 4-man rotation with starters on a 75-pitch limit.
Also wears out the Grady Little leaving Pedro in too long vs. Yankees and Rays taking Blake Snell out (arguably) too early playoff anecdotes.
There's an interesting multi-disciplinary book out there to be written about how members of various professions react to the news (announced in 1954 by Paul Meehl in Clinical Vs. Statistical Prediction and since reaffirmed empirically in one area after another -- meteorology, clinical psychology, medicine, prediction of supreme court case outcomes..........) that actuarial methods outperform clinical/subjective/instinctive methods of prediction, and that yes you can come up with anecdotes where overrriding the formula makes sense and improves outcomes ("broken leg" situations per Meehl, referencing a hypo he gave about the formula predicting that someone will go to the movies on a particular night, but you know not to predict that b/c they broke leg and are in a hip-high cast that would make it too uncomfortable -- generically, an influence too rare to be included in predictive equation is known to be dispositive), but left to our own devices we overestimate their frequency and therefore mess up more often than not by going against the formula.
This book however is not it, as author does not really confront managers with evidence about what happens when they follow their guts rather than the data but instead gives them (ample) space to discuss how right they believe they are.
I'll say 1.54 stars, redeeming value being that anything about baseball is better than anything about a boring subject.
Stylistically, my main quibble is repetition. Structure is that each chapter is about a particular manager or a couple managers, and each one gets used to make the author's overall point (computers and analytics and bossy front offices bad; instincts and communication and autonomous managers good) by reminiscing about a particular game or season, without reference to whether the same material has already been covered. Ex. p. 212 and p. 235 both cover in considerable detail Jim Tracy's experience managing Colorado and chafing against being told by higher-ups to run a 4-man rotation with starters on a 75-pitch limit.
Also wears out the Grady Little leaving Pedro in too long vs. Yankees and Rays taking Blake Snell out (arguably) too early playoff anecdotes.
There's an interesting multi-disciplinary book out there to be written about how members of various professions react to the news (announced in 1954 by Paul Meehl in Clinical Vs. Statistical Prediction and since reaffirmed empirically in one area after another -- meteorology, clinical psychology, medicine, prediction of supreme court case outcomes..........) that actuarial methods outperform clinical/subjective/instinctive methods of prediction, and that yes you can come up with anecdotes where overrriding the formula makes sense and improves outcomes ("broken leg" situations per Meehl, referencing a hypo he gave about the formula predicting that someone will go to the movies on a particular night, but you know not to predict that b/c they broke leg and are in a hip-high cast that would make it too uncomfortable -- generically, an influence too rare to be included in predictive equation is known to be dispositive), but left to our own devices we overestimate their frequency and therefore mess up more often than not by going against the formula.
This book however is not it, as author does not really confront managers with evidence about what happens when they follow their guts rather than the data but instead gives them (ample) space to discuss how right they believe they are.
I'll say 1.54 stars, redeeming value being that anything about baseball is better than anything about a boring subject.
August 15, 2025
“SKIPPER: Why Baseball Managers Matter (and Always Will)” by sportswriter Scott Miller should appeal to true baseball nerds. Miller interviewed many former and current baseball managers and officials; and the book is laced with anecdotes from those interviews.
The book explores the evolution (devolution?) from the days of the charismatic, authoritarian managers (think Billy Martin, Earl Weaver, Tony LaRussa, etc) to today’s younger, more corporate-image managers.
Miller premises that computers changed baseball and the diminishing control managers have today. From the early “Moneyball” days to now, to paraphrase one interviewee, IVY League guys with analytic mindsets, who couldn’t play in the game, used computers and analytics as a way in and took over. Teams today employ a dozen or more analytical experts. At first, the computer whizzes gathered and summarized data for the managers. That transitioned into dictating what managers should do in certain situations and general rules as to player usage, even to the point some analysts make up the starting lineup.
A second factor diminishing the managers’ authoritarian powers is the money involved. Baseball is a major economic force. The days when one man or a family owed the team have given way to corporate ownership. In addition, many players make a fortune (trust me, it’s true). Often the players have contracts that last longer than the managers’ expected tenure. Managers often have to convince players why they did something instead of saying “because I said so.”
Managers must work well with the analytic guys, and translate convincingly what the analytic guys dictate to the players. In addition, being the public face of the organization requires solid public relations; for example, managers meet with reporters before and after each game. The corporate nature of the game led to specialized coaches. At one time there were maybe 6 or 7 coaches on a team, now there are double digit numbers of coaches: Teams may have three batting coaches, three pitching coaches, a first base coach, a third base coach, a bench coach, a bullpen-catching coach, a quality assurance coach, a strategy coach, a run prevention coach, and a couple more assistant coaches. And the manager must coordinate all of them (and deal with the press, the public, the players, the analytic guys, the general manager and other bosses (and maybe the owner).
The magic word today, boys and girls, is “collaboration.”
I’m not sure the book convinces me managers will always be around in the role they enjoy today.
For now, they are here and pulling pitchers for relievers.
The book to me rambles a bit too much, and at the same time comes back to its basic theme too much. But if you’re a baseball nerd, there’s stuff in each chapter you’ll find interesting.
The book explores the evolution (devolution?) from the days of the charismatic, authoritarian managers (think Billy Martin, Earl Weaver, Tony LaRussa, etc) to today’s younger, more corporate-image managers.
Miller premises that computers changed baseball and the diminishing control managers have today. From the early “Moneyball” days to now, to paraphrase one interviewee, IVY League guys with analytic mindsets, who couldn’t play in the game, used computers and analytics as a way in and took over. Teams today employ a dozen or more analytical experts. At first, the computer whizzes gathered and summarized data for the managers. That transitioned into dictating what managers should do in certain situations and general rules as to player usage, even to the point some analysts make up the starting lineup.
A second factor diminishing the managers’ authoritarian powers is the money involved. Baseball is a major economic force. The days when one man or a family owed the team have given way to corporate ownership. In addition, many players make a fortune (trust me, it’s true). Often the players have contracts that last longer than the managers’ expected tenure. Managers often have to convince players why they did something instead of saying “because I said so.”
Managers must work well with the analytic guys, and translate convincingly what the analytic guys dictate to the players. In addition, being the public face of the organization requires solid public relations; for example, managers meet with reporters before and after each game. The corporate nature of the game led to specialized coaches. At one time there were maybe 6 or 7 coaches on a team, now there are double digit numbers of coaches: Teams may have three batting coaches, three pitching coaches, a first base coach, a third base coach, a bench coach, a bullpen-catching coach, a quality assurance coach, a strategy coach, a run prevention coach, and a couple more assistant coaches. And the manager must coordinate all of them (and deal with the press, the public, the players, the analytic guys, the general manager and other bosses (and maybe the owner).
The magic word today, boys and girls, is “collaboration.”
I’m not sure the book convinces me managers will always be around in the role they enjoy today.
For now, they are here and pulling pitchers for relievers.
The book to me rambles a bit too much, and at the same time comes back to its basic theme too much. But if you’re a baseball nerd, there’s stuff in each chapter you’ll find interesting.
June 7, 2025
3.5 stars. But I'm rounding down for reasons I'll get to in a second.
The strongest point of Miller's book on managers is the interviews. He talks to a good two dozen or more big league managers- both retired and current. He picks their brains about the job and what it entails and, y'know, why managers matter. Oh, he also talks to plenty of front office executives and players along the way.
So why 3.5 stars? And why round down instead of rounding up?
While there is a ton of quality, raw information here - it just sits there like raw information. It hasn't really been baked into a larger point or overall purpose. Simply put, this is less a book explaining why managers matter and more a lengthy assertion that managers matter. It's not bad. I'm glad I read it. But it left me feeling unfulfilled.
One point early on especially rankled, because it highlighted the book's shortcomings. The second chapter (well, officially the first chapter, as before is a 20-page prologue) takes lengthly looks at David Bell and Aaron Boone - two 2020s managers who are the sons of former MLB managers. So what do we learn in this chapter? Mostly, we learned these two managers are themselves the sons of two former managers. .... Yeah, I didn't see much of a point there. And because this chapter comes so early in the book, it really colored the rest of the material for me. Just piles of stuff; that's all this book felt like.
I don't want to sound too negative, though. There is some solid stories and interesting details here. There are now some female managers in the minor leagues. Bob Melvin had a better relationship with Billy Beane that previous A's manager had, and in part it sounds like Beane has dialed things back a little with his managers. Dave Roberts has a daily strategy session with some coaches and front office figures before each game.
It's not a bad book, but it is mostly piles of information in search of a main point.
The strongest point of Miller's book on managers is the interviews. He talks to a good two dozen or more big league managers- both retired and current. He picks their brains about the job and what it entails and, y'know, why managers matter. Oh, he also talks to plenty of front office executives and players along the way.
So why 3.5 stars? And why round down instead of rounding up?
While there is a ton of quality, raw information here - it just sits there like raw information. It hasn't really been baked into a larger point or overall purpose. Simply put, this is less a book explaining why managers matter and more a lengthy assertion that managers matter. It's not bad. I'm glad I read it. But it left me feeling unfulfilled.
One point early on especially rankled, because it highlighted the book's shortcomings. The second chapter (well, officially the first chapter, as before is a 20-page prologue) takes lengthly looks at David Bell and Aaron Boone - two 2020s managers who are the sons of former MLB managers. So what do we learn in this chapter? Mostly, we learned these two managers are themselves the sons of two former managers. .... Yeah, I didn't see much of a point there. And because this chapter comes so early in the book, it really colored the rest of the material for me. Just piles of stuff; that's all this book felt like.
I don't want to sound too negative, though. There is some solid stories and interesting details here. There are now some female managers in the minor leagues. Bob Melvin had a better relationship with Billy Beane that previous A's manager had, and in part it sounds like Beane has dialed things back a little with his managers. Dave Roberts has a daily strategy session with some coaches and front office figures before each game.
It's not a bad book, but it is mostly piles of information in search of a main point.
Read
December 17, 2025Skipper: Why Baseball Managers Matter and Always Will by Scott Miller is a compelling and insightful exploration of one of baseball’s most misunderstood roles. At a time when analytics, front offices, and algorithms seem to dominate the conversation, Miller makes a persuasive case that managers remain central to the soul and success of the game.
Blending rich baseball history with sharp contemporary reporting, Skipper examines the evolving power dynamics between managers, ownership, and data analysts in the modern MLB. Miller’s “Moneyball-esque” approach works beautifully, peeling back the curtain on the quiet but constant struggle for control that shapes decisions on and off the field. The result is a nuanced portrait of leadership in an era defined by numbers, technology, and tradition colliding.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its access. Through interviews with dozens of current and former players and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Miller captures the daily pressures, emotional intelligence, and people-management skills required to lead a clubhouse. These human elements, trust, communication, and instinct, are shown to be just as vital as spreadsheets and metrics.
Miller’s writing is engaging and authoritative, making complex organizational dynamics easy to understand and genuinely interesting, even for casual fans. Skipper is not just a book about baseball managers; it’s about leadership, adaptation, and the enduring importance of the human touch in a data-driven world. A must-read for baseball fans who want to understand how the game really works today.
Blending rich baseball history with sharp contemporary reporting, Skipper examines the evolving power dynamics between managers, ownership, and data analysts in the modern MLB. Miller’s “Moneyball-esque” approach works beautifully, peeling back the curtain on the quiet but constant struggle for control that shapes decisions on and off the field. The result is a nuanced portrait of leadership in an era defined by numbers, technology, and tradition colliding.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its access. Through interviews with dozens of current and former players and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Miller captures the daily pressures, emotional intelligence, and people-management skills required to lead a clubhouse. These human elements, trust, communication, and instinct, are shown to be just as vital as spreadsheets and metrics.
Miller’s writing is engaging and authoritative, making complex organizational dynamics easy to understand and genuinely interesting, even for casual fans. Skipper is not just a book about baseball managers; it’s about leadership, adaptation, and the enduring importance of the human touch in a data-driven world. A must-read for baseball fans who want to understand how the game really works today.
August 14, 2025
In this book for serious fans, Scott Miller reviews the evolution of baseball managers, particularly from the mid-1970s when skippers such as Sparky Anderson, Dick Williams, and Whitey Herzog had much clout, to today, when they must take advice from baseball operations department while trying to keep the respect of players. If a manager can't balance both, he's finished.
The game has undergone unprecedented change in the past 20 years. While managers used to last for decades, now a field boss must deliver a winner quickly or he's toast. Managers once fully entrusted to make decisions on their own now are slaves to analytics and new dicta that a pitcher can't go past 100 pitches or face a lineup a third time through.
There is a recent trend of hiring managers who have no experience in the minor leagues. These are mostly former players who are wealthy enough from their playing days that they have no interest in toiling for years in the minors. In the early days of Sabermetrics, small-payroll teams took advantage. Now no team escapes analytics. There is no getting around the reality that a huge payroll helps.
The book is an uneven, eclectic account that spends a lot of time focusing on the successes of the Dodgers, Yankees, and other big-market teams. Miller writes too many paragraphs of unedited quotes from managers that fail to move the narrative along. He also seems to think he has to include all the swearing that a manager utters.
The game has undergone unprecedented change in the past 20 years. While managers used to last for decades, now a field boss must deliver a winner quickly or he's toast. Managers once fully entrusted to make decisions on their own now are slaves to analytics and new dicta that a pitcher can't go past 100 pitches or face a lineup a third time through.
There is a recent trend of hiring managers who have no experience in the minor leagues. These are mostly former players who are wealthy enough from their playing days that they have no interest in toiling for years in the minors. In the early days of Sabermetrics, small-payroll teams took advantage. Now no team escapes analytics. There is no getting around the reality that a huge payroll helps.
The book is an uneven, eclectic account that spends a lot of time focusing on the successes of the Dodgers, Yankees, and other big-market teams. Miller writes too many paragraphs of unedited quotes from managers that fail to move the narrative along. He also seems to think he has to include all the swearing that a manager utters.
June 6, 2025
An absolute must read for all die hard baseball fans.
The role of manager has changed a great deal over the years, and the way modern managers walk the line between the front office, operations, and ownership while still staying focused on success on the field is no small task. Add in the increased demands from a 24/7 sports media content cycle and the job of skipper is not our grandfather’s occupation.
What really makes Scott Miller’s Skipper standout is both his deep knowledge of the way this role functioned in the past and his ability to weave in the evolutions in a way that didn't feel like a game purist shaking their fist at change.
Miller’s access to the standout managers of this era, like Craig Counsell, Aaron Boone, Bruce Bochy, Terry Francona, and a host of other past and present stars of the game give Skipper a real insider feel. The stories are often told by the ones who were there to witness the moments first hand, or were the decision makers themselves. This is a deep dive into one piece of the baseball equation and also a historical text for the die hards.
I’d recommend this for anyone who loves the game of baseball or as a gift for a friend who does.
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Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publishing date: May 13, 2025
The role of manager has changed a great deal over the years, and the way modern managers walk the line between the front office, operations, and ownership while still staying focused on success on the field is no small task. Add in the increased demands from a 24/7 sports media content cycle and the job of skipper is not our grandfather’s occupation.
What really makes Scott Miller’s Skipper standout is both his deep knowledge of the way this role functioned in the past and his ability to weave in the evolutions in a way that didn't feel like a game purist shaking their fist at change.
Miller’s access to the standout managers of this era, like Craig Counsell, Aaron Boone, Bruce Bochy, Terry Francona, and a host of other past and present stars of the game give Skipper a real insider feel. The stories are often told by the ones who were there to witness the moments first hand, or were the decision makers themselves. This is a deep dive into one piece of the baseball equation and also a historical text for the die hards.
I’d recommend this for anyone who loves the game of baseball or as a gift for a friend who does.
_______
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publishing date: May 13, 2025
March 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This is a great book for baseball fans - with a variety of sections focusing on different managers and different parts of what being a manager means. I really enjoyed how each section focused on an important part of managing and how it's changed over time. The managers interviewed seemed pretty open and there was an acknowledgement of how unusual and rare it is to have that job.
One of the best baseball books I've read lately!
This is a great book for baseball fans - with a variety of sections focusing on different managers and different parts of what being a manager means. I really enjoyed how each section focused on an important part of managing and how it's changed over time. The managers interviewed seemed pretty open and there was an acknowledgement of how unusual and rare it is to have that job.
One of the best baseball books I've read lately!
May 30, 2025
Skipper is a great look at the role of a baseball manager, with a focus on current managers and the demands of integrating data analytics into their strategy.
A superb look at the thought that goes into the process, like the Tony La Russa chapter of Men at Work writ large.
In addition to La Russa, Earl Weaver, Jim Leyland, Bob Melvin, Joe Torre, Jim Tracy and others feature heavily. The best chapter focuses on Tom Kelly and while the Dave Roberts chapter is informative, at 41 pages it is the longest chapter in the book and feels long.
An all-in-all great read.
A superb look at the thought that goes into the process, like the Tony La Russa chapter of Men at Work writ large.
In addition to La Russa, Earl Weaver, Jim Leyland, Bob Melvin, Joe Torre, Jim Tracy and others feature heavily. The best chapter focuses on Tom Kelly and while the Dave Roberts chapter is informative, at 41 pages it is the longest chapter in the book and feels long.
An all-in-all great read.
December 8, 2025
When I read the inside jacket I was intrigued about the book and thought that it would truly be an inside look at the day to day of managing. Instead I felt that it was just a constant repetition (complaint?) about front offices forcing analytics on manager. This was essentially the basis of every chapter and we never truly got a look at what managing entails more than motivating and connecting with players (also emphasized repeatedly). I feel like the book couldn’t been a tad more cohesive, or simply focused on the history of managing (which it does for the first 200 pages or so).
May 18, 2025
I wouldn't say this book offers astounding revelations about its subject matter - the evolving role of a manager in baseball's changing environment - but what it does, it does well. The author makes it very clear he believes managers are important, and while his disdain for the way front offices have evolved is also very clear, he also cites the value of collaboration in charting a team's success - exactly the way it has been through much of the sport's history.
June 23, 2025
I learned of Scott Miller's death on the day I finished this book, so I will refrain from noting where I think it falls short. On the plus side, Miller makes a strong case in behalf of the geniuses in the dugout while critiquing the role analytics has come to play. In this respect, Skipper is a latter-day Men At Work, George Will's profile of several players and at least one manager (Tony La Russa).
July 10, 2025
While this book provided an occasional interesting peak behind the curtain into MLB managers' lives and careers, for the most part it felt like a carefully curated Netflix documentary that presents an overly cheerful picture of the subjects without providing great detail or a balanced view of the reality of this difficult line of work. If I were a major league manager looking for a raise, I would struggle to find a more blind advocate for my own importance than Miller's words in this book.
June 29, 2025
Terrific book about baseball managers in the modern era. Wonderful interviews and insights from a wide array of managers, including Dave Roberts, Kevin Cash, Tom Kelly, Jim Tracy, Dusty Baker, Bob Boone, and several GMs too (Beane, Cashman, etc). Unfortunately, Mr. Miller died of pancreatic cancer shortly after the book was published. He led an exemplary life and will be missed.
August 6, 2025
Christ this is over cutesy with the signposts and little quips. Damned redundant too. Felt like I was a cartoon getting hit with a hammer over and over. Such long quotes and mini-biographies / belabored appositives of every character you come across. Could’ve a easily been 50 pages shorter; should’ve been 100.
August 31, 2025
A good book when it sticks to baseball managers and their changing modern profiles given the increasing focus on data and the growth of front offices. Unfortunately, the author drops gratuitous political comments that detract from the quality and readability of the book. Stick to baseball, Scott Miller.
November 9, 2025
Good book with a perspective that argues that the manager remains integral even in the age (perhaps too much influence of) “analytics”. Dave Roberts, Dusty Baker, Terry Francona, Jim Tracy, Tom Kelly, Sparky Anderson, Billy Martin notably mentioned. If you are a baseball fan, and you are interested in its organizational and managerial dynamics, this is a book for you.
November 30, 2025
This book really varies by chapter. Some, like when the author spends time with Dave Roberts, or talks about the lack of black managers in the game, are excellent. But, I found the overall tone of the book to be a little "old-man-yells-at-cloud" in terms of how the author talks about how analytics have (and are) impacting the game. But, overall, baseball fans will enjoy.
May 23, 2025
Fun but also important for any baseball fan
My good friend Scott Miller takes on a topic I’ve long believed in, and he knocks it out of the park. A great explanation of how the game has changed but also how it hasn’t.
My good friend Scott Miller takes on a topic I’ve long believed in, and he knocks it out of the park. A great explanation of how the game has changed but also how it hasn’t.
May 30, 2025
This was an enjoyable read. It was interesting and I learned how baseball has evolved over the last 50 years. Fascinating and well reported. Miller interviewd more than 200 former palyers, managers and baseball execs to create a most readable book.
June 7, 2025
This is a fascinating look into how management has changed in baseball over the years. Beautifully written and the vast baseball knowledge that Scott Miller has is mind blowing! Highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you’re into baseball!
June 28, 2025
another good one
This is an awesome book about the role of a baseball manager. How it’s changed, what it involves..it’s intriguing and very interesting.
I would have liked a little more background on less recent managers but this was great.
This is an awesome book about the role of a baseball manager. How it’s changed, what it involves..it’s intriguing and very interesting.
I would have liked a little more background on less recent managers but this was great.
August 14, 2025
A walk off grand slam!
Incredible depth and research rolled into a nail biting extra inning contest
A well told story about a sport that never changes, yet does so all the time!
Incredible depth and research rolled into a nail biting extra inning contest
A well told story about a sport that never changes, yet does so all the time!
August 15, 2025
For serious baseball fans
The casual fan may not like this. It is a deep dive into the past and present of managing at the major league level. The modern managers love-hate relationship with analytics and analytics people. Well written. I loved it.
The casual fan may not like this. It is a deep dive into the past and present of managing at the major league level. The modern managers love-hate relationship with analytics and analytics people. Well written. I loved it.
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