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THE ANCIENT WISDOM OF BASEBALL: Lessons for Life from Homer's ODYSSEY to the World Series
“...a love letter to baseball that explains its connections to our inner lives and to classical lore in a way that makes one pine for Opening Day.” —THEO EPSTEIN
Who are you, how are you supposed to live, and what about happiness? Answers to age-old questions are offered in classic myths about heroes, gods, and monsters, and at the ballgame.
In The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball, author Christian Sheppard interweaves Homer’s epics with glorious stories from the green fields of America’s pastime, celebrating Achilles’ courage and Odysseus’ cunning along with the virtues of Hall of Fame players such as Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth and of great teams such as the 2004 Red Sox and the 2016 Cubs. Along the way, Sheppard humorously recollects trying to raise his baby daughter true to the teachings of ancient myth and his beloved game. The result is an endearing, insightful, and inspiring guide to cultivating virtue and becoming the hero of your own life’s odyssey.
Who are you, how are you supposed to live, and what about happiness? Answers to age-old questions are offered in classic myths about heroes, gods, and monsters, and at the ballgame.
In The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball, author Christian Sheppard interweaves Homer’s epics with glorious stories from the green fields of America’s pastime, celebrating Achilles’ courage and Odysseus’ cunning along with the virtues of Hall of Fame players such as Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth and of great teams such as the 2004 Red Sox and the 2016 Cubs. Along the way, Sheppard humorously recollects trying to raise his baby daughter true to the teachings of ancient myth and his beloved game. The result is an endearing, insightful, and inspiring guide to cultivating virtue and becoming the hero of your own life’s odyssey.
- GenresSportsBaseballNonfiction
184 pages, Hardcover
Published March 25, 2025
28 people are currently reading
1462 people want to read
About the author
Christian Sheppard
2 books14 followersChristian Sheppard holds a PhD in Religion and Literature from the University of Chicago where he taught the“Great Books” for over a decade. He is now a professor of Liberal Arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, teaching Shakespeare, the Tarot de Marseilles, and ancient Chinese classics, including the I Ching. Sheppard’s essays on religion, art, music, movies, and sports have appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Review, Religious Studies Review, and The Journal of Religion. He has lectured at the Modern Language Association, MENSA, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Chicago Cultural Center, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Sheppard lives on Chicago’s Northside within walking distance of Wrigley Field.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 22, 2025
Home run. If you’re a classic baseball fan and a classicist, you’ll enjoy “The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball.” In nine innings — along with a pregame chapter and an extra inning — Professor Christian Sheppard lays out “lessons for life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series.”
“Every baseball game, if viewed from the right angle, reenacts an ancient myth,” Sheppard writes. “Carlton Fisk steps to the plate. Odysseus draws his bow. Two scenes separated by thousands of miles and thousands of years both present the same dramatic climax. A hero takes his chance to prove his excellence. He succeeds. Zeus illuminates the moment with lightning. The chorus of the crowd thunderously applauds. The hero has come home. Happiness ensues.”
This charming little book — charmingly designed by Greenleaf Book Group in Austin — runs from Homer to homers in pursuit of what matters most. “How to live?” Sheppard asks. “Follow the ball’s trajectory, like following an arrow shot from the bow of Odysseus, it will lead you toward an answer.”
“Pitching exemplifies prudence,” he coaches. The warrior of twists and turns knew that as he sailed home for Ithaca. “To face any situation like a pitcher is to make oneself aware of the entirety of the situation and to consider what in one’s repertoire of skills can be brought to bear.”
Oh, how I wish I’d had this book back in St. Louis when I was dragging some reluctant 9th graders through Homer’s epic.
“The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball” is alternately erudite, witty, scholastic and romantic — and scored with enough dad jokes to fill Wrigley Field. Sheppard talks freely about literature and history, heroic players and epic plays, and especially about his life as a father, all while extolling the pursuit of virtue, courage and justice. Sometimes, he steals a plate so fast you can barely spot it. “No more famous tale is told of Alexander the Great,” he writes, “than his late-inning relief pitching for St. Louis in Game 7 of the 1926 World Series in New York.”
In short, this is a self-help book for people who’d rather be playing baseball or outsmarting the Cyclops, which, according to Sheppard, are heroic feats that demand essentially the same skills.
This review is excerpted from The Washington Post's free weekly email newsletter, The Book Club, which you can read here:
https://s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw...
“Every baseball game, if viewed from the right angle, reenacts an ancient myth,” Sheppard writes. “Carlton Fisk steps to the plate. Odysseus draws his bow. Two scenes separated by thousands of miles and thousands of years both present the same dramatic climax. A hero takes his chance to prove his excellence. He succeeds. Zeus illuminates the moment with lightning. The chorus of the crowd thunderously applauds. The hero has come home. Happiness ensues.”
This charming little book — charmingly designed by Greenleaf Book Group in Austin — runs from Homer to homers in pursuit of what matters most. “How to live?” Sheppard asks. “Follow the ball’s trajectory, like following an arrow shot from the bow of Odysseus, it will lead you toward an answer.”
“Pitching exemplifies prudence,” he coaches. The warrior of twists and turns knew that as he sailed home for Ithaca. “To face any situation like a pitcher is to make oneself aware of the entirety of the situation and to consider what in one’s repertoire of skills can be brought to bear.”
Oh, how I wish I’d had this book back in St. Louis when I was dragging some reluctant 9th graders through Homer’s epic.
“The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball” is alternately erudite, witty, scholastic and romantic — and scored with enough dad jokes to fill Wrigley Field. Sheppard talks freely about literature and history, heroic players and epic plays, and especially about his life as a father, all while extolling the pursuit of virtue, courage and justice. Sometimes, he steals a plate so fast you can barely spot it. “No more famous tale is told of Alexander the Great,” he writes, “than his late-inning relief pitching for St. Louis in Game 7 of the 1926 World Series in New York.”
In short, this is a self-help book for people who’d rather be playing baseball or outsmarting the Cyclops, which, according to Sheppard, are heroic feats that demand essentially the same skills.
This review is excerpted from The Washington Post's free weekly email newsletter, The Book Club, which you can read here:
https://s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw...
March 28, 2025
I can’t say I had foreseen a book coming which employed such a weird and very specific collision of my personal interests, but I dare say it worked.
There’s a popular argument that you can relate almost anything to Greek myth and Classical history if you work at it, and that’s part of the schtick here. But what’s important is that the comparisons actually do get there.
And it’s a delightful mashup, especially for anyone who loves both baseball and classical history, though I would argue that this would also work for someone who is an enthusiast of one or the other.
I was particularly taken with the “Yankees suck” portion of the personal narrative, not because of the Yankees suck of it all (although they do), but because it was such a vibrantly well-drawn and humorously accurate portrait of the childhood Red Sox fan.
The author hits mostly on major baseball history that if you follow the sport at all you’re already very familiar with, but I always love hearing individual writers’ versions of and thoughts on these events as long as they have something original and interesting to say, which Sheppard absolutely does.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
There’s a popular argument that you can relate almost anything to Greek myth and Classical history if you work at it, and that’s part of the schtick here. But what’s important is that the comparisons actually do get there.
And it’s a delightful mashup, especially for anyone who loves both baseball and classical history, though I would argue that this would also work for someone who is an enthusiast of one or the other.
I was particularly taken with the “Yankees suck” portion of the personal narrative, not because of the Yankees suck of it all (although they do), but because it was such a vibrantly well-drawn and humorously accurate portrait of the childhood Red Sox fan.
The author hits mostly on major baseball history that if you follow the sport at all you’re already very familiar with, but I always love hearing individual writers’ versions of and thoughts on these events as long as they have something original and interesting to say, which Sheppard absolutely does.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
August 28, 2025
This is really a book about the love of the game, and while I don’t follow baseball, I still appreciated that. I read this with my dad but haven’t had a chance to talk to him about it yet. He did say he liked it.
This is a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a Goodreads giveaway.
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April 4, 2025Book Review: The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball: Lessons for Life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series by Christian Sheppard
In The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball: Lessons for Life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series, Christian Sheppard embarks on an intriguing journey that melds the timeless teachings of Homer with the enduring passion of America’s pastime. This book positions itself at the intersection of sports, philosophy, and literature, offering readers a reflective exploration of life’s lessons as derived from baseball, while drawing parallels to the epic narratives found in The Odyssey.
Content Overview
Sheppard’s work is structured around an analysis of various themes prevalent in both baseball and Homeric literature, including perseverance, morality, and the quest for identity. The book employs an engaging narrative style, blending personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and literary analysis. Key themes include:
Heroism and Virtue: Sheppard argues that just as Odysseus embodies the qualities of a hero, so too do baseball players who rise to challenges and demonstrate courage on the field. He explores what it means to be a hero in contemporary society and how the virtues highlighted in Homer’s work are reflected in the sports arena.
Life’s Journey: Drawing parallels to Odysseus’s arduous journey home, Sheppard discusses the life journeys of baseball players, emphasizing the trials, tribulations, and personal growth that characterize both experiences.
Community and Belonging: The book addresses the communal aspects of baseball, likening the team dynamics to the bonds of kinship and friendship depicted in The Odyssey. Sheppard examines how baseball serves as a microcosm for larger social interactions and cultural values.
Philosophical Reflections: Throughout, Sheppard invokes philosophical questions related to fate, choice, and the human condition, encouraging readers to consider how these elements manifest both in sports and in life.
Cultural Significance: The author provides insight into how baseball represents American culture and its historical narratives, acknowledging its role as a platform for discussing broader societal themes such as race, class, and identity.
Critical Analysis
Sheppard’s prose is both accessible and thought-provoking, making complex philosophical themes relatable to a diverse audience. His integration of literary analysis with sports commentary serves to enrich the reader’s understanding of both fields. The book’s strength lies in its ability to draw enlightening connections between ancient literature and modern sports, prompting readers to reflect on their own life experiences through the lens of baseball.
Nonetheless, the book may at times oversimplify the complexities of Homeric themes or the nuances of baseball culture in favor of broad generalizations. Readers seeking an in-depth examination of specific philosophical theories or a more nuanced critique of baseball’s cultural impacts may find certain discussions lacking in depth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball: Lessons for Life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series by Christian Sheppard is an engaging and thoughtful exploration of the parallels between life, literature, and sports. While it may not delve deeply into every philosophical concept, its interdisciplinary approach invites readers to appreciate the wisdom embedded in both the ancient and the contemporary. This book is recommended for anyone interested in philosophy, literature, and the cultural significance of sports, as it ultimately encourages a meaningful reflection on the ‘odysseys’ we all navigate in our lives.
Thank you to the author for this free book!
In The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball: Lessons for Life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series, Christian Sheppard embarks on an intriguing journey that melds the timeless teachings of Homer with the enduring passion of America’s pastime. This book positions itself at the intersection of sports, philosophy, and literature, offering readers a reflective exploration of life’s lessons as derived from baseball, while drawing parallels to the epic narratives found in The Odyssey.
Content Overview
Sheppard’s work is structured around an analysis of various themes prevalent in both baseball and Homeric literature, including perseverance, morality, and the quest for identity. The book employs an engaging narrative style, blending personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and literary analysis. Key themes include:
Heroism and Virtue: Sheppard argues that just as Odysseus embodies the qualities of a hero, so too do baseball players who rise to challenges and demonstrate courage on the field. He explores what it means to be a hero in contemporary society and how the virtues highlighted in Homer’s work are reflected in the sports arena.
Life’s Journey: Drawing parallels to Odysseus’s arduous journey home, Sheppard discusses the life journeys of baseball players, emphasizing the trials, tribulations, and personal growth that characterize both experiences.
Community and Belonging: The book addresses the communal aspects of baseball, likening the team dynamics to the bonds of kinship and friendship depicted in The Odyssey. Sheppard examines how baseball serves as a microcosm for larger social interactions and cultural values.
Philosophical Reflections: Throughout, Sheppard invokes philosophical questions related to fate, choice, and the human condition, encouraging readers to consider how these elements manifest both in sports and in life.
Cultural Significance: The author provides insight into how baseball represents American culture and its historical narratives, acknowledging its role as a platform for discussing broader societal themes such as race, class, and identity.
Critical Analysis
Sheppard’s prose is both accessible and thought-provoking, making complex philosophical themes relatable to a diverse audience. His integration of literary analysis with sports commentary serves to enrich the reader’s understanding of both fields. The book’s strength lies in its ability to draw enlightening connections between ancient literature and modern sports, prompting readers to reflect on their own life experiences through the lens of baseball.
Nonetheless, the book may at times oversimplify the complexities of Homeric themes or the nuances of baseball culture in favor of broad generalizations. Readers seeking an in-depth examination of specific philosophical theories or a more nuanced critique of baseball’s cultural impacts may find certain discussions lacking in depth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball: Lessons for Life from Homer’s Odyssey to the World Series by Christian Sheppard is an engaging and thoughtful exploration of the parallels between life, literature, and sports. While it may not delve deeply into every philosophical concept, its interdisciplinary approach invites readers to appreciate the wisdom embedded in both the ancient and the contemporary. This book is recommended for anyone interested in philosophy, literature, and the cultural significance of sports, as it ultimately encourages a meaningful reflection on the ‘odysseys’ we all navigate in our lives.
Thank you to the author for this free book!
April 4, 2025
This book was rather unique, infusing baseball, Classical Greek myths and values, along with some memoir sections woven in good measure. While I enjoyed the comparisons to America’s pastime to millennium old tales, it wasn’t quite a home run, but it was a solid extra base hit.
Each of the chapters are named after an inning, which was very fitting. There’s even a seventh inning stretch inside, along with an extra inning. It all starts with Sheppard’s origin story with the Red Sox in his hometown Boston and then his current life in Chicago as a Cubs fan, and how an experience decades ago when his daughter was born made him think about moral values and how to live. The chapters weave back and forth between the myths, linking how the two are more similar than most would have thought about. Throughout, Sheppard adds his own emotions and experiences in his baseball life when needed, adding a human touch to these stories, modern and ancient. I found myself intrigued by a lot of the stories told in the book itself. I felt some of the stories didn’t fully connect, but it might need subsequent readings to fully understand, though I think the narrative bounced back and forth too much at times.
Christian Sheppard narrates the audiobook himself and the passion of the subject seeps into each word and made the stories more enjoyable.
In the end, it was an intriguing link between past and present and highly recommended for baseball fans everywhere.
*I received a review copy from Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press. All opinions are my own.*
Each of the chapters are named after an inning, which was very fitting. There’s even a seventh inning stretch inside, along with an extra inning. It all starts with Sheppard’s origin story with the Red Sox in his hometown Boston and then his current life in Chicago as a Cubs fan, and how an experience decades ago when his daughter was born made him think about moral values and how to live. The chapters weave back and forth between the myths, linking how the two are more similar than most would have thought about. Throughout, Sheppard adds his own emotions and experiences in his baseball life when needed, adding a human touch to these stories, modern and ancient. I found myself intrigued by a lot of the stories told in the book itself. I felt some of the stories didn’t fully connect, but it might need subsequent readings to fully understand, though I think the narrative bounced back and forth too much at times.
Christian Sheppard narrates the audiobook himself and the passion of the subject seeps into each word and made the stories more enjoyable.
In the end, it was an intriguing link between past and present and highly recommended for baseball fans everywhere.
*I received a review copy from Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press. All opinions are my own.*
April 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC
OK disclaimer, I am really not a sports girl. That said this book was amazing! I really got into the author's passion for the game of baseball. I expected to read a series of essays about his interest in sports and a bunch of other stuff related to baseball but the way he tied in baseball to Homer's odyssey and epic tales was inspiring. This is definitely something that I would recommend to so many of my students and also could see being suggested to anyone reading a book study on the Odyssey. I think it definitely helps to create parallels between classic literature and real life.
OK disclaimer, I am really not a sports girl. That said this book was amazing! I really got into the author's passion for the game of baseball. I expected to read a series of essays about his interest in sports and a bunch of other stuff related to baseball but the way he tied in baseball to Homer's odyssey and epic tales was inspiring. This is definitely something that I would recommend to so many of my students and also could see being suggested to anyone reading a book study on the Odyssey. I think it definitely helps to create parallels between classic literature and real life.
June 7, 2025
I received the Kindle version in a Goodreads giveaway, and I am so grateful. An entertaining and intellectual discussion of the virtues of baseball illustrated by scenes from classical literature and philosophy? Yes, please. Take all the stars. I feel like this book was written for me! Highly enjoyable, even for someone who has disliked the Cubs since my childhood favorite player was unceremoniously traded to them.
March 25, 2025
I love baseball so getting this book made me excited to read it. Cubs have always been my second favorite teams so I really enjoyed the walk down memory lane of the Cubs was very enjoyable.
Well written and I enjoyed how he tried showing his daughter how great baseball is.
Unfortunately my first team is the Pirates and there is no hope unless they are sold.
Well written and I enjoyed how he tried showing his daughter how great baseball is.
Unfortunately my first team is the Pirates and there is no hope unless they are sold.
April 8, 2025
If you are a baseball fan (and I am) read this! A really enjoyable and thought provoking read.
May 4, 2025
To paraphrase Forrest Gump, "life is like the game of baseball."
July 25, 2025
an entertaining read
Although I haven’t watched baseball in 50 years and never been much for philosophy texts I learned quite a bit about both in this very accessible and entertaining book.
Although I haven’t watched baseball in 50 years and never been much for philosophy texts I learned quite a bit about both in this very accessible and entertaining book.
July 11, 2025
Interesting combo.... loved it!
But.... Go Cardinals! ;)
But.... Go Cardinals! ;)
August 23, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Opinions are mine.
I honestly thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn’t necessarily expect to like it that much. You can read what it’s about in the books synopsis. What I liked about it is the it clearly explained baseball and philosophy and how they fit together and how they tie to the way the author chooses to live his life and raise his family and the ways in which the author feels it will benefit you and me as well.
I’m not a baseball person. I’m only marginally versed in philosophy and Greek myth. But I loved this book. It’s sweet and wholesome and intuitive. It felt good to read.
I honestly thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn’t necessarily expect to like it that much. You can read what it’s about in the books synopsis. What I liked about it is the it clearly explained baseball and philosophy and how they fit together and how they tie to the way the author chooses to live his life and raise his family and the ways in which the author feels it will benefit you and me as well.
I’m not a baseball person. I’m only marginally versed in philosophy and Greek myth. But I loved this book. It’s sweet and wholesome and intuitive. It felt good to read.
May 19, 2025
Can’t remember where I read about this one but a library-only read, unless you’re a Cubs or Red Sox fan…
“The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball” by Christian Sheppard
“Players sprint across the outfield. Other stretch and play catch. The starters are warming up in the pens. Like toy pieces unpacked from the box before play begins, we see the game in fragments, snapshots, highlights. All has the pastoral sense of summer ball, of games remembered from past seasons, not necessarily any particular player or play but just what you think about when you think about baseball: hitting, catching, throwing...” P.21
“Sublimation is the process by which society channels (through child and social development) each individuals simple, selfish, instinctual desires into complex cultural forms such as art, religion, or baseball – what we like to call civilization; it’s the process by which base animal instincts for sex and violence are transformed into such glorious cultural institutions as a marriage ceremony held within a Gothic cathedral or a World Series game at Wrigley Field. You might call sublimation our species social survival strategy, or you might call it what makes life worth living. Either way, sublimation is both how we have culture and how our characters are forged.” P.71
“She has not yet learned how to keep her eye on the ball. I begin asking myself how I can get her interested in the game so that both of us can watch; I end by finding myself interested in what interest her, that is, wondering if the world around us. To wonder, Plato says, is the special affection of the philosopher. This is the child’s point of view, from which everything is full of potential surprise and discovery.” P.106
“The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball” by Christian Sheppard
“Players sprint across the outfield. Other stretch and play catch. The starters are warming up in the pens. Like toy pieces unpacked from the box before play begins, we see the game in fragments, snapshots, highlights. All has the pastoral sense of summer ball, of games remembered from past seasons, not necessarily any particular player or play but just what you think about when you think about baseball: hitting, catching, throwing...” P.21
“Sublimation is the process by which society channels (through child and social development) each individuals simple, selfish, instinctual desires into complex cultural forms such as art, religion, or baseball – what we like to call civilization; it’s the process by which base animal instincts for sex and violence are transformed into such glorious cultural institutions as a marriage ceremony held within a Gothic cathedral or a World Series game at Wrigley Field. You might call sublimation our species social survival strategy, or you might call it what makes life worth living. Either way, sublimation is both how we have culture and how our characters are forged.” P.71
“She has not yet learned how to keep her eye on the ball. I begin asking myself how I can get her interested in the game so that both of us can watch; I end by finding myself interested in what interest her, that is, wondering if the world around us. To wonder, Plato says, is the special affection of the philosopher. This is the child’s point of view, from which everything is full of potential surprise and discovery.” P.106
January 16, 2026
The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball is a warm, thoughtful, and often joyful meditation on why baseball endures not just as a sport, but as a meaning making tradition. Christian Sheppard beautifully bridges Homeric epic and American pastime, showing how the questions posed by Achilles and Odysseus about courage, identity, failure, and home echo every time a player steps onto the field.
What makes this book work so well is its balance of intellect and heart. Sheppard moves fluidly between classical myth, baseball history, and personal reflection without ever becoming academic or exclusionary. You don’t need to be a classicist to follow the Homeric parallels, nor a sabermetrics devotee to appreciate the baseball lore. Jackie Robinson’s moral courage, Babe Ruth’s mythic presence, and the redemptive arcs of the 2004 Red Sox and 2016 Cubs are treated not just as sports moments, but as ethical and emotional lessons.
The personal sections especially Sheppard’s reflections on fatherhood add warmth and humility, grounding the larger ideas in lived experience. This is not a book about winning at all costs, but about cultivating virtue, resilience, and joy through a game that mirrors life’s rhythms of hope, heartbreak, and return.
For baseball lovers, this book articulates something often felt but rarely named. For non fans, it offers an inviting entry point into why the game matters so deeply to so many. The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball is both a celebration and a quiet guidebook for becoming the hero of your own everyday odyssey.
What makes this book work so well is its balance of intellect and heart. Sheppard moves fluidly between classical myth, baseball history, and personal reflection without ever becoming academic or exclusionary. You don’t need to be a classicist to follow the Homeric parallels, nor a sabermetrics devotee to appreciate the baseball lore. Jackie Robinson’s moral courage, Babe Ruth’s mythic presence, and the redemptive arcs of the 2004 Red Sox and 2016 Cubs are treated not just as sports moments, but as ethical and emotional lessons.
The personal sections especially Sheppard’s reflections on fatherhood add warmth and humility, grounding the larger ideas in lived experience. This is not a book about winning at all costs, but about cultivating virtue, resilience, and joy through a game that mirrors life’s rhythms of hope, heartbreak, and return.
For baseball lovers, this book articulates something often felt but rarely named. For non fans, it offers an inviting entry point into why the game matters so deeply to so many. The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball is both a celebration and a quiet guidebook for becoming the hero of your own everyday odyssey.
April 20, 2025
This book had an interesting concept — blending baseball with lessons from ancient philosophy and epic literature — and there were moments that really stood out. Christian Sheppard clearly knows his baseball history and brings a lot of passion to connecting the game to bigger life themes like perseverance, teamwork, and the hero’s journey.
However, the writing sometimes felt a little uneven. Parts of the book came across more academic than I was expecting, and I found myself skimming in places where the pacing slowed down. I was hoping for a little more storytelling or real-life anecdotes from players to bring the philosophy side to life in a more engaging way.
That said, readers who enjoy baseball history, Greek classics, and thoughtful reflections will probably find a lot to appreciate here. It’s a unique niche read — just be prepared for something a little heavier than your typical sports book.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
#THEANCIENTWISDOMOFBASEBALL
However, the writing sometimes felt a little uneven. Parts of the book came across more academic than I was expecting, and I found myself skimming in places where the pacing slowed down. I was hoping for a little more storytelling or real-life anecdotes from players to bring the philosophy side to life in a more engaging way.
That said, readers who enjoy baseball history, Greek classics, and thoughtful reflections will probably find a lot to appreciate here. It’s a unique niche read — just be prepared for something a little heavier than your typical sports book.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
#THEANCIENTWISDOMOFBASEBALL
March 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
"Fisk at the plate is one of my earliest and happiest memories. I will never forget it."
Ditto!! Any book that starts off mentioning my all-time favorite player is already a win for me. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I loved how so much of the book is about Red Sox players and fans. I had no idea when I received this ARC that the author grew up a fan in Boston. Fate? Chapters 1 and 9 were my favorites - for obvious reasons - yet I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. I liked the part about the origins of the Louisville Slugger. I can empathize with Cubs fans and, if it couldn't be my own team, was overjoyed to see them finally win the Series. (Theo Epstein as GM of the Cubs at the time MIGHT have had something to do with those feelings.) It's a quick read that will please diehard baseball fans.
"Fisk at the plate is one of my earliest and happiest memories. I will never forget it."
Ditto!! Any book that starts off mentioning my all-time favorite player is already a win for me. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I loved how so much of the book is about Red Sox players and fans. I had no idea when I received this ARC that the author grew up a fan in Boston. Fate? Chapters 1 and 9 were my favorites - for obvious reasons - yet I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. I liked the part about the origins of the Louisville Slugger. I can empathize with Cubs fans and, if it couldn't be my own team, was overjoyed to see them finally win the Series. (Theo Epstein as GM of the Cubs at the time MIGHT have had something to do with those feelings.) It's a quick read that will please diehard baseball fans.
July 9, 2025
I received this book through Goodread's Giveaway Program.
Being a Texas Ranger's fan, I can feel sympathy for Cubs and Red Sox fans. I also know the joy when your team finally wins the World Series. Sheppard a Cubs fan and Red Sox fan in his youth has experienced the lows and highs of a true baseball not aligned with the Dodgers or Yankees. Suffering for years until the curse is broke and your team has that one impossible season when they win it all.
I must be roughly the same age as the author since I remember many of the great events that he described such as Carlton Fisk's homerun, the Reggie Jackson three homeruns in one world series games, and Wade Boggs superstitions.
Probably my favorite part of the book was 'the steal' that changed the League champioship Game and Series between the Red Sox and Yankees and made it possible for the Sox' to win the World Series after almost a century.
I also like how the author was able to tie in baseball with some of the great books such as the Odyessey.
I enjoyed the book.
Being a Texas Ranger's fan, I can feel sympathy for Cubs and Red Sox fans. I also know the joy when your team finally wins the World Series. Sheppard a Cubs fan and Red Sox fan in his youth has experienced the lows and highs of a true baseball not aligned with the Dodgers or Yankees. Suffering for years until the curse is broke and your team has that one impossible season when they win it all.
I must be roughly the same age as the author since I remember many of the great events that he described such as Carlton Fisk's homerun, the Reggie Jackson three homeruns in one world series games, and Wade Boggs superstitions.
Probably my favorite part of the book was 'the steal' that changed the League champioship Game and Series between the Red Sox and Yankees and made it possible for the Sox' to win the World Series after almost a century.
I also like how the author was able to tie in baseball with some of the great books such as the Odyessey.
I enjoyed the book.
April 22, 2025
This was a interesting and fun book. It is just what it says, wisdom as it relates to baseball and life. I liked the author's obsession and life long love of baseball and how that played a large role in the development of this book and the selection of the wisodom talk within. Some of the stories/wisodom is basic and some is refrased in a way that makes one think on it. I enjoyed the way it was written and think those who love baseball most will get the most out of this book. It was a fun read. 3.75 stars.
I received an ARC via the publisher in a Goodreads win, and I am leaving my honest review. THank you for this wonderful change and oppotunity.
I received an ARC via the publisher in a Goodreads win, and I am leaving my honest review. THank you for this wonderful change and oppotunity.
April 4, 2025
This is a short and engaging audiobook really geared for baseball lovers. The author has an interesting approach of comparing baseball to mythology. It seems like a weird combination but he makes it interesting. I enjoyed the way that he describes some significant events in baseball history. Since the author read the book himself, his enthusiasm really comes through. I love baseball lingo so found the book a real pleasure to listen to. I think the book will have a small audience but I would definitely recommend it for baseball fans. I received an ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
April 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Books press for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I thought this book was super fun for the baseball lovers, from casual fan to diehard, this was such a fun book to apply the rules of baseball to life. I will definitely revisit parts of this book in the future as well.
The narrator (the author) did a great job. It almost felt like listening to a podcast.
I thought this book was super fun for the baseball lovers, from casual fan to diehard, this was such a fun book to apply the rules of baseball to life. I will definitely revisit parts of this book in the future as well.
The narrator (the author) did a great job. It almost felt like listening to a podcast.
August 12, 2025
This surprising little book was a birthday gift from my daughter. It is surprisingly deep and profound; unlike any other sports book (much less baseball book) I have ever read. The author draws on mythology, religion, literature and linguistics to identify important lessons that can be applied to baseball, or more openly to one's self. Not a book for everyone but a moving book to me. Thanks to the author for doing the work on this one.
April 21, 2025
The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball is a thoughtful and engaging read for anyone interested in the intersections of mythology, philosophy, and sport. Sheppard's ability to weave these elements together offers a unique perspective on life's enduring questions, making this book a valuable addition to the libraries of baseball fans and seekers of wisdom alike.
April 24, 2025
As a baseball fan, I found this book interesting. It was well written and it was nice to read about some history of the game. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of nonfiction, so I did find it hard to read sometimes. I would definitely recommend it to people who are fans of baseball, history and/or nonfiction.
(I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway)
(I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway)
June 6, 2025
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball is a fun and engaging read. Reliving some great baseball moments and tying it to ancient philosophy and literature produce an interesting read.
I enjoyed Christian Sheppard’s book and the life lessons he shared. Recommend.
I enjoyed Christian Sheppard’s book and the life lessons he shared. Recommend.
July 27, 2025
If you’re a baseball lover, and especially if your Cubs fan, this is a must read! I had the opportunity to meet the author and he moderated our book club, which was so fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 10, 2025
I've heard The Natural movie connected to The Odyssey, but this book was another great metaphor between the great game of baseball and the epic hero story.
July 10, 2025
Entertaining and unique exploration of baseball and how it impacts those associated with the sport. The book does a good job of marrying seemingly unrelated ideas together to better explain the appeal of baseball.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 10, 2026
4+/5. Audiobook. A Homer homer!! The author had me at Carlton Fisk, my boyhood idol at least until Jim Rice came along. If you are a lover of the game, especially one that likes to use the eyeball test rather than launch angles, bat speed, or other modern metrics that detract from the game/in my opinion, this is a great book for you. Written by an English teacher from the university of Chicago with Boston roots, he draws comparisons from the ancient Greeks to the game we love. The players are Ruth, Robinson, Ortiz, etc. but also Apollo, Achilles and especially Homer. Very enjoyable. I particularly like that he’s made it personal through spending time with his daughter in the seats at Wrigley Field teaching her the game from infancy. Nicely done.
did-not-finish
July 29, 2025Won though a Goodreads giveaway.
DNF.
Made it to pg 77 and even that was a bit of a slog. The book didn't make as many parallels between baseball, the Odyssey, and life - or at least they weren't as clear - as I'd been expecting. It also seemed to jump around a lot, going from idea to idea without satisfactory analysis/conclusion/cohesiveness. I wasn't enjoying so I stopped.
DNF.
Made it to pg 77 and even that was a bit of a slog. The book didn't make as many parallels between baseball, the Odyssey, and life - or at least they weren't as clear - as I'd been expecting. It also seemed to jump around a lot, going from idea to idea without satisfactory analysis/conclusion/cohesiveness. I wasn't enjoying so I stopped.
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