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The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life
St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny's New York Times bestselling manifesto about what parents, coaches, and athletes get wrong about sports; what we can do better; and how sports can teach eight keys to success in sports and life.
Mike Matheny was just forty-one, without professional managerial experience and looking for a next step after a successful career as a Major League catcher, when he succeeded the legendary Tony La Russa as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012. While Matheny has enjoyed immediate success, leading the Cards to the postseason four times in his first four years−a Major League record−people have noticed something else about his life, something not measured in day-to-day results. Instead, it’s based on a frankly worded letter he wrote to the parents of a Little League team he coached, a cry for change that became an Internet sensation and eventually a “manifesto.”
The tough-love philosophy Matheny expressed in the letter contained his throwback beliefs that authority should be respected, discipline and hard work rewarded, spiritual faith cultivated, family made a priority, and humility considered a virtue. In The Matheny Manifesto, he builds on his original letter by first diagnosing the problem at the heart of youth sports−it starts with parents and coaches−and then by offering a hopeful path forward. Along the way, he uses stories from his small-town childhood as well as his career as a player, coach, and manager to explore eight keys to leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility.
From “The Coach Is Always Right, Even When He’s Wrong” to “Let Your Catcher Call the Game,” Matheny’s old-school advice might not always be popular or politically correct, but it works. His entertaining and deeply inspirational book will not only resonate with parents, coaches, and athletes, it will also be a powerful reminder, from one of the most successful new managers in the game, of what sports can teach us all about winning on the field and in life.
Mike Matheny was just forty-one, without professional managerial experience and looking for a next step after a successful career as a Major League catcher, when he succeeded the legendary Tony La Russa as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012. While Matheny has enjoyed immediate success, leading the Cards to the postseason four times in his first four years−a Major League record−people have noticed something else about his life, something not measured in day-to-day results. Instead, it’s based on a frankly worded letter he wrote to the parents of a Little League team he coached, a cry for change that became an Internet sensation and eventually a “manifesto.”
The tough-love philosophy Matheny expressed in the letter contained his throwback beliefs that authority should be respected, discipline and hard work rewarded, spiritual faith cultivated, family made a priority, and humility considered a virtue. In The Matheny Manifesto, he builds on his original letter by first diagnosing the problem at the heart of youth sports−it starts with parents and coaches−and then by offering a hopeful path forward. Along the way, he uses stories from his small-town childhood as well as his career as a player, coach, and manager to explore eight keys to leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility.
From “The Coach Is Always Right, Even When He’s Wrong” to “Let Your Catcher Call the Game,” Matheny’s old-school advice might not always be popular or politically correct, but it works. His entertaining and deeply inspirational book will not only resonate with parents, coaches, and athletes, it will also be a powerful reminder, from one of the most successful new managers in the game, of what sports can teach us all about winning on the field and in life.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2015
145 people are currently reading
1149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
May 10, 2015
As a catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2000 to 2004, Mike Matheny was always one of my favorite baseball players, but after reading his inspirational book, I now have an even greater respect for him as a person and Manager.
His approach to teaching youngsters having only their best interests in mind, and overcoming adversity in his own life made for an entertaining and enlightening read.
Yep, as a fan of the game, I will still get mad at him for leaving a pitcher in too long.....but am so proud to have him as our head honcho!
A die-hard St. Louis Cardinal fan.
March 11, 2015
I bought this book because I have been a life-long St. Louis Cardinal fan. Mike Matheny took over as the manager of the Cardinals in 2012 with almost no experience managing professionally. Mike was a catcher in the major leagues for 13 years until a concussion ended his playing days. Five of his best playing years was with the St. Louis Cardinals during 2000 - 2004 seasons.
I knew very little about Matheny until I picked up this book. He was born in West Virginia and raised near Columbus, Ohio. He was drafted out of high school by the Toronto Bluejays but chose to attend college at the University of Michigan. He was drafted a second time by the Milwaukee Brewers where he spent the first 5 years of his professional career.
After Mike's playing career ended and he was searching for what to do with the rest of his life, he was asked to coach a Little League team. Before he accepted the position, he wrote a five page letter to the parents spelling out how he would manage and what he expected from them. Mike was not happy with the way youth sports was being played and would only manage if parents would let the coaches coach.
Someone posted Mike's letter on the internet and it went viral and gave him his 15 minutes of fame. He successfully created several Little League teams that behaved differently than other teams. The focus was on building character not winning.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves baseball as well as any parent who has a child in sports. What Matheny has to say may surprise you and even challenge your thinking. The book, co-written with Jerry Jenkins, is a fast read.
I knew very little about Matheny until I picked up this book. He was born in West Virginia and raised near Columbus, Ohio. He was drafted out of high school by the Toronto Bluejays but chose to attend college at the University of Michigan. He was drafted a second time by the Milwaukee Brewers where he spent the first 5 years of his professional career.
After Mike's playing career ended and he was searching for what to do with the rest of his life, he was asked to coach a Little League team. Before he accepted the position, he wrote a five page letter to the parents spelling out how he would manage and what he expected from them. Mike was not happy with the way youth sports was being played and would only manage if parents would let the coaches coach.
Someone posted Mike's letter on the internet and it went viral and gave him his 15 minutes of fame. He successfully created several Little League teams that behaved differently than other teams. The focus was on building character not winning.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves baseball as well as any parent who has a child in sports. What Matheny has to say may surprise you and even challenge your thinking. The book, co-written with Jerry Jenkins, is a fast read.
January 27, 2022
Great life advice.
September 12, 2020
The Matheny Manifesto -- a five page letter written to a group of parents who wanted retired baseball veteran Mike Matheny to coach their kids in Missouri -- is an interesting take on how to make contemporary sport fun, rewarding and character building by employing old-timey methods.
But everything interesting Matheny had to say was contained in those five pages.
His extended book version of the Manifesto (subtitled A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life is a gauzily veiled endeavour in narcissism and evangelism. Matheny uses his Manifesto as the structure to tell us about what an unexceptionally exceptional ballplayer he is, humble bragging about his manliness and moral superiority, his rise from blue collar Ohio to the Major Leagues, and bravely overcoming his career ending concussion injuries to become the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. He talks about his coaching/managing theories as simply a return to what should be obvious to anyone with a brain, actively downplaying himself as a mere messenger while somehow also implying that he is really kind of amazing for making these realizations and gracing us with his wisdom. And all of this is interwoven with his faith, and how faith makes him all the awesome things he is, and how faith can make the boys and men in his charge better boys and men, and how he doesn't think his faith should be pushed on anyone all while making clear that if he has a chance to share his faith he will. He posits, for instance, that if someone asks him a question in which faith can be (or is) part of the answer, he is duty bound as a Christian man to bring his faith into the open. Because, clearly, this is not pushing his faith on anyone else ... he wouldn't do that, you see.
It is exhausting to listen to the narcissism and evangelism. I wish I'd just read the five page letter rather than listening to nearly 6 hours of filler. I think, then, I would have maintained a much more positive view of the current manager of my Kansas City Royals.
But everything interesting Matheny had to say was contained in those five pages.
His extended book version of the Manifesto (subtitled A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life is a gauzily veiled endeavour in narcissism and evangelism. Matheny uses his Manifesto as the structure to tell us about what an unexceptionally exceptional ballplayer he is, humble bragging about his manliness and moral superiority, his rise from blue collar Ohio to the Major Leagues, and bravely overcoming his career ending concussion injuries to become the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. He talks about his coaching/managing theories as simply a return to what should be obvious to anyone with a brain, actively downplaying himself as a mere messenger while somehow also implying that he is really kind of amazing for making these realizations and gracing us with his wisdom. And all of this is interwoven with his faith, and how faith makes him all the awesome things he is, and how faith can make the boys and men in his charge better boys and men, and how he doesn't think his faith should be pushed on anyone all while making clear that if he has a chance to share his faith he will. He posits, for instance, that if someone asks him a question in which faith can be (or is) part of the answer, he is duty bound as a Christian man to bring his faith into the open. Because, clearly, this is not pushing his faith on anyone else ... he wouldn't do that, you see.
It is exhausting to listen to the narcissism and evangelism. I wish I'd just read the five page letter rather than listening to nearly 6 hours of filler. I think, then, I would have maintained a much more positive view of the current manager of my Kansas City Royals.
October 31, 2025
A great read for any sports parent!! Basically, we need to chill 🤣
May 22, 2016
I love baseball. I like the Cardinals, who we see play a lot during spring training in Jupiter. I like Mike Matheny, a well-liked, respected, successful manager and former catcher, and the best looking guy in the MLB (wait, did I write that out loud?). I sort of liked this book.
I initially picked it up because of all of the above, and also because it hinted at parents taking a step back from their involvement in little league baseball, and just letting the coaches and kids do their thing, a concept that resonates with me. I can’t tell you how often I find myself wanting to tell someone, “Your kid’s not going to the majors. Can you just chill and let them play, and enjoy the game? Let me enjoy the game?”
To be fair, in our league, a lot of the blame goes not only to the parents, but the dysfunctional coaches and administrators of the league themselves, so we’re kind of screwed either way. Still, if Mike Matheny has some thoughts on the best ways to both step back and move forward, I knew it would be helpful for my husband (the best looking guy in Little League!) and me, and more importantly, good for our son.
I love the major theme of the book, which is to be focused a lot less on trying to raise major leaguers or college scholarshippers, and more focused on raising good people. If a college or major league career comes out of it, bonus, and in fact, this philosophy probably gives kids a better chance at that bonus.
What I did not like about the book is that all the credit for the values and virtues of leading a good baseball life as well as a good life in general—integrity, leadership, teamwork, confidence, humility, toughness, honesty, class—goes to God and Christianity, instead of just plain old boring humanity. And when that happens, there is always, always an underlying hum of self-righteousness, even as the writer or speaker insists there isn’t: Look at humble ol me, giving all the credit of all my wonderfulness to my creator. So virtuous.
But this is Mike Matheny’s book, and rightly, he doesn’t apologize for his personal beliefs and processes. While I will never be a major league catcher or manager (damn!), if I want a secular book about raising little leaguers to be good people, I’m sure there are others out there, or I should write my own.
In fact, I think I will.
Here it is. It’s a lot shorter, which Matheny’s could have been too.
The Prim Proclamation by Laurie Prim
Play hard.
Play fair.
Be respectful. Of everyone: teammates, coaches, opponents, umpires. Of baseball.
Be nice.
Don’t have pissing contests.
You’re not as good or as bad as you think you are, nor is anyone else.
Lead by example.
Encourage and lift up others.
Be a good sport.
Never stop learning and improving.
Have fun.
See? Not Christian. Just Human.
Let’s Go Marlins!
And Cardinals.
- See more at: http://laurieprim.com/index.php/2016/...
I initially picked it up because of all of the above, and also because it hinted at parents taking a step back from their involvement in little league baseball, and just letting the coaches and kids do their thing, a concept that resonates with me. I can’t tell you how often I find myself wanting to tell someone, “Your kid’s not going to the majors. Can you just chill and let them play, and enjoy the game? Let me enjoy the game?”
To be fair, in our league, a lot of the blame goes not only to the parents, but the dysfunctional coaches and administrators of the league themselves, so we’re kind of screwed either way. Still, if Mike Matheny has some thoughts on the best ways to both step back and move forward, I knew it would be helpful for my husband (the best looking guy in Little League!) and me, and more importantly, good for our son.
I love the major theme of the book, which is to be focused a lot less on trying to raise major leaguers or college scholarshippers, and more focused on raising good people. If a college or major league career comes out of it, bonus, and in fact, this philosophy probably gives kids a better chance at that bonus.
What I did not like about the book is that all the credit for the values and virtues of leading a good baseball life as well as a good life in general—integrity, leadership, teamwork, confidence, humility, toughness, honesty, class—goes to God and Christianity, instead of just plain old boring humanity. And when that happens, there is always, always an underlying hum of self-righteousness, even as the writer or speaker insists there isn’t: Look at humble ol me, giving all the credit of all my wonderfulness to my creator. So virtuous.
But this is Mike Matheny’s book, and rightly, he doesn’t apologize for his personal beliefs and processes. While I will never be a major league catcher or manager (damn!), if I want a secular book about raising little leaguers to be good people, I’m sure there are others out there, or I should write my own.
In fact, I think I will.
Here it is. It’s a lot shorter, which Matheny’s could have been too.
The Prim Proclamation by Laurie Prim
Play hard.
Play fair.
Be respectful. Of everyone: teammates, coaches, opponents, umpires. Of baseball.
Be nice.
Don’t have pissing contests.
You’re not as good or as bad as you think you are, nor is anyone else.
Lead by example.
Encourage and lift up others.
Be a good sport.
Never stop learning and improving.
Have fun.
See? Not Christian. Just Human.
Let’s Go Marlins!
And Cardinals.
- See more at: http://laurieprim.com/index.php/2016/...
March 31, 2015
Great book teaching some solid life principles from a humble guy. The afterword from Bob Costas is especially poignant. The writing quality starts to decline a bit as the book enters its final couple of chapters, but still some fantastic life lessons for anyone. If you have kids that are going to be (or are currently) in youth sports, there is great perspective from both the coach and the parents.
"My Christian Faith guides my life and while I have never been one to force it down someone's throat, I also think it's cowardly and hypocritical to shy away from what I believe. Page 14-15
Nothing worth doing right is easy. Page 22
The coach is always right, even when he is wrong.
Don't push your kids to commit to a single sport too early.
John wooden quotes:
Be quick but don't hurry
The more concerned we become over the things that we can't control, the less we do with the things that we can control. P96
Be slow to correct and quick to commend. P99
The person who responds to an ugly comment with a graceful one shows class.
The person who can calm another's anger with a soft whisper exhibits class.
The person who passes up an opportunity to draw attention to himself, or displays empathy but refusing to put someone else down shows class."
P165
"My Christian Faith guides my life and while I have never been one to force it down someone's throat, I also think it's cowardly and hypocritical to shy away from what I believe. Page 14-15
Nothing worth doing right is easy. Page 22
The coach is always right, even when he is wrong.
Don't push your kids to commit to a single sport too early.
John wooden quotes:
Be quick but don't hurry
The more concerned we become over the things that we can't control, the less we do with the things that we can control. P96
Be slow to correct and quick to commend. P99
The person who responds to an ugly comment with a graceful one shows class.
The person who can calm another's anger with a soft whisper exhibits class.
The person who passes up an opportunity to draw attention to himself, or displays empathy but refusing to put someone else down shows class."
P165
July 28, 2016
The big problem with this book is that the content doesn't justify book-length treatment. There's just not enough there.
Mike Matheny has been the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals since 2012. Before that, he was a catcher for the Cardinals and a few other major-league teams. This book exists because of a letter Matheny wrote to the parents when he was coaching a youth baseball team between his playing days and the time he started managing the Cardinals.
The letter itself is great. It's to the point and explains how he expects players but primarily the parents on his team to act. He wants no cheering and no second-guessing. And that letter is the reason this book came into existence -- though Matheny's success with the Cardinals undoubtedly pushed it along as well.
The rest of the book bogs down in Matheny's biography. It hits the worst place when he gets into his religious testimony, which is presented shallowly and without much passion. There are also pages of John Wooden quotes, strung together. The best parts are when he talks about baseball and parenting.
Mike Matheny has been the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals since 2012. Before that, he was a catcher for the Cardinals and a few other major-league teams. This book exists because of a letter Matheny wrote to the parents when he was coaching a youth baseball team between his playing days and the time he started managing the Cardinals.
The letter itself is great. It's to the point and explains how he expects players but primarily the parents on his team to act. He wants no cheering and no second-guessing. And that letter is the reason this book came into existence -- though Matheny's success with the Cardinals undoubtedly pushed it along as well.
The rest of the book bogs down in Matheny's biography. It hits the worst place when he gets into his religious testimony, which is presented shallowly and without much passion. There are also pages of John Wooden quotes, strung together. The best parts are when he talks about baseball and parenting.
December 30, 2015
Full disclosure here! I am a lifelong Cardinals fan and a huge fan of Mike Matheny as a player and as the current manager of the Cardinals. That said, now I know why. He is just a good person--a good ballplayer, a good manager, and a good man. He really nails it by telling what is exactly wrong with youth sports today--the parents, the pressure, and the "winning is everything" mentality, and explains what can be done to change it. His humility is refeshing--he talks about the value of making mistakes and being humble. This book is written memoir-style, very plain, conversational and easy to read. His overall message is be a good person--be honest, humble, responsible, authentic, true to your beliefs, respectful of and helpful to others--and the "winning" and success in your life will take care of itself. Even if you're not a Matheny/Cardinals/baseball fan, this book has some fantastic messages that you can apply to your life, no matter what.
March 5, 2021
In 2008, a group of St. Louis-area parents recruited Mike Matheny, a recently-retired professional baseball player, to coach a youth baseball team. In response, Matheny agreed, but prepared a five page letter to the parents forming a sort of covenant: "if you want me to coach, here is what we will agree to..." My summary of the covenant: "Give us your son for a few hours a day, then sit down and keep your mouth closed. We will teach him baseball the way it should be played and at the same time we will teach him character and class. If you can't let us coach without being questioned and yelled at from the stands, you should find a different team for your son."
"The Matheny Manifesto" is a recounting of what followed including how the letter went viral before "viral" was popular, Matheny's views on how to play--and coach--baseball correctly, and elaboration on what he considers character in a young man. Throughout, Matheny weaves his own story of being formed as a Christian in the culture of the American midwest, his own rise through the ranks of youth baseball and eventual success in playing 13 years of Major League Baseball, then later being hired (straight from youth league baseball) as the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, the youngest ever to achieve that distinction. Throughout, the reader will not lose sight of the book's theme: "Our sole desire," writes Matheny, "was and still is to use the arena of youth sports--in our case baseball--to teach kids the game, encourage them to love it, and set them on a course toward becoming responsible members of society."
The first of the book's three sections describe how the current generation of parents suck the joy from youth baseball and miss the game's greatest opportunity: to teach character in their children who are learning to play the game. The second section then explores Matheny's view of getting it right. The third section--about half of the book--describes Matheny's eight keys to success which he believes can be taught through the game of baseball: leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility. It is a relatively short but fascinating trip. And defining "winning" in youth sports as seizing the opportunity to teach character, class and prepare young men and women to enter society as responsible adults is a refreshing take on their purpose.
I cannot end this short review without quoting Matheny on baseball, who himself quoted Bart Giamani, a former commissioner of Major League Baseball. Says Giamani about the baseball, "It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops."
Beautiful thought, beautiful game.
"The Matheny Manifesto" is a recounting of what followed including how the letter went viral before "viral" was popular, Matheny's views on how to play--and coach--baseball correctly, and elaboration on what he considers character in a young man. Throughout, Matheny weaves his own story of being formed as a Christian in the culture of the American midwest, his own rise through the ranks of youth baseball and eventual success in playing 13 years of Major League Baseball, then later being hired (straight from youth league baseball) as the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, the youngest ever to achieve that distinction. Throughout, the reader will not lose sight of the book's theme: "Our sole desire," writes Matheny, "was and still is to use the arena of youth sports--in our case baseball--to teach kids the game, encourage them to love it, and set them on a course toward becoming responsible members of society."
The first of the book's three sections describe how the current generation of parents suck the joy from youth baseball and miss the game's greatest opportunity: to teach character in their children who are learning to play the game. The second section then explores Matheny's view of getting it right. The third section--about half of the book--describes Matheny's eight keys to success which he believes can be taught through the game of baseball: leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility. It is a relatively short but fascinating trip. And defining "winning" in youth sports as seizing the opportunity to teach character, class and prepare young men and women to enter society as responsible adults is a refreshing take on their purpose.
I cannot end this short review without quoting Matheny on baseball, who himself quoted Bart Giamani, a former commissioner of Major League Baseball. Says Giamani about the baseball, "It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops."
Beautiful thought, beautiful game.
September 8, 2020
I felt this book was fairly insightful. Matheny definitely has an approach that differs from the typical “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” mindset. His desire to not only build better ball players but humans is something I feel is very rarely talked about in sports. Coaches/managers have the opportunity to mould players into better people while making them better players. His character over talent philosophy is also interesting. People often talk about character but, when push comes to shove they are overwhelmed by the what if’s of a talented players. It’s pretty admirable that Matheny is able to stick to this philosophy at the major league level and have positive results. If it can work at the highest level of a sport, it’s got to have some impact at the grassroots level as well.
Won’t say this is a ground breaking, must read. But for someone involved in sports, it’s worth the read. It’s not a tough read by any means, something you can pick up while reading something else and still find value from.
Won’t say this is a ground breaking, must read. But for someone involved in sports, it’s worth the read. It’s not a tough read by any means, something you can pick up while reading something else and still find value from.
October 3, 2018
The Matheny Manifesto is a autobiography book written Mike Matheny. The Matheny Manifesto is 217 pages. The book is about Mike Matheny and his coaching experiences. The story takes place in St.Louis, Missouri. The plot of the story is based on the story of Mike Matheny and him while coaching his son and the St.Louis Cardinal. His main goal was to teach his team no matter kids or adults that it will take discipline and hard work to get better.
I would recommend this book to any sports players who want to learn how to become better. My favorite part of the book was when Mike Matheny told his players “Even when the coach is wrong he is right”. It was my favorite part because he teaches his players that you always need to respect your leader or coach. My least favorite part of the book was when Mike Matheny had to leave his sons team to go coach the St.Louis Cardinals. It was my least favorite part because he had started becoming a great impact on his sons team and he had to leave it behind. If I could change anything in the book I would change Mike Matheny leaving his sons team for the St.Louis Cardinals so early because I thought it was interesting what he was teaching the little leaguers because I am one. These were some of the reasons why I thought The Matheny Manifesto was a great book.
I would recommend this book to any sports players who want to learn how to become better. My favorite part of the book was when Mike Matheny told his players “Even when the coach is wrong he is right”. It was my favorite part because he teaches his players that you always need to respect your leader or coach. My least favorite part of the book was when Mike Matheny had to leave his sons team to go coach the St.Louis Cardinals. It was my least favorite part because he had started becoming a great impact on his sons team and he had to leave it behind. If I could change anything in the book I would change Mike Matheny leaving his sons team for the St.Louis Cardinals so early because I thought it was interesting what he was teaching the little leaguers because I am one. These were some of the reasons why I thought The Matheny Manifesto was a great book.
June 7, 2017
I can't give this a high enough rating. Every coach, player and parent should read this.
January 31, 2022
Enjoyed the coaching principles discussed in this book. I’ve found myself guilty of some of the parenting flaws, and this has opened my eyes and will help me be a more effective coach.
September 1, 2023
Thought this was a good book for parents of kids in little league or parents in a position to lead young kids in general. Great insights of the tenets he believes in.
March 27, 2015
I was intrigued the moment I heard about Mike Matheny's new book, which is subtitled "A Young Manager's Old-School Views On Success In Sports And Life." Not only am I a St. Louis Cardinals fan, I'm also a teacher who is very much interested in helping every young person in my path grow up to be a man or woman of character and faith. I found "The Matheny Manifesto" to be a wonderful and engaging read, for which some credit must go to co-author Jerry B. Jenkins, and it's one that I would heartily recommend to baseball fans, coaches, parents, and anyone looking to impact the next generation in a positive way.
The book's title came from a letter Matheny wrote to a group of parents who asked him to coach their sons in a youth league after Matheny's professional career as a catcher came to an end. Before he would accept the job, Matheny wanted to outline exactly what his goals and intentions were for the parents and the team, just in case his old-school values would make them want to rescind the coaching offer in the first place. Somewhat to his surprise, the parents did get on board and nicknamed his letter "The Matheny Manifesto." Thus began a character-building youth sports program in the St. Louis area, and the unconventional training and results were soon gaining a good reputation around the area.
I enjoyed the way Matheny wove his own life story through the pages. He talked about his upbringing with hard-working parents and competitive brothers, his own experience in various youth leagues, his college years, the ups and downs of a professional career, how he dealt with the injuries that finally forced his retirement, and his utter surprise at even being considered for the managerial position when the St. Louis Cardinals called him for an interview in 2012. His personal Christian faith is a recurring theme, even sharing his salvation testimony and spelling out the Romans Road. This is a man who is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
I wanted to stand up and cheer every time Matheny spoke of the impact that teachers and coaches should be consciously aware of having over their young people. As he states on page 53, "We've been given the rare privilege and heavy responsibility of influencing young people on a daily basis, for better or for worse, for the rest of their lives." He expounds further on page 74: "...Our own kids and the kids we teach and coach [are] looking for someone to stand up for what is right and make a difference in their lives." I don't know about you, but I want to be that positive difference!
Matheny's passion for living and playing the right way comes through loud and clear as he highlights his keys to success, which are leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility. If I had to pick a favorite among those, I would probably pick the one on character. I really enjoyed all of them, but that one stood out to me.
There's so much more I could say, but my recommendation would be that if this book interests you at all, you should to find a way to read it. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
I received my copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
The book's title came from a letter Matheny wrote to a group of parents who asked him to coach their sons in a youth league after Matheny's professional career as a catcher came to an end. Before he would accept the job, Matheny wanted to outline exactly what his goals and intentions were for the parents and the team, just in case his old-school values would make them want to rescind the coaching offer in the first place. Somewhat to his surprise, the parents did get on board and nicknamed his letter "The Matheny Manifesto." Thus began a character-building youth sports program in the St. Louis area, and the unconventional training and results were soon gaining a good reputation around the area.
I enjoyed the way Matheny wove his own life story through the pages. He talked about his upbringing with hard-working parents and competitive brothers, his own experience in various youth leagues, his college years, the ups and downs of a professional career, how he dealt with the injuries that finally forced his retirement, and his utter surprise at even being considered for the managerial position when the St. Louis Cardinals called him for an interview in 2012. His personal Christian faith is a recurring theme, even sharing his salvation testimony and spelling out the Romans Road. This is a man who is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
I wanted to stand up and cheer every time Matheny spoke of the impact that teachers and coaches should be consciously aware of having over their young people. As he states on page 53, "We've been given the rare privilege and heavy responsibility of influencing young people on a daily basis, for better or for worse, for the rest of their lives." He expounds further on page 74: "...Our own kids and the kids we teach and coach [are] looking for someone to stand up for what is right and make a difference in their lives." I don't know about you, but I want to be that positive difference!
Matheny's passion for living and playing the right way comes through loud and clear as he highlights his keys to success, which are leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility. If I had to pick a favorite among those, I would probably pick the one on character. I really enjoyed all of them, but that one stood out to me.
There's so much more I could say, but my recommendation would be that if this book interests you at all, you should to find a way to read it. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
I received my copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
October 31, 2019
Mike Matheny is the new manager of the Kansas City Royals. Previously, he managed the St. Louis Cardinals, succeeding the legendary Tony La Russa in 2012, who retired after winning the 2011 World Series. Matheny, whose career as a catcher was cut short in 2006 at age 35 due to complications from numerous concussions, was at that time the youngest manager in the game. This book builds on a five-page letter that he sent to the Chesterfield (just outside of St. Louis) parents who had asked him to coach a youth baseball team. The letter would end up on the internet, go viral, and be referred to as the “Matheny Manifesto”. In the book Matheny shares his eight keys to success: leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness and humility.
Matheny’s letter begins:
“I always said that the only team that I would coach would be a team of orphans, and now here we are. The reason for me saying this is that I have found the biggest problem with youth sports has been the parents.”
Ouch.
Despite the letter, Matheny was asked by the parents to coach the team. He states: “They gave me the chance, and I put into practice what I believed was right. It wasn’t always easy, and not everyone was on board from the beginning. Not everyone lasted. But good values are good values for a reason, and in the end, they work.”
Matheny shares the lessons he and fellow coach John Mabry taught and the many they learned in the process, some painful but all valuable. He tells a lot of stories that I enjoyed along the way, from his childhood and upbringing, his days as a young ballplayer, a college player, a minor leaguer, and a big leaguer (as both a player and a manager). He also examines how the values he emphasizes apply to life beyond baseball, beyond sports, and can plant a seed of hope in the next generation.
He shares the core values that affected everything on and off the field:
Service
Teamwork
Discipline
Excellence
Responsibility
Leadership
The following were their non-negotiables:
A baseball experience focused on the boys
Baseball played the right way—with class
Attitude, concentration, and effort (ACE)—factors the boys can control (with excellence required)
Biblical truths as our moral compass
A culture of respect from players, parents, and coaches
An emphasis on the mental aspect of the game
The parent’s role as a silent source of support
The players’ responsibility to make themselves better
Matheny states that in his personal life as well as his professional life, he has—without doubt—learned more from failure than from success.
He shares his appreciation of (as do I) legendary UCLA Men’s Basketball Coach John Wooden. He states that some refer to Wooden as the fountainhead of successful modern leadership, and they don’t even limit it to sports. He writes that Wooden is the coach to whom he owes the most, the one whose approach and philosophy he works hardest to imitate, though the two never met. He shares helpful maxims from Wooden in a number of categories.
I was particularly interested in the sections where Matheny discussed his faith, though that is unfair, because it’s clear that Matheny’s faith impacts all aspects of his life. I enjoyed hearing the story of his conversion. After hearing a revival speaker at his church one evening he was troubled about whether he was truly a believer, despite being a regular church attender. He couldn’t sleep that night and got out of bed to talk to his parents. He writes: “They got out their Bible, opened it to the New Testament book of Romans, and walked me through its Road to Salvation. Then they prayed with me, and I received Christ.”
About his faith he writes: “I have committed to my players and coaches that I will never force my faith down their throats or assume they see the world as I see it; however, neither will I cower from any question. My goal is to live in such a way that what I believe is obvious by how I go about my business and how I treat others.”
Respect is one of the values that he tried to instill in the boys on his youth team. He states: “It’s one thing to get kids to treat their opponents with respect—shake their hands and say, “Good game,” and mean it—win or lose. It’s quite another to get them to extend that courtesy to umpires.” It was a requirement that the boys would shake the hands of the umpire after each game, win or lose.
Matheny writes that his career was exceptional in only three ways: its longevity (especially for a catcher); that he got to play in the postseason four times, including a World Series; and because of his defense. Of his defense, Matheny won four Gold Gloves, and holds the Major League Baseball record for most consecutive games without an error.
I enjoyed Matheny discussion of his favorite teammates. About Yadier Molina, his current catcher on the Cardinals, he writes “I now manage the most valuable catcher in the game—maybe in history.”
Matheny states that “Character is forged not on the mountaintop but in the valley”. A moving part of the book is his recollection of how his career ended as a result of complications from a number (he doesn’t know how many) concussions. He writes that he went from an everyday starter, respected by teammates and peers as a no-nonsense competitor, to virtually an invalid almost overnight.
He discusses a topic near and dear to my heart – servant leadership. He states that the point of servant leadership is leading by serving. He writes about real estate investments that went bad during the economic downturn resulting in personal embarrassment when the news became public in St. Louis. Needing help like never before, he reached out to eight trusted men and asked if they would come alongside, counsel him and hold him accountable. These men would become what he refers to as his personal board. They are mostly business leaders, with one in ministry. They are leaders in their respective fields and follow the servant leadership model Matheny had been studying. They would later help him prepare for the interview with Cardinal General Manager John Mozeliak, which would result in Matheny being offered the job. In discussing his role as manager of the Cardinals, Matheny states: “My job is to show leadership and impact people. That’s what we were trying to accomplish with the youth-league team, and now I’m applying that same approach in a big-league clubhouse.”
Bob Costas writes a short “Afterword”. This is a well-written book that Matheny collaborated with Jerry B. Jenkins on.
As a St. Louis Cardinals fan I was aware of Matheny and that he was a Christian. After reading this book and getting to know more about him I appreciate him even more.
Matheny’s letter begins:
“I always said that the only team that I would coach would be a team of orphans, and now here we are. The reason for me saying this is that I have found the biggest problem with youth sports has been the parents.”
Ouch.
Despite the letter, Matheny was asked by the parents to coach the team. He states: “They gave me the chance, and I put into practice what I believed was right. It wasn’t always easy, and not everyone was on board from the beginning. Not everyone lasted. But good values are good values for a reason, and in the end, they work.”
Matheny shares the lessons he and fellow coach John Mabry taught and the many they learned in the process, some painful but all valuable. He tells a lot of stories that I enjoyed along the way, from his childhood and upbringing, his days as a young ballplayer, a college player, a minor leaguer, and a big leaguer (as both a player and a manager). He also examines how the values he emphasizes apply to life beyond baseball, beyond sports, and can plant a seed of hope in the next generation.
He shares the core values that affected everything on and off the field:
Service
Teamwork
Discipline
Excellence
Responsibility
Leadership
The following were their non-negotiables:
A baseball experience focused on the boys
Baseball played the right way—with class
Attitude, concentration, and effort (ACE)—factors the boys can control (with excellence required)
Biblical truths as our moral compass
A culture of respect from players, parents, and coaches
An emphasis on the mental aspect of the game
The parent’s role as a silent source of support
The players’ responsibility to make themselves better
Matheny states that in his personal life as well as his professional life, he has—without doubt—learned more from failure than from success.
He shares his appreciation of (as do I) legendary UCLA Men’s Basketball Coach John Wooden. He states that some refer to Wooden as the fountainhead of successful modern leadership, and they don’t even limit it to sports. He writes that Wooden is the coach to whom he owes the most, the one whose approach and philosophy he works hardest to imitate, though the two never met. He shares helpful maxims from Wooden in a number of categories.
I was particularly interested in the sections where Matheny discussed his faith, though that is unfair, because it’s clear that Matheny’s faith impacts all aspects of his life. I enjoyed hearing the story of his conversion. After hearing a revival speaker at his church one evening he was troubled about whether he was truly a believer, despite being a regular church attender. He couldn’t sleep that night and got out of bed to talk to his parents. He writes: “They got out their Bible, opened it to the New Testament book of Romans, and walked me through its Road to Salvation. Then they prayed with me, and I received Christ.”
About his faith he writes: “I have committed to my players and coaches that I will never force my faith down their throats or assume they see the world as I see it; however, neither will I cower from any question. My goal is to live in such a way that what I believe is obvious by how I go about my business and how I treat others.”
Respect is one of the values that he tried to instill in the boys on his youth team. He states: “It’s one thing to get kids to treat their opponents with respect—shake their hands and say, “Good game,” and mean it—win or lose. It’s quite another to get them to extend that courtesy to umpires.” It was a requirement that the boys would shake the hands of the umpire after each game, win or lose.
Matheny writes that his career was exceptional in only three ways: its longevity (especially for a catcher); that he got to play in the postseason four times, including a World Series; and because of his defense. Of his defense, Matheny won four Gold Gloves, and holds the Major League Baseball record for most consecutive games without an error.
I enjoyed Matheny discussion of his favorite teammates. About Yadier Molina, his current catcher on the Cardinals, he writes “I now manage the most valuable catcher in the game—maybe in history.”
Matheny states that “Character is forged not on the mountaintop but in the valley”. A moving part of the book is his recollection of how his career ended as a result of complications from a number (he doesn’t know how many) concussions. He writes that he went from an everyday starter, respected by teammates and peers as a no-nonsense competitor, to virtually an invalid almost overnight.
He discusses a topic near and dear to my heart – servant leadership. He states that the point of servant leadership is leading by serving. He writes about real estate investments that went bad during the economic downturn resulting in personal embarrassment when the news became public in St. Louis. Needing help like never before, he reached out to eight trusted men and asked if they would come alongside, counsel him and hold him accountable. These men would become what he refers to as his personal board. They are mostly business leaders, with one in ministry. They are leaders in their respective fields and follow the servant leadership model Matheny had been studying. They would later help him prepare for the interview with Cardinal General Manager John Mozeliak, which would result in Matheny being offered the job. In discussing his role as manager of the Cardinals, Matheny states: “My job is to show leadership and impact people. That’s what we were trying to accomplish with the youth-league team, and now I’m applying that same approach in a big-league clubhouse.”
Bob Costas writes a short “Afterword”. This is a well-written book that Matheny collaborated with Jerry B. Jenkins on.
As a St. Louis Cardinals fan I was aware of Matheny and that he was a Christian. After reading this book and getting to know more about him I appreciate him even more.
April 28, 2015
My Thoughts
Disclosure: I was born and raised a STL Cardinal baseball fan. I live my life and will die as a STL Cardinal baseball fan. Some might argue that this would bias me to give a favorable review of a book written by the current manager of the STL Cardinals baseball team. Duly noted.
I liked Mike Matheny when he was the catcher for the Cardinals. I was sad when he left the team. I, like many others, was a bit surprised when he was hired to be manager since he had no prior experience as a manager at the major league level. I think this book is evidence of why he does so well in this position. The message that he outlines in the book for coaching young baseball players seems to be the way he handles adult players. There are many interesting examples of successes and failures, along with the thought process behind his decision making.
You don’t have to be a baseball fan or even a lover of sports to be able to learn something from this book. It was very well written and has lessons that can be used in everyday life.
My thanks to Crown Publishing, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Disclosure: I was born and raised a STL Cardinal baseball fan. I live my life and will die as a STL Cardinal baseball fan. Some might argue that this would bias me to give a favorable review of a book written by the current manager of the STL Cardinals baseball team. Duly noted.
I liked Mike Matheny when he was the catcher for the Cardinals. I was sad when he left the team. I, like many others, was a bit surprised when he was hired to be manager since he had no prior experience as a manager at the major league level. I think this book is evidence of why he does so well in this position. The message that he outlines in the book for coaching young baseball players seems to be the way he handles adult players. There are many interesting examples of successes and failures, along with the thought process behind his decision making.
You don’t have to be a baseball fan or even a lover of sports to be able to learn something from this book. It was very well written and has lessons that can be used in everyday life.
My thanks to Crown Publishing, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 21, 2015
This book is a must-read for any youth-sports coach, parent of a child playing organized sports -- and will likely be useful to many young athletes. Matheny's love for sports and for children comes through strongly, even as he is frankly critical of the hyper-competitive, me-first attitude of some parents. He shares his own experiences in baseball, from youth baseball through the Major Leagues, including his devastating concussions, and the mistakes he thinks he made along the way. Matheny also shares his story as a youth baseball coach, and the approach he took to make the team about the children, rather than their parents. This book isn't a baseball-technique (or even a coaching-technique book); instead it's about the appropriate mindset for competitive sports. While acknowledging that some kids will be more talented, or harder-working than others, Matheny emphasizes the aspects of character and emotional intelligence that are important for both parents and their children.
January 24, 2016
What an unexpected book! I wanted to read it because I'm going to meet Mike Matheny tomorrow night. I had no idea what it was even about when I started. I am totally blown away by him and this book. I wish every parent who has or may have children playing sports would read this book, as well as every coach out there. I have always been so turned off by the way parents act in sports that I prayed I would end up with a child who wasn't athletic. I now see that avoidance isn't the answer to the problem of youth sports. Thank you thank you thank you for this book and inspiring me to want to make a difference in the world and raise my kids to make a difference in whatever hobby or profession they choose. Mike Matheny for president!! BUT REALLY!
July 11, 2018
Matheny teachings things in the book that DO NOT come naturally to parents of kids in Sporting programs based on the interactions I have seen with most parents.
1. Parents should evenly positive during games.
2. Parents should not coach during games from the side lines.
3. Parents should not 2nd guess the coach and undermine his authority.
4. Kids should give respect to the coach and show grace and class.
5. Kids should show respect for the refs, the other team, their teammates, and themselves.
I have been "that dad" but Matheny showed me a new way. A way of peace and love for the game being played. I also coach and I love setting ground rules for kids, parents and other coaches. I think I have also become a St. Louis Fan.
1. Parents should evenly positive during games.
2. Parents should not coach during games from the side lines.
3. Parents should not 2nd guess the coach and undermine his authority.
4. Kids should give respect to the coach and show grace and class.
5. Kids should show respect for the refs, the other team, their teammates, and themselves.
I have been "that dad" but Matheny showed me a new way. A way of peace and love for the game being played. I also coach and I love setting ground rules for kids, parents and other coaches. I think I have also become a St. Louis Fan.
January 17, 2016
This is a book that everyone with a child or works with children needs to read.
Mike Matheny hit the nail on the head. In this book he talks about the tragedy in today's sports, basically the parents. The parents have taken the fun out of the game. They push and push and the game ceases to be fun. It becomes work. Therefore, the kids get burned out well before they have a chance for the big leagues.
I see it every day in our community. You cannot go to a little league game without hearing a parent yelling at a child, either about the child's performance or non performance. It is nerve wracking for me and I am not even playing!
Wonderful insight on today's sports.
Mike Matheny hit the nail on the head. In this book he talks about the tragedy in today's sports, basically the parents. The parents have taken the fun out of the game. They push and push and the game ceases to be fun. It becomes work. Therefore, the kids get burned out well before they have a chance for the big leagues.
I see it every day in our community. You cannot go to a little league game without hearing a parent yelling at a child, either about the child's performance or non performance. It is nerve wracking for me and I am not even playing!
Wonderful insight on today's sports.
February 5, 2017
I've been reading this book off and on between other books and absolutely loved it! Granted I love baseball and anything Cardinals, but I'd recommend this to any coach and to anyone who has kids in youth sports. Matheny talks about how kids and parents should act. How principles in sports relate to life. How to win and lose with class! A lot of things in here that I think people need to be reminded in this day and age, including myself. Great read!
July 27, 2015
This was a very interesting read -- even if it is way outside my wheelhouse. A friend recommended it to me because she thought I would be interested in his perspective on youth sports -- and she was right. Lots of good stuff to think about in here as a parent.
September 3, 2015
One of the best books I've ever read for sure. Will give to clients and friends with kids!
August 12, 2017
This was one of the best books I have ever read within the context of sports. And for all of the sport-related books that I have read, that is quite the compliment for this book. What initially looks to be another typical book about baseball (which is my favorite sport) St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny relates his managerial approach in a very simple yet profound way. For Matheny, the primary goal of youth sports is not W/L, but rather to build character, learn the respective sport as best as possible, and discovering what it truly means to be a team player & its respective characteristics. In this way, the ultimate end of youth sports according to Matheny is to develop each person into faith-filled, hard-working, respectful individuals for their future role within society. This is not merely for the youth; it is just as important for the parents and coaches as well. Thus, in making his case throughout the book, Matheny masterfully unites baseball & philosophical/religious principles in such a way that not only reflects his own modest upbringing & playing career, but above all his own coaching strategies as first a youth coach, and shortly following his promotion to an MLB manager. Definitely going to buy a copy of this book and refer to it over and over again.
March 25, 2018
All coaches and parents involved in youth sports should read this book.
Indeed, youth sports is for the kids; not the adults. Encouraging them to build character and have fun is much more important than winning.
Fortunately, there are coaches and parents that share a similar philosophy compared to Matheny. I met a lot a great people with selfless priorities. Nevertheless, there are also idiot coaches that often do dumb things such as theatrically proclaiming a game is ‘under protest’ as soon as they disagree with a call. Really? Who are you trying to impress? There are clueless parents out there too that frequently embarrass their kids. Sadly, this unfortunate behavior is nothing new and also existed back when Matheny was a little leaguer.
Leadership traits Matheny presents are also applicable to adults regarding both their professional and personal lives. He gives credit to the legendary UCLA college basketball coach John Wooden for several successful leadership characteristics.
Admittedly, I may not have read this if I was not a Cardinals fan. I am glad I did. Highly recommended.
Indeed, youth sports is for the kids; not the adults. Encouraging them to build character and have fun is much more important than winning.
Fortunately, there are coaches and parents that share a similar philosophy compared to Matheny. I met a lot a great people with selfless priorities. Nevertheless, there are also idiot coaches that often do dumb things such as theatrically proclaiming a game is ‘under protest’ as soon as they disagree with a call. Really? Who are you trying to impress? There are clueless parents out there too that frequently embarrass their kids. Sadly, this unfortunate behavior is nothing new and also existed back when Matheny was a little leaguer.
Leadership traits Matheny presents are also applicable to adults regarding both their professional and personal lives. He gives credit to the legendary UCLA college basketball coach John Wooden for several successful leadership characteristics.
Admittedly, I may not have read this if I was not a Cardinals fan. I am glad I did. Highly recommended.
June 11, 2017
I have long been disheartened by the adults I saw at youth sports...and the way many of them seem to be taught to play...win at any cost...cheat if necessary...I hope...I pray...I always pushed my girls to have fun...play to win...but play fair and have fun...when it isn't fun...why do it...this book shows a side to me of a major league manager who took his love for the game...and life...and put it into action for youth sports...I HIGHLY recommend this to any of my friends who have their kids in sports of any age...St. Louis Cardinal fan or not...you will ..at the very least be made to look at yourself and your child and see which side of the line you are on...an excellent book ...he still has problems managing his pitching staff..and drives me crazy...but so glad to have a Christian man of character who lives what he teaches in charge of my favorite team...
November 23, 2018
The Matheny Manifesto is a must read for all coaches and parents of youth sports. All too often, many individuals focus heavily on wins at the expense of character building with youth athletes. We, as coaches, can have a very significant impact on a child's self-confidence, resiliance, and how much the child may understand the value of hard work. Most youth athletes may not end up playing sports on a collegiate level, and even less likely, at a professional level. However, sports for youth is an excellent conduit to learn life skills that can lead children towards a path of success regardless of whether they pursue sports in the future or not. It is very refreshing to hear a former professional baseball player, with their unique athletic gifts, to reinforce the idea that there is much more than winning when coaching.
September 27, 2017
There are a lot of good things to say about this book and Mike Matheny. He is a Christian who lives his faith and is not hesitant to share it in shaping the lives of young people. That includes his actions on the field as a player and now the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.
It begins with a letter he wrote and read to parents who wanted him to coach their youth baseball team. The letter went viral, becoming known as the Matheny Manifesto.
Matheny writes of his model of coaching: UCLA's John Wooden, and his principles of coaching, leadership, and life. It is worth reading as is the entire book.
With these positives and more, why only four stars? Just a feeling but it is four stars waxing.
It begins with a letter he wrote and read to parents who wanted him to coach their youth baseball team. The letter went viral, becoming known as the Matheny Manifesto.
Matheny writes of his model of coaching: UCLA's John Wooden, and his principles of coaching, leadership, and life. It is worth reading as is the entire book.
With these positives and more, why only four stars? Just a feeling but it is four stars waxing.
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