One Base at a Time: How I Survived PTSD and Found My Field of Dreams

by David R. Mellor

“Dave Mellor has built one of baseball’s most inspirational stories over the last half-century. Anchored by a love for his family and the game, he survived incomprehensible catastrophes and PTSD to become a pioneering ballfield artist and head groundskeeper for Fenway Park.” (Buster Olney, ESPN)

On July 10, 1981, David Mellor was just a baseball-crazed kid, a star high school pitcher preparing to go to college and dreaming of one day taking the mound in Fenway Park for his beloved Boston Red Sox. His dream was derailed as he crossed the parking lot of a McDonald’s. He heard the racing engine, but couldn’t defend himself against the car coming straight at him. It sent him flying through the air and into a wall, where it hit him again and pinned him, severely damaging his knee and destroying his hope of ever being a Major League pitcher.

In the wake of the accident, even as he reached the major leagues as a groundskeeper, David was tortured by the aftermath of his injuries and additional traumas, including being struck by a car again, this time in the outfield of Milwaukee’s County Stadium while he was working on overhauling the field for the Milwaukee Brewers. He suffered terribly from anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, completely unaware that he was experiencing the debilitating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD.

One Base at a Time recounts in vivid detail his subsequent 29-year struggle with PTSD. This harrowing but inspiring story documents the remarkable journey of a man debilitated by physical and psychological injuries who refused to give up even when everything seemed hopeless. After a fortuitous event, he admitted to needing help, sought effective treatment, and turned his life around. It’s a powerful, helpful outline of the steps one needs to take to overcome the powerful hold PTSD has on one’s life.

One Base at a Time is a must-listen for anyone suffering in silence or anyone who knows someone suffering in the wake of severe traumatic events. Those who seem broken can be fixed and live a happy, fulfilling life.

“Dave is a truly unique person. His passion, hard work, creativity, and love for baseball gives life to Fenway Park. It gives intensity to us as ball players and pushes us to put on a show night after night. Dave is as much a part of the Red Sox team as anyone and his life and the adversity he has overcome is really inspiring.” (David “Big Papi” Ortiz)

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published July 16, 2019

Reviews

[Christopher Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book if you are a fan of baseball, The Red Sox or know anyone who has suffered a traumatic injury or PTSD.

[Jaxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The book's central conflict was how David survived and dealt with his PTSD. David is a very grateful and very kind guy but he deals with PTSD. In the beginning, David did not want anyone to know about his PTSD, but by the end of the book, he was willing to help others who suffer from PTSD and was more than happy to share his story. My favorite part of the book is when David meets Drago his support dog. My least favorite part of the book is when David describes his injury because he explained them in-depth, and I could feel his pain.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main takeaway from this book that may be helpful: Not only soldiers or victims of war suffer from PTSD; any trauma can result in the disorder.

I have only two reservations. One, not solely the author's fault, is the number of typos/grammatical errors in the book--distracting. Second, I would have liked more on the aspect of living with PTSD--halfway through the book I was totally convinced he suffered from the disorder, so I was impatient for some forward motion.

[Mikaela Trumbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an big Red Sox fan, I read all books related to the Sox. This one is by far one of my favorites. Their current head groundskeeper shares the stories of his life through a beautifully written story. He provides amazing detail about the pain and struggle he went through to get where he is today with his dog Drago. Although not physically affected liked David, this book as helped me realize and accept the current society implications from COVID-19. It has helped me understand the losses and uncertainties that I am experiencing with my senior year of college; presentations, clinical, labs, and most importantly graduation. Davids purpose for writing this book is to be able to help at least one person, and I can say that he has helped me.

[Crystal Hereth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a truly inspirational story. He did not sugar coat at all how dealing with PTSD truly is. But he gives encouragement through his story that anyone can make it through and be a survivor. He even shows how you can support someone who is going through it as well. Truly touching!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is incredible how much suffering both physically and emotionally that one person can endure and still maintain a positive attitude and be thankful for his life. David Mellor is a testament to the power of positive thinking with his “One Base at a Time” attitude.

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best PTSD-sports hybrid book!!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who has had their lives touched by disability, PTSD, and/or who loves baseball. I find the author to be inspirational.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very readable and an interesting and inspiring story. It would probably be of more interest to Red Sox fans even though it's not really about baseball. It's great that Dave told his story in hopes of spreading the word that if you have trauma, you can get help. But it was a little frustrating and weird. Most of the book is about him not getting help. That's the true story so it shouldn't necessarily have been told otherwise. But, for me, it's a little unfathomable that one could be dealing with something so horrible for so long without seeking help. When I've struggled with my mental health I seek outside help. That's not meant to be preachy. It's just my first instinct to try to get myself fixed. I realize a LOT of people are different in that respect, it's just hard for me to relate to. But it was entertaining and informative, nonetheless.