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Just Show Up: And Other Enduring Values from Baseball's Iron Man
Iron Man Cal Ripken Jr.the 19-time All-Star, World-Series winning legend, American League MVP, and record holder who played 2,632 consecutive gamesoutlines eight rules for the game of baseball and life, draws from the lessons he has learned on and off the field. Cal Ripken Jr. is a baseball legend. But legends arent born, theyre made. For twenty-one seasons Ripken took the field day in and day out, through cold, heat, rain, and sometimes snow, playing in more than 3,000 games for the Baltimore Orioles. In 1983, the revered shortstop helped lead his team to victory in the World Series. On September 6, 1995, Ripken did the seemingly impossible, he surpassed Lou Gehrigs unbreakable fifty-six-year-old Iron Man record, setting a new mark of 2131 consecutive games then played another 501 consecutive games. Throughout his career, Ripken was admired for his consistency, hard work, and loyalty. There were successes and failures, but above all was an old-fashioned sense of doing whats right, every single day. Since retiring in 2001, Ripken has enjoyed a successful career as a baseball analyst, entrepreneur, and author. Now, in Just Show Up, he reflects on his life and career to offer lessons for the next generation and those to come. Ripken speaks eloquently about the timeless values he has lived Life is a streak, play the long game; Success and money are not the same; Play fair, win fair. And he shares stories of his legendary father, Baltimore Oriole coach and manager Cal Ripken Sr., what it took to keep the streak alive, and what it meant to bring the World Series to Baltimore. Cal Ripkens message is simple yet poignant; wisdom essential to anyone trying to forge a successful life in times that are often chaotic. Blending insights from sports, business, and a life well-lived, Just Show Up is the story of an American legend and the principles he has lived by, standards our time needs.
Audio CD
First published May 14, 2019
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188 people want to read
About the author
Cal Ripken Jr.
38 books31 followersCal Ripken, Jr. was a shortstop and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles for his entire career (1981-2001). Nicknamed “The Iron Man” for his relentless work ethic and reliability on the field, Ripken is most remembered for playing a record 2,632 straight games over 17 seasons. He was a 19-time All Star and is considered to be one of the best shortstops professional baseball has ever seen. In 2007 he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Since his retirement, Ripken has worked as President and CEO of Ripken Baseball, Inc. to nurture the love of baseball in young children from a grassroots level.
Since his retirement, Ripken has worked as President and CEO of Ripken Baseball, Inc. to nurture the love of baseball in young children from a grassroots level.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 5, 2022
“We only get a few innings on this planet, after all. May as well show up, ready to play, for every one.”
Quick and easy read with some baseball stories and timeless life advice.
Quick and easy read with some baseball stories and timeless life advice.
May 29, 2019
Well written and a pretty easy read. Likely the best nugget from it is to show up ready for work every day because Lou Gehrig's ironman streak in baseball started when Wally Pipp didn't answer the bell.
May 13, 2023
What more needs to be said than the title. Just show up, it’s a lesson for life that many have failed to appreciate. Just show up for your job, your marriage, your family, your friends. Showing up is a large part of being successful. The book is good but not life changing. It is however entertaining and a quick read, especially if you are a fan of baseball.
November 26, 2019
Interesting listen. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I bought the audio CD for my library and I love baseball so I thought I'd check it out. Turns out that this was an incredibly calming listen going into my performance review and a lot of the ideas and advice are applicable.
April 24, 2025
My all-time favorite baseball player! Didn't really love this book though. 😕
August 29, 2019
Some players are identified with one team. Certain players spend their whole careers with one team and become identified with that city or that team. Cal Ripkin, Jr., a hall of famer, is identified with the Baltimore Orioles because he played his entire career with them. Ripkin is also identified with his consecutive games played streak, which is is the longest streak in major league baseball history. Ripkin, Jr. played in 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles. His streak became an enduring symbol of perseverance and hard work.
While he played, Ripkin was one of my favorite players. I remember the day when he set the record for the most consecutive games played. Lou Gehrig, the player who previously had the record, is also one of the most respected players in baseball history. Both Ripkin and Gehrig showed perseverance in playing in so many consecutive games. Both are in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Both made an indelible mark on the history of the game.
Since he retired from baseball, Ripkin has worked to promote youth baseball. He has also written books for young people. He wrote a book called "Just Show Up: And Other Enduring Values from Baseball's Iron Man." Ripkin refers to his baseball career as he teaches values like hard work, perseverance, persistence, fairness, practice and making adjustments.
The first chapter of the book is entitled "Just Show Up." Here, Ripkin refers to people he has known within baseball and outside of baseball who have inspired him to show up and do his best at work everyday. He refers to Senator Susan Collins, who has not missed one vote in the senate since she was elected in 2006. He also refers to Bob Dylan has been on a musical tour called "The Never Ending Tour" since 1988. He refers to hard working people such as Billy Joel, Nolan Ryan, Ernie Johnson, jr. and Eddie Murray as well.
The second chapter is called "Success and Money Are Not the Same." Ripkin discusses his father's love for baseball and his decision to coach baseball even though he did not make much money at first. Ripkin points out that his father worked multiple jobs when he started off as a minor league coach. However, Ripkin, Sr. loved baseball and wanted to pursue coaching as a career even if it meant having to go through economic struggles initially. Ripkin also addresses how much he enjoys passing on the love that he has for baseball.
"Play Fair- Win Fair" is the third chapter of the book. In this chapter,he addresses the importance of playing by the rules and avoiding cheating. He discusses how teams try and make fair trades, where each team acquires a good player. In a fair trade, each team benefits from the trade. Both teams get to improve themselves through a fair trade. Ripkin says it is important to have a reputation as someone who is honest and who plays by the rules.
Chapter four is entitled "It's OK to Be Stubborn." Ripkin points out that his father always tried to analyze and figure out things. He said that his dad was determined to find the answers to a problem and he was stubborn about it. He discusses how being stubborn can help one to become a good parent. Ripkin also discussed how he wanted to play everyday whether the Orioles were good or not. In 1983, they won the World Series, while in 1988 the Orioles lost 21 straight games to begin the season. Ripkin wanted to play every game whether the team had a good season like in 1983, or a bad season like in 1988. Ripkin's attitude was the same whether the team was good or bad.
Ripkin also emphasizes that stubbornness is not enough. One must also have a good and accurate perspective. If one is trying to convince someone of something stubbornness is not enough. One must also be able to make a logical and persuasive argument.
"Baseball is a game of Averages....like Life" is the title of chapter 5. In this chapter, Ripkin discusses sabermetrics, which helps to determine which players are the best. He discusses how chronicling data in business can help a business person make good economic decisions. He talks about how he has always tried to be a good parent and coach by applying discipline to different situations. Ripkin concludes the chapter by saying "Like baseball- and just about everything- our business is a game of averages, and our goal is to keep our average has high as we can." Ripkin tries to make the point that we need to try our best to solve problems once we notice that a problem exists. This is one of the most important points of the chapter.
Chapter six is entitled "Practice Doesn't Make Perfect- Adjustment Does." Ripkin points out that he was told that he was too big to play shortstop when he started his career. So, he adjusted how he played. He worked hard to develop the ability to play the short stop position. He discussed the importance of changing one's perspective, and how that can help one to succeed.
When discussing his business, he says that it is important to hire the right people and to help them to develop some goals. Rikpin discusses the importance of respect when he says "You'd be amazed what people can do if you give them the respect they need to believe they can succeed."
Ripkin concludes the chapter by talking about the importance of "perseverance." Ripkin believes that six elements make up "perseverance." They are patience; discipline; perspective; tenacity; relentlessness; and unwavering pursuit.
"Have a Mentor, and Be One, Too" is the title of chapter 7. Ripkin says "We're all surrounded by people wiser than us- parents, friends, teammates, coaches. The key is , we have to pay attention to them." Ripkin addresses the positive difference his father, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Murray and others have made in his life and his career.
The 8th chapter is entitled "How to Be the Quietest Person in the Room." Ripkin says "I've always believed that you learn more by listening than by talking." When he started his career, Ripkin studied the performance of other short stops in order to learn from them. He talked about what he learned in the minor leagues and the importance of "winning with dignity."
"Just Show Up" is a decent book to read and learn from. Ripkin does a good job of applying the lessons of baseball to life. He shows respect for the responsibilities and jobs of each person, not just athletes who make much money and are always in the limelight. Ripkin seems like a down to earth person who can apply the lessons of his career to non athletic activities.
The book is worth reading for those who like baseball or who like to apply the lessons of sports to every day responsibilities and activities.
While he played, Ripkin was one of my favorite players. I remember the day when he set the record for the most consecutive games played. Lou Gehrig, the player who previously had the record, is also one of the most respected players in baseball history. Both Ripkin and Gehrig showed perseverance in playing in so many consecutive games. Both are in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Both made an indelible mark on the history of the game.
Since he retired from baseball, Ripkin has worked to promote youth baseball. He has also written books for young people. He wrote a book called "Just Show Up: And Other Enduring Values from Baseball's Iron Man." Ripkin refers to his baseball career as he teaches values like hard work, perseverance, persistence, fairness, practice and making adjustments.
The first chapter of the book is entitled "Just Show Up." Here, Ripkin refers to people he has known within baseball and outside of baseball who have inspired him to show up and do his best at work everyday. He refers to Senator Susan Collins, who has not missed one vote in the senate since she was elected in 2006. He also refers to Bob Dylan has been on a musical tour called "The Never Ending Tour" since 1988. He refers to hard working people such as Billy Joel, Nolan Ryan, Ernie Johnson, jr. and Eddie Murray as well.
The second chapter is called "Success and Money Are Not the Same." Ripkin discusses his father's love for baseball and his decision to coach baseball even though he did not make much money at first. Ripkin points out that his father worked multiple jobs when he started off as a minor league coach. However, Ripkin, Sr. loved baseball and wanted to pursue coaching as a career even if it meant having to go through economic struggles initially. Ripkin also addresses how much he enjoys passing on the love that he has for baseball.
"Play Fair- Win Fair" is the third chapter of the book. In this chapter,he addresses the importance of playing by the rules and avoiding cheating. He discusses how teams try and make fair trades, where each team acquires a good player. In a fair trade, each team benefits from the trade. Both teams get to improve themselves through a fair trade. Ripkin says it is important to have a reputation as someone who is honest and who plays by the rules.
Chapter four is entitled "It's OK to Be Stubborn." Ripkin points out that his father always tried to analyze and figure out things. He said that his dad was determined to find the answers to a problem and he was stubborn about it. He discusses how being stubborn can help one to become a good parent. Ripkin also discussed how he wanted to play everyday whether the Orioles were good or not. In 1983, they won the World Series, while in 1988 the Orioles lost 21 straight games to begin the season. Ripkin wanted to play every game whether the team had a good season like in 1983, or a bad season like in 1988. Ripkin's attitude was the same whether the team was good or bad.
Ripkin also emphasizes that stubbornness is not enough. One must also have a good and accurate perspective. If one is trying to convince someone of something stubbornness is not enough. One must also be able to make a logical and persuasive argument.
"Baseball is a game of Averages....like Life" is the title of chapter 5. In this chapter, Ripkin discusses sabermetrics, which helps to determine which players are the best. He discusses how chronicling data in business can help a business person make good economic decisions. He talks about how he has always tried to be a good parent and coach by applying discipline to different situations. Ripkin concludes the chapter by saying "Like baseball- and just about everything- our business is a game of averages, and our goal is to keep our average has high as we can." Ripkin tries to make the point that we need to try our best to solve problems once we notice that a problem exists. This is one of the most important points of the chapter.
Chapter six is entitled "Practice Doesn't Make Perfect- Adjustment Does." Ripkin points out that he was told that he was too big to play shortstop when he started his career. So, he adjusted how he played. He worked hard to develop the ability to play the short stop position. He discussed the importance of changing one's perspective, and how that can help one to succeed.
When discussing his business, he says that it is important to hire the right people and to help them to develop some goals. Rikpin discusses the importance of respect when he says "You'd be amazed what people can do if you give them the respect they need to believe they can succeed."
Ripkin concludes the chapter by talking about the importance of "perseverance." Ripkin believes that six elements make up "perseverance." They are patience; discipline; perspective; tenacity; relentlessness; and unwavering pursuit.
"Have a Mentor, and Be One, Too" is the title of chapter 7. Ripkin says "We're all surrounded by people wiser than us- parents, friends, teammates, coaches. The key is , we have to pay attention to them." Ripkin addresses the positive difference his father, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Murray and others have made in his life and his career.
The 8th chapter is entitled "How to Be the Quietest Person in the Room." Ripkin says "I've always believed that you learn more by listening than by talking." When he started his career, Ripkin studied the performance of other short stops in order to learn from them. He talked about what he learned in the minor leagues and the importance of "winning with dignity."
"Just Show Up" is a decent book to read and learn from. Ripkin does a good job of applying the lessons of baseball to life. He shows respect for the responsibilities and jobs of each person, not just athletes who make much money and are always in the limelight. Ripkin seems like a down to earth person who can apply the lessons of his career to non athletic activities.
The book is worth reading for those who like baseball or who like to apply the lessons of sports to every day responsibilities and activities.
February 29, 2020
Cal Ripken writes a great book about values and principles of life with many stories of baseball along the way. His life was shaped by his Dad Cal Sr. and his Dad provided some excellent life lessons that is shared with the readers in a very relatable way.
Some of the great chapters and lessons were very instructional
> Just Show Up
> Success and Money are Not the Same
> Have a mentor and be one too
> How to be the quietest person in the room
It's a very easy read and with some lessons and great stories about baseball so if you are getting excited about the season, dive in.
Enjoy!
Thanks, Brian
Some of the great chapters and lessons were very instructional
> Just Show Up
> Success and Money are Not the Same
> Have a mentor and be one too
> How to be the quietest person in the room
It's a very easy read and with some lessons and great stories about baseball so if you are getting excited about the season, dive in.
Enjoy!
Thanks, Brian
April 28, 2020
Not a biography, but it's more of a series of Ripken's life lessons based on...well I'm not sure what he bases his absolutes on...moralism??? Not sure what he is grounded in so it sometimes might smack of goody two shoes. To be honest, I side with his conclusions, and admire his decisions, but don't side with his underlying assumptions.
Of special note is the Iron Man's opinions of fair play; he's no fan of hidden ball tricks or other deceptions. He's all about fair play and winning or losing with integrity.
Quick read.
Of special note is the Iron Man's opinions of fair play; he's no fan of hidden ball tricks or other deceptions. He's all about fair play and winning or losing with integrity.
Quick read.
June 11, 2019
Pretty decent. Traditional values, baseball references, nothing surprising, a fair amount of wisdom.
June 13, 2019
Iron Man Cal Ripken Jr.the 19-time All-Star, World-Series winning legend, American League MVP, and record holder who played 2,632 consecutive gamesoutlines eight rules for the game of baseball and life, drawn from the lessons he has learned on and off the field.
Cal Ripken Jr. is a baseball legend. But legends arent born, theyre made. For twenty-one seasons Ripken took the field day in and day out, through cold, heat, rain, and sometimes snow, playing in more than 3,000 games for the Baltimore Orioles. In 1983, the revered shortstop helped lead his team to victory in the World Series. On September 6, 1995, Ripken did the seemingly impossible, he surpassed Lou Gehrigs unbreakable fifty-six-year-old Iron Man record, setting a new mark of 2131 consecutive gamesthen played another 501 consecutive games. Throughout his career, Ripken was admired for his consistency, hard work, and loyalty. There were successes and failures, but above all was an old-fashioned sense of doing whats right, every single day.
Since retiring in 2001, Ripken has enjoyed a successful career as a baseball analyst, entrepreneur, and author. Now, In An Iron Life, he reflects on his life and career to offer lessons for the next generation and those to come. Ripken speaks eloquently about the timeless values he has lived by: Life is a streakplay the long game; Success and money are not the same; Play fairwin fair. And he shares stories of his legendary father, Baltimore Oriole coach and manager Cal Ripken Sr., what it took to keep the streak alive, and what it meant to bring the World Series to Baltimore.
Cal Ripkens message is simple yet poignant; wisdom essential to anyone trying to forge a successful life in times that are often chaotic. Blending insights from sports, business, and a life well-lived, An Iron Life is the story of an American legend and the principles he has lived bystandards our time needs. (from Goodreads)
Cal Ripken Jr. is a baseball legend. But legends arent born, theyre made. For twenty-one seasons Ripken took the field day in and day out, through cold, heat, rain, and sometimes snow, playing in more than 3,000 games for the Baltimore Orioles. In 1983, the revered shortstop helped lead his team to victory in the World Series. On September 6, 1995, Ripken did the seemingly impossible, he surpassed Lou Gehrigs unbreakable fifty-six-year-old Iron Man record, setting a new mark of 2131 consecutive gamesthen played another 501 consecutive games. Throughout his career, Ripken was admired for his consistency, hard work, and loyalty. There were successes and failures, but above all was an old-fashioned sense of doing whats right, every single day.
Since retiring in 2001, Ripken has enjoyed a successful career as a baseball analyst, entrepreneur, and author. Now, In An Iron Life, he reflects on his life and career to offer lessons for the next generation and those to come. Ripken speaks eloquently about the timeless values he has lived by: Life is a streakplay the long game; Success and money are not the same; Play fairwin fair. And he shares stories of his legendary father, Baltimore Oriole coach and manager Cal Ripken Sr., what it took to keep the streak alive, and what it meant to bring the World Series to Baltimore.
Cal Ripkens message is simple yet poignant; wisdom essential to anyone trying to forge a successful life in times that are often chaotic. Blending insights from sports, business, and a life well-lived, An Iron Life is the story of an American legend and the principles he has lived bystandards our time needs. (from Goodreads)
May 2, 2020
Loved this book... Cal is really a class act!
Ripkin’s book is great and timely. When he talks about “if you have a job, you go to work”, it rings true for me right now. I haven’t had an opportunity to telework or slow down during this pandemic. My job is 1-deep and “essential” to national security, so I’m in every day with a homemade mask and a dwindling supply of hand sanitizer. Even in a lean organization like ours, it makes me wonder. We assert we can’t accomplish our core mission from home - what are people doing on “telework”? They are catching up on training and other long overdue items. Maybe I’m a little jealous of the relaxed pace, but at the same time I’m happy to still be at work contributing.
Also liked this quote:
When I met famous person xyz, I didn’t ask for an autograph or for a selfie, I asked questions.
Personally... I’ll do both ;)
Ripkin’s book is great and timely. When he talks about “if you have a job, you go to work”, it rings true for me right now. I haven’t had an opportunity to telework or slow down during this pandemic. My job is 1-deep and “essential” to national security, so I’m in every day with a homemade mask and a dwindling supply of hand sanitizer. Even in a lean organization like ours, it makes me wonder. We assert we can’t accomplish our core mission from home - what are people doing on “telework”? They are catching up on training and other long overdue items. Maybe I’m a little jealous of the relaxed pace, but at the same time I’m happy to still be at work contributing.
Also liked this quote:
When I met famous person xyz, I didn’t ask for an autograph or for a selfie, I asked questions.
Personally... I’ll do both ;)
May 25, 2019
Lessons from #8
If you’re an O’s fan & grew up watching the Ripkens, like I did, you’ll love this book! I could actually HEAR Cal’s voice relating his story. Yet this book isn’t just for O’s fans, it is for anyone, in any field; baseball, business or basket weaving! Words of wisdom that are straightforward & completely relatable. I’m getting the audio to play it in the car not-too-subtly for my teenage son in the fervent hope some/all of these tales sink in for his life. Thx Cal for showing up (this book AND in your admirable life)! You continue to inspire with everything you do! GO O’s!
If you’re an O’s fan & grew up watching the Ripkens, like I did, you’ll love this book! I could actually HEAR Cal’s voice relating his story. Yet this book isn’t just for O’s fans, it is for anyone, in any field; baseball, business or basket weaving! Words of wisdom that are straightforward & completely relatable. I’m getting the audio to play it in the car not-too-subtly for my teenage son in the fervent hope some/all of these tales sink in for his life. Thx Cal for showing up (this book AND in your admirable life)! You continue to inspire with everything you do! GO O’s!
March 13, 2022
Listened to the audiobook. Nice, short easy listen. Cal spends most of the book giving advise about life, some apply to sports some don’t. Items like,
- listen more than you talk
- always try your best
- take time to care about others, caring is often just being there
- seek out those who are smarter than you and learn from them
- we only get a few innings on the planet, show up ready to play each of them
- be honest
It was a good book, but I wish it had more baseball stories. In typical Cal fashion it was short and to the point and humble. Spoken like a true champion.
- listen more than you talk
- always try your best
- take time to care about others, caring is often just being there
- seek out those who are smarter than you and learn from them
- we only get a few innings on the planet, show up ready to play each of them
- be honest
It was a good book, but I wish it had more baseball stories. In typical Cal fashion it was short and to the point and humble. Spoken like a true champion.
May 11, 2023
Just Show Up by Cal Ripken Jr. & James Dale
🌟🌟 stars
I'll start by saying that I'm a baseball fan first, then a Red Sox fan second. His baseball stories piqued my interest. However, the book isn't necessarily about baseball, as you could apply it to any job, family life, or journey. While I found Ripken to be preachy and self-righteous in some of his anecdotes, I agreed with the basics of respect, effort, and fair play. I wholeheartedly agree that money and success are not the same. And the overall aura of being a good person is a plus I can't debate.
🌟🌟 stars
I'll start by saying that I'm a baseball fan first, then a Red Sox fan second. His baseball stories piqued my interest. However, the book isn't necessarily about baseball, as you could apply it to any job, family life, or journey. While I found Ripken to be preachy and self-righteous in some of his anecdotes, I agreed with the basics of respect, effort, and fair play. I wholeheartedly agree that money and success are not the same. And the overall aura of being a good person is a plus I can't debate.
May 27, 2024
I bought this because I love Cal Ripken- when I was 16, and baseball mad, he was extraordinarily kind to me at a game- it’s a moment that 31 years later is indelibly etched into my memories. I didn’t know this is a self-help book, I just bought it in the usual whirlwind of emotions I feel when I go to Cooperstown.
Not what I was looking for, but some lovely parables and metaphors that apply baseball to improve an outlook on life. Since mine is mired in an atrocious amount of cynicism and pessimism, maybe deep down I needed this.
Not what I was looking for, but some lovely parables and metaphors that apply baseball to improve an outlook on life. Since mine is mired in an atrocious amount of cynicism and pessimism, maybe deep down I needed this.
July 3, 2022
This is a great book by a baseball hero who is the definition of reliability. Even though Cal Ripken Jr. is phenomenal for his records, in this book he is an example to all of the readers because he always decided to show up. This book allows readers to feel like family members. Everyone can dare to be great by doing their best every day. The author is a hero that encourages everyone to be like him.
May 17, 2019
I picked this up because I watched Cal and his brother play when I was little. I found my love for baseball at that time. This book brought nostalgic to me as well as gave me insight on things that are lacking in my life. Going to order my own physical copy so I can accomplish more thing in my life. Loved that the audio version had Cal being the narrator.
June 19, 2019
Now ...who’s his dad? After awhile, he could just say his dad instead of Cal Ripken Sr or Cal Sr. If someone doesn’t know who daddy was, Jr does explain (in fact several times) by the middle of chapter 3.
Also, it’s too bad we don’t know what he’s now doing professionally and where those locations are. I enjoyed his life lessons, but then each chapter had an advert for his business.
Also, it’s too bad we don’t know what he’s now doing professionally and where those locations are. I enjoyed his life lessons, but then each chapter had an advert for his business.
September 30, 2019
I got to meet Cal Ripken, Jr. last year along with several other Hall of Fame members. He is truly a class act, and someone we should all listen to what he says - and there is a chapter dedicated to this art. This book isn't about baseball, but life. Many of the great pieces of advice we should all incorporate into our lives involves baseball - you don't have to know much about the game.
November 28, 2019
This is a book about values. Good values, playing fair, being honest, commitment, teamwork, and hard work. It’s not overly complicated. But in a time when rudeness, insults, taking advantage, taking shortcuts, stretching the truth, bending the rules is not only accepted, but championed. It’s a refreshing read.
May 29, 2020
As an Orioles fan I received “ Just Show Up” as a gift. Knowing Ripken’s reputation and personality I didn’t expect anything controversial, but hopefully It would have a few revealing insights. Instead, I found it simplistic and generic. This would be fine for pre-teens but there’s not much here for most adults.
February 4, 2023
Professional sports wouldn’t even be a thing without the support of the fans who buy tickets and merchandise. I understand that you played your professional career in Baltimore, but to honor Art Modell is just a disappointment. This guy didn’t respect the fans that bought tickets for decades. Instead he broke the hearts of millions of fans that support him and his team.
August 3, 2025
The book is easy to read and the general idea is there, but I was expecting it to be more focused on the idea of persistence and perseverance. Instead, it touches this on the surface level while more focusing on the not so humble brag about baseball career, earnings and later business. It feels more like an (auto) biography.
June 28, 2019
If you are a baseball fan in the last 20 years or so you definitely know who Cal Ripken Jr. is and his legacy and a record that may never be broken along with the fact that he is a first ballot Hall of Famer. The lessons in this book are not new they things he has learned from his father, from is time playing baseball and from running his baseball academy's. This might benefit someone who mostly reads sports books instead of maybe a self help type of book. Make no mistake these are all things we should practice in work and life. Personally all that being said I think this book is average at best.
September 30, 2019
A very easy read, nothing significant in the message. Much of what Ripken is saying really is common sense. I can, however, see that many people could benefit from his message and are more likely to when it comes from such a renowned baseball star, rather than a researcher.
October 26, 2020
I am really enjoying this book by my favorite Oriole. I am learning a lot about the game, from the inside. Cal's so grounded and humble I'm really impressed by his values and how he has evolved to bring a great business, entertainment and youth sports to our area.
January 6, 2023
Mr Ripken Jr is one of my baseball idols. I grew up longing to be just like him on the ball field. I love learning that he is as good of a man as he is a professional athlete. I enjoyed this book and the advice found within its pages.
June 10, 2019
A book for parents to read and to pass down to their children. Ripken offers life lessons which are invaluable and who better to be an example of how to conduct oneself in business and life.
June 10, 2019
Good book with a nice message on living a better life and being a better person.
June 19, 2019
Only if you are a fan of the baseball!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews