Me and My Dad: A Baseball Memoir – A Tribute to a Father's Love and the Yankees Championship Career He Inspired

by Paul O'Neill, Burton Rocks

Paul O'Neill was the undisputed heart and soul of the four-time World Series-winning New York Yankees from 1993 to 2001. O'Neill epitomized the team's motto of hard work and good sportsmanship, traits instilled in him by his friend, confidant, lifelong model, and biggest fan: his dad, Chick O'Neill.

In Me and My Dad, O'Neill writes from the heart about the man who inspired in him a love for the game and a determination to always play his best. O'Neill remembers the highlights of his own amazing career: the Cincinnati Reds calling him up to the majors, his first World Series, being traded to the Yankees -- and taking part in their recent championship wins. He also reflects on his father's untimely death during the 1999 World Series and on the farewell tribute his fans gave him during his last game in Yankee Stadium.

Genres: Sports, Baseball, Biography, Autobiography

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2003

About the author

Paul O'Neill is a retired right fielder and Major League Baseball player who won five World Series while playing for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees.

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very good book and I thought it was very heart warming because it showed how close Paul O'Neill was to his father. His dad was a big part of his baseball career and training. I was able to connect with this book because I'm very close with my dad and i would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a really close relationship with their dad or if anyone just likes to read about sports no matter who their favorite team is.
This book had a positive influence on me and really made me feel thankful for my dad and brought me closer in a way to him, because i now know that i should always be thankful for who i have in my life. because my dad wasn't around that much when i was younger but now he's been a big influence on my life and has helped me get to where i am. He also helped me get all my automotive certifications and now I'm a certified auto mechanic and that was the connection i made while i was reading this book. I thought this book was very heart warming and hope to read another book by another player and hope to make a connection to that book as well.

[L Gregory Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many baseball books over the years, but I have to say this one has become one of my favorites. Paul O'Neill was definitely not only a good player but a classy and all around guy. The book unlike many reviews I have read here is not meant to be a tell all. He wrote it as a memoir to the person who was the most important influence in his life; that of his father Chuck (Chick" O'Neill. The relationship they had with one another is one I believe to be emulated. Also the fact that he was traded from his beloved Cincinnati Reds to the New York Yankees became a milestone in his life. And as his dad told him, it turned out to be for the best. For those who love baseball and family I highly recommend this book to add to your collection.

[Kevin Hinebaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read baseball biographies and autobiographies constantly. I just love baseball! Recently I have read a couple,, but this book fell particularly close to my heart though. The fact that Paul was from Columbus and played for my favorite team, the Cincinnati Red's, makes him someone that I feel has been part of my life and fandom for basically my whole entire life.

Reading about Paul and his father was sweet, and I could feel their love poured out through Paul's writing. The baseball part of the book was detailed, but not overly so. It's a good book about family, love, and baseball. That's what I'd call the good life!

[Adam Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul O'Neill was one of my first favorite baseball players as a kid, since he played for both of my favorite teams--the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees. This came in a box of books my dad sent my son, also a baseball fanatic. It was nice to open and see a note from my dad to my son telling him "I hope you know how much your dad supports you". My dad is a big reason why I've loved football and baseball all my life so reading a memoir about family and how it factors into the love of the game. O'Neill's stories are touching and interesting to sports fans, Yankees fans, Reds fans, or just fans of a good family story.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice look back on his career and lessons learned from his father and other coaches and teammates throughout the years. It's about his love of baseball and using his God-given gifts. Anyone who likes baseball and followed the Yankees will appreciate this book. His relationship with his father is ever present in his writing and appreciation for baseball. For him it wasn't about being a star, it was about his love for his dad and the game.

[Allie Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet memoir; but definitely mediocre writing, some repetition, and personal aspects that made it “just a three”. I liked the personal anecdotes about his childhood, his wife, September 11th 2001, and his interactions with other players. I didn’t like how much he shit on Cincinnati (I get it. But shouldn’t *he* have also gotten it? Trades are a part of baseball. Sure, they’re easily the worst part in my opinion. But still.) He went pretty anti-Reds “thank God I was traded” and “Yankees are far superior and holier than thou” pretty dang quickly. As far as Yankee memoirs go: this one had me a bit teary at the end, but Mo’s was more enjoyable.

[Mary Ellen Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. As a long time Yankees fan, Paulie is one of my favorite former players. He was heartbroken to be traded from the Indians to the Yankees but what developed for him is all in this book. If you like America’s favorite pastime, appreciate father and son relationships and want a feel good story—-this book is for you. One of my faves!

[Matthew Meaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not the most elegantly or eloquently written memoir, it’s a heartwarming look into the personal life of Yankees great Paul O’Neill. Really makes you feel like O’Neill is your friend, and humanizes athletes

[Mary Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It is not only about baseball, but a loving relationship between father and son

[Rob Lentini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to confuse Paulie for Shakespeare here but nice read about his life and how he connected with his dad through baseball

[Scott Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul O'Neill gives us a look to his childhood, growing up with his brother's influence, but more so how his dad impacted his baseball life. O'Neill gets personal as he reveals the ups and downs of growing up in an athletic family and how he leaned on his dad through the years. A good read, especially if you are a Yankee fan!

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Dad and me is a great book about baseball. The book is a story of Paul O’Neill’s life growing up through baseball and his making it up to the big leagues. As Paul moves up he has games where he gets so mad that he beats up multiple water-coolers but his dad is right there to see the bright side in any bad day.
In Ohio, Paul grows-up with 7 brothers and 1 sister. After Paul makes the Cincinnati Red’s team and helps them to a playoff appearance he is traded to the New York Yankees and he is devastated, but his dad finds the bright side saying that “This will be the best thing that ever happened to you!” After Paul wins his first world series he thinks that his dad may be right.
I liked this book because it had really good baseball action and a great story of Paul’s life. I also loved the bonds described between him and other Yankees. I think that the people who would like this book is people who like baseball action and a touch of sadness. Over all I give this book 4 ¾ stars because the story was so well written and really showed the relationship between Paul and his dad.

[Don Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was turned on to this book by a guy who grew up down the street form the O'Neills. He knew I was a big Yankees fan and thought I would like it. He was right. It is a very touching book from the relationship point of view. Well written, with lots of baseball nuggets and not too mych ego or attitude involved. Paul O'Neill is very gracious to the players and others he liked, and doesn't spend any time dissing anyone. Not your prima donna jock at all. I enjoyed this little book a great deal. It isn't great literature, but it never made a pretense of trying to either. I mean, this guy has 5, that's right, 5 world series rings. He is the real deal, and seems like a really good guy as well.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a New York Yankee fan, I always applauded how Paul O'Neil played the game. He would do what it took to help his team win the game. It may have been a clutch hit, a great defensive play, a wise base running decision, or an 11 pitch at bat to draw a walk. Paul O'Neil played the game the way it is meant to be played.
I like how this book is a dedication to his father, who taught and instilled the values and the mindset on how to play the game of baseball as well as the game of life.
Anybody who grew up in the back yard playing catch with their dad will love this book.

[Jessalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book held much meaning for me. It connects me to my Daddio more than I could have dreamed. Paul O'Neill being my favorite Yankee player, and finding this book on Father's Day a few months after my Dad's passing. And more so..knowing that I once gave him this book, and the song my Dad requested for his funeral was one of the song's Paul came to bat at. I advise this book for all those who are Yankee fans and have a strong bond with their father or parent over baseball.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's face it, Paul O'Neill is not a writer. He is an athlete. If you loved watching him play ball and get fired up, then you might like to read the personal account of his lifefrom as told by a blue collar kinda guy.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being one of my all-time least favorite Yankees (or better said, most disliked Yankees), I did enjoy this book. I now have at least one positive thing to say about Paul O'Neil, he had a great relationship with his dad.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul O'Neill will forever be my favorite Yankee. :) I'll read and listen to anything hes got to share with the world. I have yet to find a ballplayer that played with as much intense passion as he did.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's just a great story of Yankee legend Paul ONeill and the respect and admiration that he had for his father. Very inspiring and down to earth. Lots of fun baseball stories. Of course, a MUST for any Yankee fan!

[Sandina M. Popper · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the heart

Well you written and filled with many personal and professional memories that give insights into thev Warrior. I always respected Paulie, even more so now. Thank you for sharing

[Miked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for the baseball lover even if you're not a Yankee fan or Paul O'Neill fan.
Paully, aka, "The Warrior" is #21 on your scorecards, but #1 in your hearts.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this book because I can relate to it and I'm a big Yankes fan. I suggest this book to any Baseball fan or Yankees fan.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great bond between father and son! A fine example of a good loving family. If you love baseball this is a good read!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Paul O'Neill!

[Rick Dikeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unbalanced memories of O'Neill's career. Riding the Yankees' bandwagon, he forgets that he spent five and a half years and won a World Series in Cincinnati first.