Beaverball: A (Winning) Season with the M.I.T. Baseball Team

by Brooks C. Mendell

In 1993, the MIT Varsity Baseball Team - known more for its SAT scores than its batting average - won its first ever championship. How did this team, without athletic recruiting or scholarships, achieve beyond expectations? Beaverball reminds us of the impact that coaches, parents, and teachers have on developing human potential and leadership skills. If you love baseball, manage people, or want to be inspired, this book is for you.

206 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2009

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to read a book about a nerdy baseball team?

Some gems:
"The body was meant for eating, sleeping, and making love...not baseball..."
"...he slapped Coach on the butt! Coach!"

Brooks's trademark humor comes through along with powerful, humble lessons of leadership in this quiet tale of an underdog becoming a champion. There is a lot of baseball talk in here, but you get a great feel for the players, their positions, their passions, and their spirit.

This is one of the sweetest stories of leadership out there.

[Kathleen Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this. Got stuck on some of the more technical descriptions of games/games, so that was a hiccup, but minor. Mostly I loved getting to know the players, getting caught up in their excitement over their season (literally held my breath as they waited to hear about post-season opportunities), and sharing their enthusiasm for the sport.

Would recommend this for anyone who played sports growing up and wants to relive some glory days, and for teenagers who are currently playing and could use some encouragement and tips (about baseball and life).