Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve Them

by Dave Winfield, Michael Levin

HALL OF FAMER DAVE "THE GAME I LOVE IS HURTING." Revenue has never been higher, attendance has never been better, and baseball has never had a stronger international presence. Yet, with all of the prosperity, the game has rarely faced more significant problems, both in the headlines and deep within our communities. Steroid scandals, labor strife, self-centered superstars, a dramatic decline in the number of African American players and fans, constraints on Little League facilities and resources, and competition from trendier sports and entertainment options all threaten the foundations of our national pastime. Dave Winfield knows and loves the game and he believes baseball can be rescued and revitalized. In Dropping the Ball, Dave presents his compelling plan of action for saving this great game from self-destruction. A respected role model and ambassador of the sport, Winfield outlines his strategy for making baseball the game he knows it can inclusive, empowering, and entertaining. He focuses on how to make the game more fan-friendly, and especially how to reach out to the African American community. From the commissioner's office to the kids on the street, Winfield examines the game from every perspective, offering ideas and solutions for diversifying front offices; marketing the game; developing community-based programs; and working out fair, creative, and lucrative parameters for the business of baseball. Dropping the Ball inspires readers to get out of the armchair and into the action. Urbane and entertaining, this is a trenchant, thought-provoking, and uplifting analysis of what can be done -- by the baseball giants and by all who play and love the game -- to save America's national pastime for you, your kids, and your community.

Genres: Baseball, Sports

211 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kaden]

I give this book 5 stars but I would give it more if I could. I absolutely loved how he tied in all of baseball's main problems and gave everyone solutions on how to fix them. I love the sport of baseball and this gave me clarity on the struggles that baseball is facing. I don't like the prologue where he seems to complain a lot, but it was all worth it. I wish this book would've gained more popularity because from when it was written, not much has changed.

[Ike · Rating 3 out of 5]

One word = optimistic

[Daryl Grigsby]

brother Winfield shows why he was not just a great player but is a class person; makes a case for baseball to dramatically improve its image among African-Americans and young people.