Built to Win: Inside Stories and Leadership Strategies from Baseball's Winningest GM

by John Schuerholz, Larry Guest

He lost two Cy Young winners in two years, signed a 47-year-old to be his starting first baseman, played 17 rookies in 2005, and still took his team to the playoffs. Baseball is John Schuerholz's world--everyone is just playing in it. Now, in BUILT TO WIN, the legendary manager takes readers behind the scenes of the most successful franchise in recent history--and shows how his unique philosophies and leadership have helped the Atlanta Braves achieve something no team has ever come close to accomplishing. He candidly peels back the curtain, from his first World Series with the Kansas City Royals to his departure for the struggling Braves. No sooner did Schuerholz arrive than they won their first title in 1991...and the rest is history.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Leadership, Reference, Business

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 2, 2006

Reviews

[Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stuff from a baseball traditionalist, a natural leader, and a winner. There were important insights about changing the culture of the Atlanta Braves organization, starting out with changing the body language of the entire staff to project more confidence. Also important was his showing empathy to Tom Glavine when Glavine had to choose between staying in Atlanta, where he felt home, and bolting for the Mets and more money. Schuerholz shared with Glavine his experience in choosing between staying with the Royals or going to the Braves.

I originally bought the book just to read the chapter where he counters the Moneyball revolution. His argument was non-sequitir and flawed. But then when I read the book The Sabermetric Revolution: Assessing the Growth of Analytics in Baseball, they said that although the Atlanta Braves do not have a high analytics intensity, they had very smart people on their staff. So I read the whole book.

[Jay Rain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating - 5

A horrible read that is full of redundancies & the same braggadacio statements - even when there is an error, he is quick to remove his culpability; Diminishes the impressiveness of 14 straight div titles

Only interesting tidbits were the Barry Bonds trade & the following statement "Only mediocre men are always at their best" - typical sports leadership content but better portrayed in Patriot Reign

[Cary Kostka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I anticipated that this would delve into the brains of one of the great baseball architects, and I was not disappointed. This is a fantastic look behind the scenes into the day-to-day operations of an MLB team, as well as the intricacies of contract negotiation and player management. He hits on all aspects of the game, including the philosophies and mistakes made in putting together a historic run of success. This is a must read for any baseball fan.

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good baseball book but it falls short of my expectations. As a Braves fan it has some good insight into their long run of winning teams, operating differently than the money ball model (but not rejecting the information) and surprisingly short on much of the joy and suspense of their winning teams. If you want more of the baseball for the Braves run Bill Shanks book is a better option. If you want insight into how a Hall of Fame GM works and thinks, this is a great book.

[Justin Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any braves fan to read. John gives very good inside into leadership principles and what made him successful. I really enjoyed the chapters on breaking down the Day-to-day negotiations on signing a player to a contract as well as the chapters on dealing with adversity. I was a teenager when the John rock or scandal broke out and hearing the behind the scenes on how they dealt with that was very interesting. I have a recommend this book.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and inspiring account of the Hall of Fame general manager of two unlikely but extremely successful Major League Baseball teams. Behind the scenes insight on some of the best and worst trades of the franchises, the keys to overseeing a thriving team off the field, as well as some fun stories of his fifty year old career in baseball.

[Zach Koenig · Rating 1 out of 5]

As I began reading this book, I figured that it would explain the inside stories of how the Atlanta Braves were so successful from 1991-2005. The book tries to do this, but does so in completely the wrong fashion, making it an incredibly boring read.

Instead of describing the interesting deals/performances/stories that likely characterized those classic Braves teams, John Schuerholz instead spews out little more than inspirational quotes and philosophical points of view that, though they may contribute to his success, are unique to him and thus not inherently interesting. Schuerholz is trying to lay out the "basic mindset" of a winning GM, but what he doesn't realize is that each GM/organization (even the winning ones) goes through different methods of building a good team.

The book begins with a little story about how Barry Bonds nearly became an Atlanta Brave, then trails off into an unnecessarily harsh criticism of Oakland GM Billy Beane's "Moneyball" philosophy (stupid due to the fact that Beane has had just as much success with the model as Schuerholz) and finally descends into little more than Schuerholz spouting quotes about "winning" for the next 100-200 pages. There is no context to the stories told in the book. In fact, I found the only interesting part of the entire book to be the last 10 or so pages, where each Braves team (from 1991-2005) is given a quick summary. Had the entire book been about that, I would be giving it a much better review!

Thus, please DO NOT begin reading this book if you are expecting great Braves baseball stories. You will likely enjoy this book much more than I if you are into inspirational memoirs, but otherwise stay away.

[Alan Fowler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bland. Uninteresting insight. If you are not a Braves fan, you'd hate. If you are a Braves fan, you'd probably be disappointed, like this fan is.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The answer to Moneyball, future Hall-of-Famer Schuerholz knows that analytics only tell half the story, and the HUMINT provided by a great infrastructure of scouts and executives in the baseball department is equally indispensable.

Ironically, this would be a better business book if the author did focus more on performance metrics. Numbers on the handling of television contracts would also tell us whether Schuerholz' strategies could apply beyond baseball. The Braves rose on the back of Turner Broadcasting's unique national coverage, but that competitive advantage wasn't built to last. The subsequent deals secured by his former corporate masters were not favorable. Where the author does get it right is hiring the right people, and creating an atmosphere for them to thrive. And thrive they did!

The famously discreet Braves leader predictably divulges little when it comes to inside scoop on aquisitions contemplated but never consummated, or about the PED mess. This isn't a tell-all.

I wish there was more on balancing year-to-year goals against long term success. The dynasty gradually declined after raising an astonishing five pennants in the 1990's. Was Time-Warner too keen on seasonal success and the fiscal year ahead after they took bought the team which Ted Turner's entrepreneurship financed?

Most honest and controversial was the blunt assessment of Scott Boras' contribution to baseball, and the warnings about what escalating player salary costs are doing to the game. The Braves have been disciplined spenders for quite some time. I don't know if other businesses could benefit from Schuerholz' strategies, but I'm certain the federal government could. Senator Schuerholz, anyone?

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Obnoxious Braves GM. To be honest, I only read about half before I realized that his entire strategy for winning was based on hometown discounts and the fact that the Atlanta Braves monopolize a large southern market. I'm not sure he even understood that attracting players who were undervalued in the early 90s was no longer successful after pitching became more expensive. It's possible that he didn't want to tip his hand, and clearly he built a 13-year division winner, but it seemed like he was out of ideas that others weren't doing already by the time he wrote this book.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book. I've been a loyal Braves fan since 1990, before their period of success. This book details greatly how Schuerholz acquired his position of GM with Braves, handled this position for years and helped shape the Braves franchise successfully with assistance from others. It also explains greatly his success with the Royals, Orioles and life in general. I highly suggest this books for Braves fans, baseball fans in general or anyone in a leadership position in life or business. Happy reading!

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Schuerholz does a great job of talking about some crucial experiences during his time as GM of the Atlanta Braves. Folks may criticize his colloquial style of writing, but I definitely feels it shows his relatability. He seems to have good character and always puts the organization first no matter what. I recommend it to anyone interested in sports, the Atlanta Braves, or baseball in general.

[Chuck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generously give this book a 2 star rating. The story is a good story but it could have been much better with a different co-writer. The writing was very uneven and choppy, going from one area to another and back to the the first idea. The chapters in the book were not organized to stick with the theme and it actually got annoying to read. I liked the story that John Schuerholz was trying to tell but the writing took to much away from the book for me to enjoy.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential book for aspiring baseball front office personnel. Schuerholz's first hand accounts of his negotiations and biggest challenges as GM of the Atlanta Braves provide unparalleled insight into the workings of MLB front office management. Schuerholz provides the detailed progression of thought that drove his decision making. His success-laden résumé speaks for his strategies and thought processes.

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice survey of the Atlanta Braves success since 1992. A bit repetitious, likely caused by the author dictating to his supporting author (Larry Guest).

[Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been an Atlanta Braves fans since I could remember. Need I say more? Thanks Mr. Schuerholz for giving this Braves fan insight on how you built the team of the 90's.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must for any Braves fan. This book like Moneyball gives great insight into the running of a MLB team.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good insight on the Braves 14 straight Division titles - was not written very well, not poorly....still a baseball fan should definitely read.

[Mitsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this. I would work for him, or someone like him, anytime. He inspires me to want to be better, learn something every day, and work hard always.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

The baseball stories were readable but the management tips and constant referral (and justifications) to multiple division titles with only one championship were pretty dull.

[WBJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insight into the personality of Schuerholz and the Braves