Mike Schmidt: The Phillies' Legendary Slugger

by Rob Maaddi, Jayson Stark (Foreword)

The first comprehensive biography of this Philadelphia Phillies’ icon, this book provides fans a detailed look into the life of legendary third baseman and feared slugger Mike Schmidt. Schmidt was not always a fan favorite—he was somewhat misunderstood and seen as standoffish by many fans who referred to him as “Mr. Cool.” Author Rob Maaddi dispels the myths by transporting readers back to key events in Schmidt’s life and Hall of Fame career that make him come alive and help to create an understanding of the hardworking ballplayer he really was. The book not only uncovers the real man behind the remarkable numbers, but also allows fans to relive the most memorable moments from Schmidt’s legendary career including his 500th career home run and the 1980 World Series victory. It also delves into his close relationships with teammates like Pete Rose, Dick Allen, and Garry Maddox. This satisfying portrait of one of the games’ most celebrated players is one that baseball fans of all ages will not want to be without and will cherish for years to come.

Genres: Baseball, Biography, Sports

239 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book very informative. My favorite Phillies player #20

[jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

the greatest third baseman in baseball history is surely deserving of a more introspective and comprehensive biography than this one. rob maaddi's book is interesting at times, but reads mostly like a synthesis of culled newspaper articles and interviews. there is little insight into michael jack beyond the cursory and expected.

as much a family man as a baseball loyalist, schmidt eschewed the superstardom that complicated many a fellow ballplayer's career. content to let his athletic talent speak for itself, schmidt was a humble, candid individual. unselfish and team-oriented, schmidt was truly a role model if ever an athlete was one. despite the complicated love/hate relationship most phillies fans had with the hall-of-famer, schmidt always presented himself with dignity and aplomb. in an era of nine-figure contracts, soaring payrolls, ongoing steriod abuse, and the perennially ridiculous designated hitter rule, it's a shame there aren't more players with character like the one mike schmidt possessed in abundance.

i still cannot view the following 45-second video without recalling the sad confusion that marked my watching it live as a ten-year-old boy. it still prompts tears over two decades later:
schmitty retires

GO PHILS!

[Tom Gase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Schmidt's autobiography that came out was so freaking bad that I didn't hold much expectation for this one, but it was really good! The author Rob Maaddi does a good job of talking not only about the big games and seasons for Schmidt, but also his on-off relationship with the Philadelphia fans during this time. A good portion of the book is on the late 1970 and early 1980's team - including Schmidt's 1980 and 1983 years where he made the World Series. Good stuff on the Phillies icon.

[Danielle]

Review.

[Holly Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this was an enjoyable read as a Phillies fan, I can't help but be a bit disappointed by Rob Maadi's book. To be fair, I knew nothing of the book other than its title before picking it up so my expectations could have been offline. But too often, the narrative goes on tangents. Several times I found myself thinking, wait a minute, the last 5 paragraphs had nothing to do with Mike Schmidt. This is just general Phillies or baseball information. I'm glad I read this. It had plenty of facts and quotes by and about Mike Schmidt. But if you are not a Phillies fan, you don't need to read this. If you're looking for a great book about Mike Schmidt, this isn't it.