Darling, Ron with Daniel Paisner
The Complete Game: Reflections on Baseball and the Art of Pitching
Vintage see Random 2009 272p 15.00
978-0-307-39058-5 hs/adult VG
Darling describes the highs and lows of baseball through the eyes of a pitcher. Any baseball fan, in particular those who have pitched a game, will find insight into the strategies of pitchers, their mindset, their fears and triumphs. For grades 8 and up. Any baseball fan will enjoy this up close and personal look at the game of baseball from a pitcher’s perspective. An easy read that is tough to put down, Darling provides insight into the mind, strategies, and life of a professional baseball pitcher. The book is divided into chapters starting with pre-game warm-up, followed by replays of various games from the 1980’s to 2008 in an inning to inning format, with the concluding chapter being about post game/retirement. Reflections on the differences between high school, college and professional ball show the intensity growing with each increasingly selective roster. There are laughs as he relates his rookie year after being called up to the majors from the minor league. There are the moments when he felt triumphant, even if his team did not win the game, moments when he was psyched out by an opponent, and the toughest when let go. His mentors get equal attention, whether coaches, managers or fellow teammates. Darling does not focus on the honors he achieved, but on how the game was played, how baseball affected his personal life, and how much pressure is on a pitcher since the pitcher is the one who is often given credit with winning or losing the game. A must read for any potential pitcher or fan of baseball in the 1980’s-1990’s. For high school students and adults. Recommended for public library collections and some high school libraries where baseball technique and baseball nostalgia are well received. A fantastic look at the psyche of a baseball pitcher. McNicol,Lois
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