Clearing the Bases - by Mike Schmidt & Glen Waggoner (Paperback)

About the Book

From one of baseball's most respected names comes a passionate and provocative evaluation of the state of the game. 8-page photo insert.

From the Back Cover

Clearing the Bases is a much-needed call to arms by one of baseball's most respected players. Drawing on his experiences as a third baseman, a manager, and, most recently, a fan, Mike Schmidt takes on everything from skyrocketing payrolls, callous owners, and unapproachable players to inflated statistics, and, of course, ersatz home run kings.

But Schmidt's book goes beyond the Balco investigation and never-ending free-agent bonanzas that dominate the back pages. It also examines all that's right with our national pastime, including interleague play, expansion, and, most surprisingly, better all-around hitters. Riveting, wise, and illuminating, Clearing the Bases is a hall of famer's look at how Major League Baseball has lost its way and how it can head back home.

Review Quotes

"A must-read for any fan who cares about the game." - Joe Morgan
"Mike Schmidt has written the truth about today's game, its issues, its players, and me--and his insights on what's gone wrong with baseball and how to fix it are right on the mark." - Pete Rose
"Clearing the Bases makes solid contact on the challenges baseball faces and takes a hard look at what needs to be done. I truly enjoyed it. So will you." - George Brett
The peerless third baseman's honest examination of his own career in particular and of major league baseball in general. - Library Journal
Sharp and thought-provoking... A fine self-portrait of a player who [has] thought it all out and now wants to have good reason to love the game. - Philadelphia Inquirer