The Dad Coach - by Mike Matheny (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The New York Times bestselling author of The Matheny Manifesto offers the definitive guide to coaching youth baseball and instilling positive values on and off the field.

Long before he became manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals, Mike Matheny grasped the core values of what really mattered when it came to playing baseball. It wasn't attention from fans or the trophy at the end of a season that guided his morals, but the hard-won discipline, labor, and humility that he incorporated into every game he played. Now, in The Dad Coach, Matheny puts his philosophy into action and provides a step-by-step template for coaches and parents to develop solid fundamentals and a strong sense of character in their players, including:

- Age-specific drills and exercises to develop skills, along with practice plans to help young ballplayers improve
- Game preparation and evaluation techniques to help coaches stay on track and keep kids engaged
- Advice on making coaching a meaningful experience and investment of time
- More than seventy QR codes leading to instructional videos featuring Matheny and other Dad Coach advocates

Drawing on Matheny's playing and coaching expertise at every level of the game, The Dad Coach is an engaging and essential resource for anyone, regardless of experience, who wants to coach their players to success in baseball and life.

Review Quotes

"I wish every coach, at every level of the game, would read The Dad Coach. Mike Matheny sees life and the game pretty much the same way, and applying this book will definitely improve you and your players on and off the field. It has helped me solidify my coaching style."--Willie McGee, four-time Major League Baseball All-Star, World Series champion, assistant coach, St. Louis Cardinals

"There are few men who care more about the game of baseball and how it's played than Mike Matheny. The Dad Coach is a valuable resource for players, parents, and coaches, and it's packed with great advice from some of the game's most respected names. A page-turner for anyone who strives to play the game the right way--with passion and respect."--Jim Thome, five-time Major League Baseball All-Star

"I would endorse anything Mike Matheny writes because he's been such an incredible mentor. He's not only a great man but also a brilliant teacher of baseball with the mindset to go along with the skill. My time with Mike benefited both my faith and my baseball career. I'd like to invite you into a similar experience."--Matt Holliday, seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star, World Series Champion

"I have witnessed, firsthand, Mike's respect for and commitment to those entrusted to his care in baseball and in life. You will see that same passion in this book. In typical Mike fashion, The Dad Coach is as much about character building as it is about skill building. It is a great read for those dads leaning in to help with young players."--John Mabry, retired baseball outfielder and analyst

"Mike Matheny is a born leader, and if you're not blessed to have him as a coach and mentor, then The Dad Coach is the next best thing. His first book, The Matheny Manifesto, was a tremendous guide for all to follow in baseball and in life. The Dad Coach is an amazing read and illustrates what it takes to be the ultimate competitor. The lessons and the stories can help any player approach how the game should be played. Mike does everything with passion and class, and that's the perfect reflection of who he is."--John Boggs, baseball agent

About the Author

Mike Matheny is the author of The Matheny Manifesto, played thirteen years as a catcher for four Major League teams, won four Gold Gloves, and holds the MLB record for most consecutive chances at the position without an error. He was the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals for six seasons--leading the Cardinals to the postseason in each of his first four campaigns and winning the National League pennant in 2013--and the Kansas City Royals for three seasons. He has appeared on Fresh Air, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and more.

Jerry B. Jenkins is the author of twenty New York Times bestsellers. His writing has appeared in Time, Reader's Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals.