Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make the Difference

In the spirit of Rick Pitino's phenomenal New York Times bestseller Success Is a Choice (more than 500,000 copies sold), living legend Cal Ripken, Jr., presents an inspiring guide to overcoming any challenge and building a life you love.

Publishers Weekly

Athletic superstar Ripken (Play Baseball the Ripken Way) turns the often pro-forma business/personal management guidebook into a well-written combination autobiography and inspirational self-help book. During his long career with the Baltimore Orioles, Ripken broke numerous baseball records, including New York Yankee Lou Gehrig's record for most consecutive games played, and he was recently voted into the Hall of Fame at his first opportunity. Unlike Ripken's other autobiographical books on baseball, this one begins with a contemplation of Gehrig's famed work ethic (maintained even after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and analyzing "the many parallels in our careers and how similarly he and I approached our jobs." Ripken breaks down Gehrig-style perseverance "steadfastness, hanging in there in the face of difficulty, overcoming obstacles" into eight elements, each with its own chapter: "The Right Values," "A Strong Will to Succeed," "Love What You Do, "Preparation," "Anticipation, "Trusting Relationships," "Life Management" and "The Courage of Your Convictions." Many of his observations border on the clichéd ("Straight shooters get more work, are appreciated more, and are almost always respected"). But overall the book's essential message "If you enjoy the journey, you're going to be more involved. And then you'll always be in the game" is illuminating even to those who aren't baseball fans. (Apr. 10)

Cal Ripken, Jr., baseball's “Iron Man,” has amassed more than three thousand hits and four hundred home runs—one of only eight players in the history of Major League Baseball to do so. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1982, voted Most Valuable Player twice (1983 and 1991), and played in nineteen All Star Games (twice named game MVP, in 1991 and 2001). He is currently president and CEO of the Ripken Baseball Group. His previous books include The Only Way I Know, Play Baseball the Ripken Way, and Parenting Young Athletes the Ripken Way.
Donald T. Phillips is the bestselling author of eighteen books, including Lincoln on Leadership and On the Wing of Speed. He has also collaborated on books with Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K of Duke University), Phil Mickelson, Rudy Ruettiger, and Greg Norman.