Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve - Softcover

"This is not your ordinary book about America's pastime. Dave dissects every aspect of baseball to reveal a lot of unanswered questions about what is hurting the game. This book is not only for the avid baseball fan but for everyone!" -- Torii Hunter "Dave Winfield's genuine concern for the game he played so well and loves so much is evident on every page. Along the way he makes telling points and offers valuable suggestions for baseball's future." -- Bob Costas "Only a former ballplayer who possesses the astute ability to look beyond race, power, and money in confronting the long-term issues that are certain to continue to plague baseball could have written "Dropping the Ball." Dave Winfield is such a former player. He offers up a solution in his Baseball United plan -- a plan in which we can all, in some way, contribute, thereby guaranteeing that baseball forever remains America's favorite pastime!" -- George M. Steinbrenner III "This is a must-read book and one that I feel has something for everyone." -- Hank Aaron "Dave is not only a Hall of Fame baseball player but a Hall of Fame human being who deeply loves the game of baseball." -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson "Fueled by his love for baseball, Dave has some great ideas for strengthening it and reengaging African Americans in the game." -- Sharon Robinson, author and educational consultant, MLB "Dave has always shown great respect for the history of the game and concern for the game's future. He has done a great job of combining the two. When Dave speaks, I listen." -- Joe Morgan

Baseball is in trouble. Yes, revenue has never been higher, attendance has never been better, and baseball has never had a stronger international presence. But the game has rarely faced more significant problems: Steroid scandals, management-labor rifts, self-centered superstars, a dramatic decline in the number of African American players and fans, constraints on youth baseball fields and resources, and competition from other sports and entertainment options all threaten the foundations of our national pastime. Dave Winfield knows and loves the game and he believes baseball can be rescued and revitalized. A respected role model and ambassador of the sport, Winfield outlines his strategy for making baseball the game he knows it can be: inclusive, empowering, and entertaining. He focuses on how to make the game more fan-friendly, and especially how to reach out to the African American community. From the commissioner's office to the kids on the street, Winfield examines the game from every perspective, offering ideas and solutions for diversifying front offices; marketing the game; developing community-based programs; and working out fair, creative, and lucrative parameters for the business of baseball. "Making the Play" inspires readers to get out of the armchair and into the action.