dsheffield206's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
eely225's review against another edition
4.0
Fans of baseball cannot help but hear about the fly ball/ home run/ launch angle revolution over the last five seasons. Batters have increasingly retooled their swings to focus on uppercut motion, matching the plane of the ball's approach, and keeping the bat in the strike zone longer. This book explains some of those responsible for that shift.
If that seems a little niche, it is. The book is for fans of the game who want to understand a phenomenon that is ubiquitous but simultaneously hard to see unless you're looking for it.
The text is very readable and the narrative aspect keeps things moving. There is a lot of overlap between the stories and philosophies of the coaches profiled, so they sometimes can blend together. But ultimately, it is less about the innovators themselves and more about the process of innovation into an industry that doesn't want you. Also, the author subjecting himself to a similar training regimen was a good way to tie together the disparate coaching tips in the book, and I loved the epilogue.
The book probably could have been 50 pages shorter as much of the information and stories tend to run together. Sometimes it feels like there are anecdotes there just for the sake of being anecdotes without adding to the arguments.
Overall, if you're someone who has wondered about the surging home run rates in MLB since 2015, you won't regret the read.
If that seems a little niche, it is. The book is for fans of the game who want to understand a phenomenon that is ubiquitous but simultaneously hard to see unless you're looking for it.
The text is very readable and the narrative aspect keeps things moving. There is a lot of overlap between the stories and philosophies of the coaches profiled, so they sometimes can blend together. But ultimately, it is less about the innovators themselves and more about the process of innovation into an industry that doesn't want you. Also, the author subjecting himself to a similar training regimen was a good way to tie together the disparate coaching tips in the book, and I loved the epilogue.
The book probably could have been 50 pages shorter as much of the information and stories tend to run together. Sometimes it feels like there are anecdotes there just for the sake of being anecdotes without adding to the arguments.
Overall, if you're someone who has wondered about the surging home run rates in MLB since 2015, you won't regret the read.
garbageboy766's review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love with baseball only two years ago after attending my first ever Dodgers game. Jared Diamond's writing in the Wall Street Journal was one of my main sources of reading material while I scoured the Internet trying to feed my new fascination; he has the deep understanding and knowledge of the sport and the culture I wish I had and is able to diffuse it in such an approachable way that someone like me with no head for stats is still able to follow along and enjoy. I loved this book and loved Diamond's ability to incorporate so many touchstones and personal stories into a narrative of rebels and outsiders taking risks and ultimately changing the game forever, even when the establishment worked its hardest to reject them. If you liked Moneyball you'll love this book!
puzzlebound's review against another edition
3.0
It was fine. I enjoyed learning about the hitting consultants and the influence they have. Still can't really understand how all these people were operating outside of MLB while these organizations with millions of dollars at their disposal were so far behind.
More...