Skipper

Why Baseball Managers Matter and Always Will

By: Scott Miller

Narrated by: Bob Souer

From the award-winning baseball writer and coauthor of Ninety Percent Mental, an unprecedented look at the job of Major League Baseball managers—showing how they shape the game, and how the ever-changing game shapes them.

Skipper takes on an ambitious Moneyball-esque premise: a deep dive into the ongoing struggle for control that often takes place behind the scenes between Major League Baseball managers and the ownership groups, and now, their data analysts. In a culture still attempting to come to terms with the Digital Age, there’s a bigger story behind the evolution of authority of managing inside the major leagues.

Packed with baseball history, interviews with dozens of MLB's current stars and veterans, and an exclusive, inside look at the day-to-day life of manager LA Dodgers’ Dave Roberts, Skipper is a fascinating look into the highs, the lows, and the inner workings of the changing world of professional baseball.

Critic reviews

“Skipper is one of the best baseball books in years, but it’s really much more—a lively look at leadership in a public pressure cooker. Scott Miller, one of baseball’s most gifted and trusted reporters, goes far beyond the press conference to reveal the humanity in a job that everyone thinks they can handle, but few truly understand.”—Tyler Kepner, author of K and The Grandest Stage

“This captivating narrative takes readers behind the scenes, revealing the heart and soul of the sport we all love. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this book invites you to discover how the spirit of the game endures through the ages.”—Torii Hunter, five-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner

“Skipper addresses an important but sometimes overlooked topic—the impact of technology on the evolution of the baseball manager. Scott Miller makes a powerful case for why managers remain vital, but in different ways than before. Former Yankees manager Joe Torre once told GM Brian Cashman, ‘Don’t forget that this game has a heartbeat.’ Skipper is a lively and richly detailed reminder, superbly crafted by Miller.”—Ken Rosenthal, senior baseball writer, The Athletic

“Baseball Gold from a Baseball Guy. From Billy Martin and Earl Weaver to Alex Cora and Kevin Cash, Scott Miller takes you into the dugout and clubhouse. I read Skipper from cover to cover in one sitting and when I finally put it down, I expected to see sunflower seeds on the floor of my den.”—Dan Shaughnessy, author of Francona and The Curse of the Bambino

“Skipper is filled with anecdote after anecdote around the most notable in-game decisions over the last half-century, with the managers telling the readers about all the complications that framed their choices. The excellent and comprehensive work is not surprising to me, after watching Scott Miller extract details from big-league All-Stars over his remarkable career. In this era when narrative-bending is exchanged for access, Scott is an outlier: He seeks the truth in every situation.”—Buster Olney, author of The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty

“Scott Miller has always been one of the best and most insightful baseball writers in America. But this might be his finest work, because Skipper is the definitive book on the complicated, new-age world of modern managing. Reading it, I felt just the way I did when I read Moneyball. We were all pretty sure we knew what baseball and baseball managers have always looked like. And this isn’t it! Once you’ve read Skipper, you’ll understand exactly why.”—Jayson Stark, senior baseball writer, The Athletic

Baseball writing at its best

I’ve been a fan of Scott Miller’s baseball writing for years — he’s the best of the best as far as I’m concerned — but he’s outdone himself with his latest book, “Skipper.” (Btw, not sure why an earlier reviewer said the audio version cut off early. Mine was perfect.) The book is a fascinating deep dive into the role of the often misunderstood, always changing, under appreciated baseball manager. Miller spends time with the top names in the sport and comes away with anecdotes and insights that shine a bright light on what it really means to be a manager — and why baseball still needs them. The book is intriguing, lots of fun, and a total pleasure for anyone with a soft spot for the game.

A Grand Slam for Baseball Lovers

Scott Miller knocked it out of the park! With warmth, wit, and insider stories, Miller brings to life the often-overlooked brilliance of baseball managers—their strategy, heart, and quirks. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this book makes you appreciate the chess game behind the crack of the bat. Light, thoughtful, and full of dugout charm. A must-read for anyone who thinks managing is just about changing pitchers!

The most Unique Baseball book

There are so many books out there about baseball. There are very few about managers in general and this book is as complete as can be. excellently written, and very enjoyable to listen to. I am just so upset that the author passed away shortly after this release.

poor production cuts off final chapters

the final chapter and the epilogue both end prematurely. I am going to try and get my credit back