The Matheny Manifesto

A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life

By: Mike Matheny, Jerry B. Jenkins

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

"Nothing worth doing right is easy." - Mike Matheny

Mike Matheny was just 41, without professional managerial experience and looking for a next step after a successful career as a Major League catcher, when he succeeded the legendary Tony La Russa as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012. While Matheny has enjoyed immediate success, leading the Cards to the postseason three times in his first three years, people have noticed something else about his life, something not measured in day-to-day results. Instead, it's based on a frankly worded letter he wrote to the parents of a Little League team he coached, a cry for change that became an Internet sensation and eventually a "manifesto."

The tough-love philosophy Matheny expressed in the letter contained his throwback beliefs that authority should be respected, discipline and hard work rewarded, spiritual faith cultivated, family made a priority, and humility considered a virtue. In The Matheny Manifesto, he builds on his original letter by first diagnosing the problem at the heart of youth sports - hint: it starts with parents and coaches - and then by offering a hopeful path forward. Along the way, he uses stories from his small-town childhood as well as his career as a player, coach, and manager to explore eight keys to success: leadership, confidence, teamwork, faith, class, character, toughness, and humility.

From "The Coach Is Always Right, Even When He's Wrong" to "Let Your Catcher Call the Game," Matheny's old-school advice might not always be popular or politically correct, but it works. His entertaining and deeply inspirational book will not only resonate with parents, coaches, and athletes, it will also be a powerful reminder, from one of the most successful new managers in the game, of what sports can teach us all about winning on the field and in life.

©2015 Mike Matheny (P)2015 Random House

Critic reviews

“You win, or in this case, lose, with class. With integrity. You play hard. You play smart. You respect yourself, your teammates, your opponents, and your craft. It’s a game and it should be fun. It’s a business, and those realities are there, too. But it can be more than just that. It can, at least for some, be an expression of principles…. In many ways, Matheny’s still new, but already extremely successful, tenure with the Cardinals is an ongoing example of those principles writ large.”
—From the afterword by Bob Costas

“ The Matheny Manifesto illustrates a perspective we need not only in youth sports, but in our culture as a whole. By teaching the importance of respect, character, and a team-first approach, Mike Matheny gives our kids, and those who set an example for them, a positive outlook on healthy competition—and demonstrates how the most powerful lessons of baseball apply to their futures beyond the diamond.”
—Joe Torre

“Readers agree there are ‘must read ‘ books. The Matheny Manifesto, inspired by Mike's letter is one and much more. After you read it, you ‘must consider’ and then ‘must act’ on its core principles—principles that benefit coaches, parents, success seekers, and especially young players.”
—Tony La Russa

“I once told Mike Matheny that if I ever became a big league manager, I’d want to manage just like he does. The Matheny Manifesto will show you why. Mike approaches the game as the ultimate competitor, but totally with class and dignity.”
—Orel Hershiser, Los Angleles Dodgers broadcaster, 18-year big league pitcher, Cy Young Award winner, World Series champion

“ The Matheny Manifesto is mandatory reading for coaches, parents, and athletes of every age. The book is packed with winning insights and practical advice for all to use. A powerful read!”
— Pat Williams, Orlando Magic co-founder and senior vice president

Wow! It blew me away! Life changing!

I rarely read a book twice, but this one deserves a second read. I was so impressed by the humility of the author. What a great story he has told one that needs to be told to the youth of America.

Amazing read for coaches & parents alike.

Great book for coaches & parents of young athletes. the narrator did a good job as well.

Must read if a parent or coach of youth sports

Would you consider the audio edition of The Matheny Manifesto to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Matheny Manifesto?

The first chapter which explains the manifesto.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A very common sense approach to youth sports, especially baseball. A great reminder for both parents and coaches on why kids play sports and how all involved should conduct themselves on and off the field...with class!

Any additional comments?

Mike Matheny is a Christian and not afraid to discuss his views. I do not practice a religion but found his views insightful and not overwhelming.

Should be on everyone's must read list!

This is a great book for baseball lovers AND for everybody else, too! It really provides some great values to live by!

Great book, great message to be aplied to life!!!!

Great book, great message to be aplied to life and more not just baseball.

I have asked my teams to read with their families

Great Book

A book every coach and every parent of an athlete should read. I will likely read/listen to it more than once as a reminder as to what I believe my role as a coach ought to be.

Pros & Cons

The baseball stuff is great for a volunteer youth baseball coach! He just gets a little religious & “preachy” at times.

Still a good book!

GREAT!

Matheny is a class act and a great example....., loved every minute and every word

Great book

Great read!
Awesome life lessons, great read for nearly anyone. Makes me an instant fan. Good luck cardinals and Mike

Solid approach

Refreshing "Old School" view for athletes and anyone who wants success in their worthy endeavors.