Book SummaryA Damn Near Perfect Game, by Joe Kelly

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of A Damn Near Perfect Game

The Personal and Emotional Impact of Baseball

Baseball Shapes Lives by Inspiring, Delighting, and Giving Purpose

Baseball Evokes Emotions, Creating Lasting Memories That Impact Lives

Kelly argues that the sport of baseball has a unique ability to elicit a wide range of emotions and create lasting memories that impact people's lives, both on and off the field. He emphasizes that baseball goes beyond being about statistics and strategy; it's a source of passion, excitement, and profound life lessons. The author says that a few of baseball's most unforgettable moments stem from the unexpected bursts of emotion that occur during games, like a perfectly executed pitch, a dramatic home run, or a game-winning catch. These moments create a sense of shared joy, heartbreak, and excitement that binds athletes and spectators together, forming a lasting emotional connection to the sport.

Kelly cites his own experiences to illustrate how baseball can evoke powerful emotions. He describes the adrenaline rush he felt after striking out the final batter in the sixth game of the 2018 World Series, exclaiming "Fuck, yeah!" as he exited the pitching mound. Similarly, the author recounts the intense feelings of anger and frustration he experienced while facing the Houston Astros, a group he and his team believed had unfairly achieved a championship victory. Kelly argues that these experiences showcase baseball's raw and unfiltered emotional impact. He believes these experiences transcend the boundaries of the diamond and shape individuals' character and outlook on life.

Practical Tips

• Create a 'Baseball Moments' photo album or digital slideshow that pairs powerful images from baseball with quotes or lessons they inspire in you. Attend local games or watch broadcasts and capture shots that resonate with you, such as a tense pitcher-batter standoff or a victorious team celebration. Pair these images with captions that reflect the excitement, passion, or life lessons you draw from them. This visual diary can serve as a reminder of the profound impact baseball has on your emotions and life perspectives.
• Create a scrapbook of your own memorable moments by capturing spontaneous reactions during family games or gatherings. Use a polaroid camera or your phone to take instant photos when emotions run high – whether it's during a board game, a family sports match, or when someone tells a great joke. This will help you preserve and relive the unexpected bursts of joy and surprise that make memories stick.
• Start a sports-themed book club where each month's read is an athlete's biography or a book on sports psychology. By discussing the emotional highs and lows of the athletes' journeys, you'll connect with fellow readers on a deeper level, mirroring the shared experiences of athletes and spectators.
• Use the adrenaline and emotions from baseball as a catalyst for physical exercise. Create a workout routine that incorporates baseball-related activities, such as sprinting bases, practicing swings, or throwing exercises. The physical exertion can be a healthy way to process the intense emotions and improve your fitness at the same time.

The Author's Journey With Baseball, Overcoming Obstacles, and Rediscovering Passion Shows How the Game Shapes Character and Outlook

Growing up, Kelly used the sport as an escape from the difficulties at home, like his parents' divorce and his father's alcoholism. The sport provided him with a sense of control and purpose during a turbulent time, but at a young age, he experienced burnout from the demanding practice schedule and the pressure he felt to succeed. Kelly decided to step away from baseball during high school, prioritizing other interests and rediscovering his passion for the game on his own terms. This decision, he emphasizes, was crucial for his development as both an athlete and a person.

When Kelly returned to baseball, his passion for it was stronger than ever, fueled by a renewed sense of appreciation for the sport's challenges, camaraderie, and unique ability to mirror the ups and downs of life. He learned valuable lessons about perseverance, humility, and the importance of diligence. Through these experiences, Kelly found that the sport shaped his character and provided him with a framework for navigating life's complexities both inside and outside the sport.

Practical Tips

• Create a 'distraction box' filled with items related to an interest that can serve as a quick mental escape. Whenever you're feeling overwhelmed, pull something from the box to help shift your focus and give you a brief respite. This could include puzzle books, a sketch pad, a novel, or even a small craft kit.
• Create a personal project with clear goals and milestones that you...

A Damn Near Perfect Game Summary The Team Dynamics and Relationships Within the Sport

Baseball Clubhouses' Unique, Eclectic, and Unconventional Nature Fosters Strong Bonds and Dynamics Among Teammates

Diverse Backgrounds, Personalities, and Experiences in Baseball Offer Learning Opportunities and Camaraderie

Kelly believes that the diversity found in a baseball team's clubhouse, with players hailing from different countries, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds, creates a unique and enriching environment. This blend of perspectives and experiences offers valuable learning opportunities, fostering empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for individual differences. While acknowledging that having a diverse array of personalities can occasionally lead to friction, the author believes it ultimately strengthens the bonds between teammates.

Kelly argues that the close proximity and intense shared experiences foster a brotherly connection and forge lifelong friendships. He recounts how he initially felt intimidated by veteran players such as Molina, Berkman, and Wainwright, but over time, learned from their professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the sport. Kelly also emphasizes how vital breaking down barriers and creating a welcoming...

A Damn Near Perfect Game Summary Baseball Business Management and Growing the Sport's Popularity

Key Challenge: Balancing Baseball as Both Sport and Business

Commissioner's Balance of Commercial and Competitive Aspects Crucial

The author highlights a quote by Phil Wrigley, the former owner of the Chicago Cubs, stating that the game is as much a sport as it is a business. Kelly argues this quote highlights a key challenge for the sport: striking a balance between its sporting and commercial aspects. He contends that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's primary responsibility is achieving this balance, maintaining the integrity and beauty of the game while also driving its financial success and appeal to a wider audience.

Kelly criticizes what he sees as a disconnect between MLB executives and players, pointing to situations where he felt players were treated like commodities rather than individuals. He cites instances when MLB made decisions based on appearances and protecting its brand image, rather than considering athletes' perspectives or the nuances of particular situations. However, after meeting Manfred, Kelly expresses a more optimistic viewpoint, recognizing the Commissioner's genuine desire to improve the game and address players' concerns. He acknowledges...

A Damn Near Perfect Game Summary Game Evolution, Challenges, and Lessons

Data-Driven Decision-Making's Impact on Baseball

Shift From Traditional Roles & Strategies Diminishes Starting Pitchers' Importance, Impacting Game Dynamics & Entertainment Value

Kelly shares his concerns about how data-driven decision-making has affected baseball, particularly the shift away from traditional roles and strategies, diminishing the importance of starting pitchers and potentially impacting the game's overall entertainment value. He acknowledges that data analysis does offer valuable insights, but argues that over-reliance on statistics can lead to a less dynamic and engaging game, focusing primarily on run prevention rather than offensive fireworks.

Kelly criticizes decisions based solely on optimizing for "wins" and maximizing run prevention, resulting in a style of play that frequently results in fewer exciting plays, less strategy, and fewer opportunities for starting hurlers to showcase their skills and endurance. He longs for a time when teams revolved around dominant starters, showcasing their repertoire and captivating audiences with their stamina and competitive drive. Kelly believes that finding the right balance between data-driven insights...