Book SummaryFull Count, by David Cone and Jack Curry

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Full Count

The complex strategies employed when a pitcher throws a baseball.

This section delves into the sophisticated tactics and methods that David Cone refined and employed throughout his notable career on the mound. The authors emphasize that mastering the fundamentals, continuously pursuing knowledge, adapting effectively, and having strategic insight are essential elements for achieving the highest levels of success in the sport of baseball.

David Cone's strategy for choosing and placing his pitches

David Cone's array of pitches extended beyond mere fastballs, encompassing varieties such as curveballs and breaking balls. David Cone's unwavering confidence in each pitch stemmed from his trust in his own instincts, thorough examination of the game, and the insights he gained while the game progressed. David Cone's method of constantly adapting and employing psychological strategies on the mound made him a challenging opponent for even the most talented hitters.

Developing proficiency in a range of pitching styles and refining their precision is essential.

Cone believed that a pitcher's continued success hinged on their ability to command an array of pitches and to deploy them with strategic precision, both inside and outside the strike zone's limits. This requires a dedication to ongoing education, encompassing the study of other pitchers' methods, experimentation with different grips and arm angles, and a deep understanding of the subtle aspects of pitching to master the art of deception and manipulate the trajectory of the ball. David Cone regarded the pitcher's hill as a personal laboratory, constantly refining his methods, even on days when he was not scheduled to pitch.

He explores the significance of his primary pitches, including the swift fastball and his distinctive curve, and also emphasizes the complex dynamics of his broad curveball, underscoring their contribution to his tactical method of outsmarting hitters. Throughout his professional journey, he consistently sought out any edge that could enhance his competitive stance, regardless of its physical presence.

Other Perspectives

• In certain game situations or against specific batters, having a go-to pitch that can be thrown with extreme confidence and precision might be more valuable than a diverse arsenal.
• The importance of precision might vary depending on the level of play; in some leagues, sheer power or speed could be more dominant factors for success than precision.
• Some might point out that the mental toughness and psychological aspects of pitching are just as essential as precision in strategy.
• The effectiveness of ongoing education is also dependent on the quality of the instruction and the relevance of the content to the pitcher's specific needs, which can vary widely from one individual to another.
• Overemphasis on studying others could result in information overload and confusion, potentially leading to a decline in performance.
• Mastering the art of deception may not align with sportsmanship values that prioritize honesty and fair play.
• This perspective may underestimate the role of coaches and teammates in a pitcher's development, implying that improvement is a solitary endeavor when it is often collaborative.
• The time and energy spent on constant refinement could be at the expense of other important aspects of the game, such as situational awareness and team dynamics.
• It could encourage a win-at-all-costs mentality that may harm the integrity of the sport.

David Cone meticulously honed his pitching techniques, employing an array of distinctive grips and altering the angles of his arm delivery, to ensure his pitches had dynamic movement that would reliably outwit batters.

Cone's adoption of distinctive grips and modifications to his pitching style, which included a range of arm angles and methods, increased the difficulty for batters to anticipate his pitches, even though this strategy occasionally clashed with the philosophies of some pitching coaches, it contributed to his evolution as a more creative athlete. David Cone refined his pitching skills by incorporating unique strategies, including the use of varied arm angles to throw sidearm sliders and adjusting the release point for his "Laredo" sliders, even though some coaches considered these methods risky.

David Cone's pitching strategy made it challenging for batters to anticipate his moves by altering the velocity and path of his pitches. David Cone sustained his elite performance into the later years of his career through adaptability and unwavering commitment to the meticulous positioning of his pitches, particularly when his fastball's velocity waned.

Context

• While using unconventional grips and arm angles can be effective, it also carries risks, such as increased strain on the arm, which can lead to injuries. This is why some coaches might be cautious about endorsing such techniques.
• As pitchers age, maintaining velocity becomes challenging. Cone's adaptability in using varied techniques allowed him to remain effective even as his physical capabilities changed, highlighting the importance of innovation in prolonging an athlete's career.
• The term "Laredo" slider might refer to a specific variation or technique unique to Cone, possibly involving a particular grip or motion that distinguishes it from standard sliders. This could involve a combination of speed, break, and deception tailored to his pitching style.
• Some coaches emphasize consistency and control over experimentation, which can lead to differing opinions on the effectiveness of such strategies.
• Meticulous pitch positioning refers to the precise placement of pitches within the strike zone. This skill becomes crucial when a pitcher can no longer rely solely on speed to overpower batters, requiring them to outthink and outmaneuver opponents.

David Cone skillfully shaped his pitches to exploit a...

Full Count Summary The psychological and emotional hurdles associated with excelling as a top-tier pitcher.

This section explores the psychological hurdles encountered by top-tier baseball pitchers, illustrated through David Cone's personal experiences and insightful observations about his contemporaries in the game. This involves grappling with the constant fear of failure, managing feelings of stress and annoyance, and developing the fortitude necessary to withstand the emotional ups and downs associated with the start of each new inning.

Navigating the pressures, strains, and obstacles encountered during pitching.

Cone candidly shared with the authors his struggles with anxiety and discomfort while pitching. Obsessed with the ability to personally dictate the game through his pitching, he was fixated on ensuring that his mechanics were flawless, his grip was precise, and he had a diverse array of pitches ready at the start of each game. David Cone's intense approach to the game included isolating himself in a bathroom stall before games, meticulously following his pre-game warm-up routines, and in a display of his extreme commitment, he once exerted himself to the extent of delivering an astounding 147 pitches in a single game.

Cultivating resilience to surmount...

Full Count Summary David Cone dedicated his years to playing with the celebrated squads of the Yankees.

In this part of the story, the focus is on Cone's tenure with the Yankees, detailing his handling of the high expectations set by the team's management, the strong bonds he developed with teammates like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, and the memorable moments he shared with the team during their pinnacle years.

In the period when the Yankees dominated, characterized by a succession of championship wins in the 1990s.

When David Cone became a member of the Yankees in 1995, it initiated a stretch where the team clinched four World Series titles over the span of five years. David Cone's smooth transition into a confident group was facilitated by his status as a distinguished pitcher from the National League, and the squad's progress was further enhanced by the wise leadership of Torre, who succeeded Buck Showalter as manager, along with the addition of a calm and focused new player known as Derek. David Cone played a pivotal role in a squad assembled to win numerous championships, and they accomplished just that.

David Cone's pitching was flawless in a game where he allowed no runners on base, and he was instrumental in securing multiple World Series triumphs.

In 1998,...

Full Count Summary Cone's post-playing career and continued involvement in baseball

Following his retirement, Cone recognized the importance of keeping a strong link to the sport of baseball. David Cone continues to be involved in baseball as a broadcaster, where he protects the interests of pitchers by providing astute observations during games and carefully scrutinizing how hitters and his pitching peers perform. At the age of fifty-six, his spirit still embodies the soul of a pitcher.

Successful transition to broadcasting and media analysis

After his playing days concluded, Cone seized the chance to become a sports commentator for the YES Network, a role he affectionately calls "a lifesaver," because it enabled him to maintain his ties with the baseball world, which had played a substantial role in his life. David Cone's profound grasp of the mechanics and strategies involved in pitching, along with his experience as an ex-professional, allowed him to convey his intricate knowledge to the press with remarkable lucidity.

Fueled by a profound passion for the craft of pitching,

Drawing on his wealth of experience on the mound, David Cone examines the ways in which today's pitchers navigate through intense situations, shedding light on their...