Throwback: A Big-League Catcher Tells How the Game Is Really Played

From Booklist *Starred Review* Jason Kendall, a very good catcher over his 15-year Major League career, was known as a smart, tough leader and student of the game. He can’t possibly share all he knows about the game in a single volume, but he does provide fans with a wealth of insight into the little things that translate into more fun watching a game. For example, arguing balls and strikes will get a player or manager ejected, right? Kendall says there is an endless conversation going on between the plate umpire and the catcher; as long as everyone keeps looking straight ahead, things are cool. But if the catcher turns around to face the ump or takes off his mask, good-natured bickering has escalated into confrontation. Oh, and do you know why catchers work so hard to block errant pitches, even if no one is on base? To protect the ump; an ump who doesn’t get nicked by a fastball in the dirt may be your friend later. There’s also a wonderful chapter on why pitchers will usually back down on pitch selection when they disagree with the catcher. This is exactly the kind of color analysis fans long for while watching a game, but usually don’t get. Great information sprinkled with salty humor. --Wes Lukowsky “Jason Kendall is the toughest baseball player I have ever met, and one of the most insightful. He provides a revealing look inside the game in this fascinating book. It was written with the mangled fingers of an old school catcher, my favorite people in the game.” ― Tim Kurkjian, ESPN Commentator “Give this book a read. I've known Lee Judge for over 20 years. He has passion for the game and an unquenchable thirst for "Why" questions. He doesn't just want the answer- He wants the understanding. I've spent time with him in Minor League and Major League cities and clubhouses and we are still friends! There is a sincere effort and old school way this book has been put together and it is deserving of your time. You WILL laugh.You WILL learn. You WILL leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for the game WE love.” ― Clint Hurdle, Manager for the Pitsburgh Pirates and NL Manager of the Year “Jason Kendall is the ultimate competitor, a modern-day gladiator. If you had nine Jason Kendalls, you could never lose.” ― John Gibbons, Manager, Toronto Blue Jays “I've had the pleasure of knowing Lee Judge for over 20 years and have always admired his intellectual curiosity as it relates to the strategy and psychology of the game. I'm certain that his passion for the game and unique perspective will stand out to readers in the same way it's always stood out to me.” ― Jerry Dipoto, former pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets and Colorado Rockies and current General Manager for the Los Angeles Angels “Old-school and throwback player don't encompass Jason as a player. The game consumed him and he played it with an unparalleled passion. You can't emulate him. It would destroy many players.” ― Mike MacFarlane, former catcher for the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics “Jason Kendall may be one of the toughest players I've ever been around. He's a straight shootin', no nonsense, old school guy who holds nothing back from how he really feels, and he's as solid as it comes when you're talking Major League.” ― Kevin Seitzer, former player for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians Having played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals, JASON KENDALL can boast three All-Star games and a broad national fan base. Jason is currently a special assignment coach for the Kansas City Royals (now in the American League Championship Series). LEE JUDGE is a well-known writer at the Kansas City Star whose baseball blog gets 100,000 hits. Read more