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A biography of the star third baseman of the Philadelphia Phillies who was the third National Leaguer ever chosen Most Valuable Player for two years in a row. ... Read more

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A biography of the Philadelphia Phillies player who, after being the worst hitter in the major leagues, becames home-run champion three years in a row. ... Read more

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This power hitter led the Philadelphia Phillies to a world championship and was awarded the MVP three times. Schmidt retired from baseball in 1989 having concluded his career with 548 home runs, 8 National League home run crowns, and 10 Gold Glove Awards. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995. ... Read more

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Chapters: Mike Schmidt, Bob Brenly, Doc Gessler, Frank Baumholtz, Steve Swisher, Terry Harmon. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 29. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Michael Jack Schmidt (pronounced ; born September 27, 1949 in Dayton, Ohio) is a former Major League Baseball third baseman who played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies. Schmidt is considered among the greatest third basemen in the history of major league baseball. Schmidt was voted National League MVP three times, an All-Star 12 times, and received more votes than any other third baseman in 1999's Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 1995, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Schmidt resides in Jupiter, Florida. Schmidt graduated from Fairview High School in Dayton, Ohio in 1967 and attended Ohio University in Athens where he helped the Bobcats reach the College World Series in 1970. The Phillies drafted Schmidt in the second round of the 1971 Major League Baseball Draft with the 30th overall pick. He was signed by scout Tony Lucadello, who had followed him since Little League. He was assigned to the Phillies' farm system where he rapidly progressed, joining the Phillies in 1972. In 1973, his first full season, Schmidt batted only .196 with 136 strikeouts. He did, however, demonstrate his power potential with 18 home runs. Schmidt had a breakout season in 1974, when he led the National League in home runs and demonstrated his prowess in the field. Over the rest of the 1970s, he excelled with bat and glove, winning two more home run titles and a succession of Gold Gloves. He helped the Phillies win three straight division titles from 1976 to 1978, the team's first post-season appearances since 1950. Schmidt had a powerful arm and was especially adept at fielding short grounders barehanded....More: http://booksllc.net/?id=267730 ... Read more

Product Description

Clearing the Bases is a much-needed call to arms by one of baseball's most respected players. Drawing on his experiences as a third baseman, a manager, and, most recently, a fan, Mike Schmidt takes on everything from skyrocketing payrolls, callous owners, and unapproachable players to inflated statistics, and, of course, ersatz home run kings.

Customer Reviews (20)

Nothing Spectacular (Or Controversial), But A Solid Read Nonetheless
All too often in this day and age of "tell-all" books, the quality of a memoir is often confused with the amount of controversy it generates.Jose Canseco immediately comes to mind (!).Thus is the paradox that a book like "Clearing the Bases" by Mike Schmidt is caught up in: It's a well-written, rater interesting musing about Schmidt's career and thoughts about the current state of baseball, yet none of the material is particularly compelling (at least, not as much as Canseco supposedly sharing a bathroom stall with Big Mac).It's exactly what a baseball memoir should be...a perspective of the game from one man's experiences.Nothing more, nothing less.

Thus, from an exciting, engaging, enthralling critique, this book is very "middle-of-the-road". I did enjoy Schmidt's recollections about playing for the Phillies, although I actually would have liked to have heard more about each of those seasons, as Schmidt tends to take an over-arching, season-by-season view of his career.I was also drawn into his opinions about such topics as Pete Rose, steroids, and free agency.From a guy who was "in the trenches" of MLB as long as Schmidt was, those opinions are (or at least should be) quite valuable in terms of continuing to make baseball the best sport it can possibly be.

About the only criticism I have of this book is the prolonged history lesson that Schmidt gives on the topic of free agency.The memoir is short enough already that a lengthy history lesson only lessons the impact of Schmidt's personality and writing style.

All in all, then, "Clearing the Bases" is an interesting little summer-day's read that, while it won't ruffle any feathers or quicken your pulse, WILL continue to educate baseball fans on the individual nuances and perspectives of its former players.

Worthy Effort
Mike Schmidt's foray into the autobiography genre was a good effort.I enjoyed reading about his accomplishments and struggles on and off the field.By hitting the high spots of his career, such as the 1980 World Series, 4 Homerun game at Wrigley Field in 1976, and his Hall-of-Fame induction, he chose a good strategy of recounting his career without delving into a highly detailed account of his career.However, the flow of the book and the manner in which he wrote about his career seemed a bit choppy and rather abrupt in places when he would recall one event while explaining another event in a larger sense. His opinions on the state of the game were well developed and intriguing.It was nice to see him weigh in on some hotly debated issues of the current time period in baseball.
The only true downfall to me is a couple of mistakes he made.One in recounting Mark McGwire's credentials for the Hall-of-Fame he stated he had a Most Valuable Player award, and the other being an erroneous statement about Pete Rose receiving a standing ovation at the 1999 All-Star game in Atlanta for the All-Century team celebration.Astute baseball fans know that the All-Century celebration took place prior to game four of the 1999 World Series at Turner Field in Atlanta.

Overall, this was a nice quick read, and I always enjoy reading about a player's experiences on the field and in the clubhouse.I would recommend this book to people who appreciate good baseball tales from great players.

WISDOM AND CLOUDYOBSERVATIONS FROM A GREAT
After reading "Clearing The Bases" it is apparent to me that there has to be a better Mike Schmidt book than Mike Schmidt himself can write. I loved the book for what it was but I was expecting more.

Schmidt briefly covers the terrain of his upbringing and signing by the Phillies. He covers parts of his career and leaves me wondering why he left a large percentage of years out. As a Hall Of Fame third baseman I know that he had way more stories to tell that would have given us a better glimpse of his career.
And when he starts writing about the issues of todays game he raises many pertinent points but at times it seems like he's debating himself, such as with the steroid issue. Those are some of the things that weren't as appealing about this book.

Here's what I enjoyed:
That he did tell some stories of his Phillie years and spoke of some of his teammates, like Gary Maddox and others, who time seems to have forgotten. Those sections are a great stroll down memory lane.
He comes clean about quite a few personal things that I wasn't expecting such as the fact that he didn't particularly enjoy his career as it was happening. He admits that he over-thought his hitting and was terrified of failure. He speaks of what life is like after you're out of the game and you're a Hall of Fame player trying to get a job in baseball. He speaks very frankly about his friend Pete Rose and his banishment from baseball.

In summation this was a very enjoyable but quick read. It's great for fans to see a little of the real Michael Jack Schmidt but just not as much as I was expecting. His personal revelations and sometimes flighty opinions make this an interesting and light read for any fan. I give it 4 stars but the definitive Mike Schmidt book has yet to be written.

Kevin W. Mattingly
Harrisburg Times.

discusses then and now lucidly
Interesting view by a hall of famer. Weaves his attitudes now with his experiences
"then".Much has changed since Schmidt played, and he talks

Schmidt talks about a lot of topics (Pete Rose, steroids).A lot of his views agrees with mine -- the reduction of the strike zone and cookie cutter parks are a big part to the increase in offense.

Enjoyable read and not a conventional baseball biography.

Good book but slow at times...
Mike delivers a good book here but could be better.I enjoy baseball and was looking for a little more detail and a few more opinions on what Mike thought of things, i.e. steroids.The book is worth the read but at times I found it a little slow.He's was a great player and I'm a fan.If he writes another, I'll probably pick it up. ... Read more

Product Description
11" x 8"; Vol. 9 Baseball 87 issue. ... Read more

Product Description
Youth Edition (ages 8-14) of The Mike Schmit Hitting Study: Hitting Skills, theory and Technique. 80 pages, 75 photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Absolute Knowledge on Hitting
The Mike Schmidt Study by Mike Schmidt and Rob Ellis is the absolute reference for hitting mechanics and the mental approach to the pitcher/hitter battle.I played baseball through American Legion (one of the most successful programs in the state of NC).The only reason I did not play beyond that level was due to the inability to hit a 90+ mph fastball consistently.If I guessed correctly, I would sometimes connect back then.My hands were too slow and I had a faulty path to the ball plus I was never strategic at the plate!I did all the front arm, back arm, fence drill and soft toss exercises, but I never understood why and how this helped increase hand speed or correct the path to the ball.So, now eighteen years after my last game in the 1990 American Legion Southeast Regional Tournament, hitting a baseball has become an obsession.You see, I have four boys whom I need to teach how to hit correctly.In addition, I have eleven others who have chosen me as their coach to teach correct hitting mechanics.Why?Because their parents have seen my sons' swings and have seem me hit.After years of research, I have chosen the Mike Schmidt Study as my focal reference to help me teach.

I read Ted Williams when I was 14 but I didn't understand it back then.If I had, perhaps things would have been different.It was just too complex for me at the time.If inexperienced, one should start with the Youth Edition but for those looking to make it to the next level, this book is imperative.In addition, I would highly recommend finding the DVD's mentioned at the end of the book.They are worth the investment.

By the way, even after lower back surgery to correct a disk problem, I am now roping a 90+ mph fastball consistently......with WOOD! My boys and those who are learning through me are very thankful and hopefully they will reach the next level one day. Thank you, Mike and Rob, for unveiling the secrets of hitting.

Simple and On-Target
Coach and player, parent and child:This is a great simple yet technically accurate book for bringing home the basics of hitting for the young player.I'm using it now for a winter clinic on hitting (and pitching).

And at the price I saw on Amazon, its far cheaper than some baseball 'deals' available at some baseball coaching web sites.

This Book Is A 'Must Read'
Rob Ellis, with his experience as a professional player and coach (as well as being a licensed clinical therapist) is as fine a writer on hitting as I have found. As a developer of a the largest website on the internet devoted totally to hitting (with members in all 50 states and 15 foreign countries) I can truly say that Rob's articles on this site have had a most positive effect on the members. There have been many good comments on Rob's articles - many of the articles taken from this book. The Online Hitting Academy takes pride in having Rob Ellis as a long-standing regular writer. I would advise anyone interested in developing their hitting skills or those of their team to definately study any of Rob's books. "The Mike Schmidt Study" should be a standard on any coach's or player's bookshelf. It's a 'must read' for anyone who is serious about learning the techniques and skills that have helped even seasoned professionals!

Learn from the best
With over thirty years experience in this great game, I think I learned a little about hitting. The most concise and clear examples and explanation of how to become a great hitter is in this book. It is extremely well written and gives all hitters the necessary tools to improve their performance. If you could only purchase one book on hitting, this would have to be the one!

Among the best that I have read...great book!!!
Hitting a baseball is considered one of the most difficult skills in sports."The Mike Schmidt Study" is an excellent book on the subject of hitting.You cannot go wrong from reading and applying the content of this book.There are many theories and opinions on the science and art of hitting...from linear mechanics to rotational mechanics to combining both.This book is well written. Without wasting your time with lengthy text explanations it shows with clear illustrations and simple but effective drills how to learn and improve your hitting.The book covers all aspects of hitting, from theory to the swing and mental mechanics that are necessary to excel as a hitter.No one book is going to cover or satisfy completely all there is to know about hitting.But the Mike Schmidt Study, with its twelve-lesson format, is as good a study on hitting as you will come across anywhere.Excellent for coaches, hitters and parents who want to help their son or daughters master the skill of hitting.I have used a great deal of what I have learned here in my hitting clinics to youngsters ... I wish I knew just a fifth of what is in this book when I played "AA".You can't go wrong reading this book...anyone that says differently just do not know what they are talking about or and never played baseball, let alone try to hit a ball. ... Read more

Product Description
In Mike Schmidt: The Phillies' Legendary Slugger, author Rob Maaddi provides fans the first detailed look into Schmidt's life and how he became such a reliable rock at third base as well a slugger to be feared. Even after retiring, Schmidt has been a force to deal with, becoming one of the most vocal and opinionated voices on topics ranging from whether Pete Rose should be granted admission to the Hall of Fame to the steroid-era increase in home runs and other controversial issues. All baseball fans know of his exploits between the lines, but they have also become increasingly aware of his intelligent commentary. Maaddi, an experienced Associated Press journalist, skillfully transports readers back to key events in Schmidt's life and career that make him come alive and create an understanding of the man, his love for the game, and what motivated him to become one of the best players of all time ... Read more

Product Description
Michael Jack Schmidt, in the minds of many the greatest third baseman of all time, was a Philadelphia institution. From 1973 to 1989 he led the Phillies to five National League championship series and two World Series. Twelve times an All-Star, Schmidt was perhaps baseball's premier power hitter during the 1970s and 1980s. His 548 home runs are seventh best all-time. In the field he was just as exceptional, winning ten Gold Gloves, more than any other third baseman besides Brooks Robinson. A three-time N.L. Most Valuable Player (1980, 1981 and 1986), Schmidt was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995, his first year of eligibility. This book is the first serious account of Schmidt's celebrated career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Concentrating on contemporary newspaper accounts, periodicals, biographies by Schmidt's teammates and baseball histories, this long-overdue work is the full story of one of the game's greatest sluggers, and one of its true heroes and role models. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Nothing Much New Here
The author does a nice job recounting Schmidt's career -- that is to say, his research was good.That being said, there's a temptation when someone writes about his boyhood hero (and the author expresses his admiration for Schmidt in the introduction) to put the subject on a pedestal no matter what, to apologize for perceived problems, or, worse, both.Unfortunately, the author falls victim to both temptations, and the book suffers because of it.The book will serve those who don't know much about Schmidt fairly well.For those who know more about him, you won't learn much that is new.The book also lacks meaningful analysis about Schmidt's career.In summary, I expected more on this subject and from this author, and I was disappointed.

Nothing Much New Here
The danger when someone writes about a childhood hero (which the author admits in his introduction) is that the author canidolize the subject without question, apologize for certain aspects of his baseball life, or worse, both.Kashatus' book is well-researched, but it falls prey to both temptations.The result is a somewhat saccharine effort whose goal is to lionize Schmidt without much critical analysis regarding Schmidt's approach to the game and the fans.If you don't know much about Schmidt, then the book might be helpful, but if you do, you'll be disappointed.

Awww, Schmitty
As far as the book itself goes, it is a very factual, general account of Michael Jack and his career.Mostly gleaned from old newpaper clippings and quotes, it reads more like a history book than anything.(although Iwas able to skim through it in just an hour at the library).Not being afan of baseball whatsoever, this biography actually did nothing for me.Sowhy the 4 stars?

I'll tell you why.I am from the Philadelphia areaand am very familiar with our reputation as fans.I am a Flyers, Sixers,Eagles and Phillies fan, I will never sell out no matter how bad thoseclowns are and no matter where I live.Schmitty always whined and criedabout the treatment he received there and there's one little passage inthis book thats worth your time to read.

One snowy morning, Michael"2 Bad knees and a dream" Jack was chasing after his daughterwhen 2 kids saw him and excitedly started yelling his name.Turning tohappily acknowledge the tykes, he was then proclaimed a,"choker."He cried.Now thats funny stuff.

I Miss The Game
"Although I have not personally attended a game in well over 35 years, I can appreciate the personal heroism and character attributed to Schmidt by Dr.Kashatus.

He's simply the best to ever play thirdbase!
There have been many players to grace the hot corner, Arky Vaughan, Pie Traynor, George Brett, Wade Boggs, George Kell, however none of them hold a candle to Michael Jack Schmidt and this book tells why.

From his days at Ohio State to his glory years in Philadelphia, Mike Schmidt is the standardby which all other third basemen are measured. He set a record for mosthome runs in a season by a third baseman.

He also holds the record formost home runs in a career, and on magical day in Chicago he belted 4 homeruns on consecutive at bats. The reading of this book was truly apleasure.

Ranking tied for second on the best of 1999 in my reviews,you'll be hard pressed to find another book like this. The true book forthe serious Phillies fan and for those true baseball purists. I can't sayenough great things about this book! ... Read more

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1987 Topps Baseball Sticker Yearbook
Yearbook has 313 slots to be filled by collecting stickers and affixing them to correct number. Includes gallery of 1986 World Series as well as all stars and rising stars and all major league teams. ... Read more

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A brief biography of the star baseball player for the Philadlphia Phillies. ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Notable Sports Figures, brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 2369 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.Takes a close look at the people in sports who have captured attention because of success on the playing field, or controversy off the playing field. This work features biographies on more than 600 people from around the world and throughout history who have had an impact not only on their sport, but also on the society and culture of their times. It also includes not only the record-breakers that dominated and changed their sport, but also the controversial figures that made headlines even apart from athletic events. ... Read more