The Complete Game: Reflections on Baseball, Pitching, and Life on the Mound

by Ron Darling

Book Overview

Darling--member of the 1986 World Series-winning Mets team and one of today's most articulate and insightful broadcasters--provides a deeper appreciation of what happens on the baseball diamond. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307269841
• ISBN13: 9780307269843
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A Fascinating Look at the Mental Side of the Game

Ron Darling's retrospective of what was going on inside the head of one of baseball's most cerebral performers over the course of 9 innings of various games is something any true fan of the game will relish. I loved it. Darling had a successful career as a big league pitcher, and much of that came from his mental approach to the game. Darling recalls with wonderful clarity some of his memorable moments on the mound, as well as in the broadcast booth, which give great insight into the complexities a pitcher faces when performing his task. Certainly, the thought process a hitter goes through while trying to solve the mysteries of the pitches being hurled in his direction would be even more daunting. Trying to outfox the pitcher is even more confounding that the pitcher's task at hand; still, Darling tried his hardest to make sure he was using his mental capacities to their fullest to accomplish his mission. His narrative made for a very enlightening and engaging journal. After completing this book, I couldn't help but think of Yogi Berra's great quote about the complexities of our national pastime when he said, "90% of baseball is half mental!" How true.

Outstanding!!

This is the best baseball book I've ever read. Darling's unique perspective is fascinating. I also watched both Ron Darling and the New York Mets play most of the examples he used therefore putting everything on a higher level. In particular is his discussion of his state of mind before and after he talked to his father on the field at Fenway Park during the 1986 World Series. Met fan or not, I highly recommend this book.

One of the best baseball books ever

When I saw that Ron Darling had written a book, I figured it would be another run of the mill autobiography from a pompous New York athlete. Futhermore, as a Cub fan, I hate the Mets and everything to do with them. Then I notice a review or two of it and thought maybe I'd at least try to read it. I read lots of baseball books, some good, many bad, and figured what the hell. Man, am I glad I read this. Darling gives strategies and information I have never ever seen or read before. Hardly a run of the mill book. It is right up there with Men at Work by Will and Nine Innings by Okrent. I have no idea what book the reviewer that called this an "odd, dry book" may have read, but it is not the same one I read.

Great Insider Details

This is a wonderful book that details both the highlights and lowlights of Ron Darling's career both as a pitcher and a broadcaster. He tells wonderful stories, often self-deprecating, about how different managers handled his tough situations and devotes an entire chapter to the famous college game in 1981 between Yale (Darling) and St. Johns (Frank Viola) where Darling pitched 11 innings of no-hit ball but lost in the 12th. Great detail about how Darling would pitch different batters in different situations. This book is almost impossible to put down. A great read!

A gem from a Darling

A must read for a real depiction of the GAME!!! Ron Darling knows from first hand knowledge and it is the hand of a champion. I challenge you to read this and walk away once you pick it up. YOU CAN'T and YOU WON'T