Mike Schmidt: The Phillies' Legendary Slugger

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.

SCHMIDT'S QUIET HAND IN 2008 PHILLIES TITLE
Philadephia Phillies have more to thank Mike Schmidt for than they may realize. Schmidt became a Hall of Fame third baseman in the 1970s and 80s thanks to his home-run swing and gold-glove defense, helping the Phillies win their first World Series championship in 1980. But it was in the stretch run of the 2008 season that Schmidt's contributions won over a new generation of fans. Phillies fans will learn many things they never previously knew about Schmidt in MIKE SCHMIDT: THE PHILLIES' LEGENDARY SLUGGER by Rob Maddi, including how he helped inspire the Phillies to their second World Series title in 2008. Late in that season, the Phillies were struggling and facing a key series agasint the New York Mets. Always supportive of his team, Schmidt emailed Philadephia manager Charlie Manuel an impassioned message to the players that included, among other pointers, Schmidt's opinion that "the Mets know you're better than they are. They remember last year [Mets lost a seven-game lead with 17 games left in season]. You guys are never out of a game. Welcome the challenge that confronts you this weekend. You are the stars. Good luck." Manuel posted the email in the locker room for everyone to read. The team took Schmidt's directive to heart, plowing through the rest of the regular season before defeating Tampa in five games for the franchise's second World Series championship. To learn more about the countless stories fans will learn about Schmidt's life and career please go to the official page for MIKE SCHMIDT.

Mike Schmidt: The Phillies' Legendary Slugger

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Phillies. He remains the Phillies’ all-time leader in games played, runs, hits, home runs, and RBIs. Despite his remarkable accomplishments on the field, there has never been a comprehensive biography of this Phillies icon – until now.

Mike Schmidt: The Phillies’ Legendary Slugger by Rob Maaddi (Foreword by Jayson Stark) provides the first detailed look into Schmidt’s life and how he became one of the greatest third baseman of his generation as well as a slugger to be feared.

Schmidt was not a fan favorite. He was somewhat misunderstood and seen as standoffish by many fans who referred to him as “Mr. Cool.” Author Rob Maaddi dispels any myths by transporting readers back to key events in Schmidt’s life and career that make him come alive and help to create an understanding of the hardworking ballplayer he really was.

Mike Schmidt not only uncovers the real man behind the remarkable numbers, but also allows fans to relive the most memorable moments from Schmidt’s legendary career including his 500th career home run and the 1980 World Series victory. It also delves into his close relationships with teammates like Pete Rose, Dick Allen, and Garry Maddox.

This satisfying portrait of one of the games’ most celebrated players is one that baseball fans of all ages will not want to be without and will cherish for years to come.


About the author:
Rob Maaddi has covered Philadelphia sports for the Associated Press since 2000. He’s covered the World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Playoffs, and numerous major sporting events in the past decade. Maaddi graduated from Rutgers-Camden in 1996 and Temple University in 2002. He played college baseball, has coauthored three children’s sports books, and hosted a weekly sports talk show on an ESPN radio affiliate. A lifelong Philadelphia-area resident, Maaddi currently resides in Sewell, New Jersey.

CONTACT: Natalie King, Triumph Books, 312-252-1252, n.king@triumphbooks.com