October Baseball: Ballplayers Discuss Postseason Play

For baseball players, the dream of a championship season begins in spring training. Newcomers and veterans, journeymen and legends, all come together for a single purpose–to win the World Series. And each year, all but one team goes into the off-season disappointed. But for that one team, the hard work of spring training and the grind of a 162-game season gives way to the euphoria of a championship, fulfilling a dream for the team and its fans. The 28 players, managers, and pitching coaches here have all experienced baseball’s postseason. Many have been a part of championship teams; others have lived every baseball dream except winning the World Series. Among the interviewees are Jack McKeon, Jim Leyland, Tony Perez, Mark Grace, Robin Yount, Lou Piniella, Don Baylor, Jeff Bagwell, Alfonso Soriano, Larry Bowa, and Jim Thome. Mike Lowell provides a foreword as well as an interview. These baseball men share their thoughts about their accomplishments, the art of hitting and pitching, what it takes to become a champion, and the leadership qualities necessary for a winning team. They also reflect on the people who have motivated them and what goes on in a winning major league clubhouse.