I honestly wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started this book. I love the Dodgers, and grew up with legends about Kirk Gibson, Tommy Lasorda, and The Bulldog, and that was enough to reel me in and get me interested. And while those stories from the magical 1988 team are truly amazing, they pale in comparison to Mr. Claire's own battle to overcome cancer with City of Hope. Mr. Claire's personal journey not only opened my eyes to the good work COH is doing, but also shined a light on things I could be doing in my own life to be of greater service to others.
Mr. Claire's battle with cancer is one of compassion and courage, and personally, reading this book could not have come at a better time for me. This last year has been really tough for me, and I've struggled a lot with my own anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Reading about Mr. Claire and all of the wonderful people at City of Hope helped to make me feel inspired again, and hopeful that there are still good people out there working hard to make the world a better place.
Mr. Claire's insight has changed how I think of myself and how I perceive others, and was truly a breath of fresh air. The selflessness, compassion, and love in this book warmed my heart, and the determination and heart that Mr. Claire showed in his battle have inspired me to grit my teeth and take my own challenges head on. It's a story of strong character, hard work, and teamwork, which wonderfully parallels the journey of the magical 1988 Dodgers.
This book will make you cry. It will also make you laugh, and leave you feeling inspired and renewed after just over 200 pages. It's not just a great book that you leave on the shelf after you're finished either; you'll want to send it to all of your loved ones too once you've completed it, because everyone deserves to read this. It's a beautiful journey, and you will be different after it's over. I cannot recommend it enough.
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As authentic as you thought it would be…
If your a baseball fan, sports fan, sports business fan, from Los Angeles or Fred fan, this is a wonderful read. This hit home as I’m helping a family member through cancer. Fred’s story simplifies what can be a turbulent time. Specific, straight forward advice (from experience) to stories that genuinely bring a smile to your face, you’ll appreciate this book. Highly recommended it :)
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021
- Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2021
I spent the weekend reading a book about the incredible journey of Fred Claire, best known to Dodger fans as the improbable architect of the 1988 World Championship. Certainly the book offered no shortage of insights and behind-the-scenes stories of the season and Claire’s role in assembling the team. However, “Extra Innings” was less a book about baseball than it was about life.
On one hand, it was about a very particular life, Claire’s life, that hung in the balance after a significant cancer diagnosis. On the other hand, it was about life itself: how precious it is, and how to live it.
Love, kindness, compassion, empathy, integrity, courage, selflessness and hope. On our best days we hope to live up to these ideals. Rare indeed are the people who exemplify them every day. Certainly, Fred Claire is one. Even with his own survival in the balance, you will read about his steadfast determination to honor and support the organization, City of Hope, entrusted with his life and health.
Written by Tim Madigan, “Extra Innings” is a book that may just make you cry. In my case, there were two kind of tears. The first was in watching Fred come so close to losing his battle. The second was from the overwhelming beauty and grace of Fred’s approach to life, in good times and in trying ones.
As a lifelong Dodger fan, the team has provided me with many heroes over the years. All the while I knew I could never play the game at anywhere near their level. My .000 batting average in two years of Little League (and yes, I know my many walks are valued much higher now in retrospect) was an early sign that any career success would more likely come at a desk than on a diamond.
And here is Fred Claire who offers me a chance still to be like a Dodger hero, himself. What’s more the formula is a simple one: to prize every day and be the best person I can. I may never hold a World Series trophy but I can hold something even greater: the satisfaction of a life well lived, its preciousness not wasted, and its abundance shared.
The book is available right here on Amazon, and I recommend it highly. All net proceeds support the City of Hope and the countless families for whom they add dignity if not days.
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