Mike Matheny: The Man, The Myth

The Magnificent Matheny The Man, the myth, the legend: Mike Matheny. Mike Matheny is a man who marks his word and will always be remembered far past his time. I did my novel review on New York Times Bestseller: The Matheny Manifesto, which is an autobiography that tells a young manager’s old-school views on success in sports and life. If you enjoy baseball and learning about people’s childhood experience and what brought them up to where they are today, then this book is for you. Mike Matheny is a hardworking, determined, and faithful man who makes the right choices no matter how hard it is. Although baseball is not my favorite sport, I still enjoyed this book. Matheny is someone that everyone has something to learn from him; whether it be by showing respect, being classy, or being open with views whether it be religious or importances. For starters, Matheny has good ethics. He works on bettering his players both emotionally and physically. For example Matheny states, “My main goals are to: 1. Teach these boys how to play baseball the right way. 2. Make a positive impact on them as young men. 3. Do all this with class” (Matheny 14). In the quote above it shows how he is trying to be a positive impact and having class, which is admirable because most coaches now days just care about winning. Mike Matheny
isn’t all about winning, he is making sure everyone is improving,showing progress, and a good reputation. In Matheny’s word, “We may not win every game, but we will be the classiest coaches, players, and parents at every game we play. The boys are going to show respect for their teammates, for the opposition, and for the umpires-- no matter what” (Matheny 14). As you can see in this quotes, he cares about how others are treated and given the respect they deserve no matter what. Secondly, I like how he doesn’t hide anything that is important to him.
Mike Matheny is a christian and is very open about it. Most big-name people keep their beliefs to themselves but Matheny is never one to do that. For instance, “My Christian faith guides my life, and while I have never been one to force it down someone’s throat, I also think it’s cowardly and hypocritical to shy away from what I believe” (Matheny 15). Matheny then goes on to later say this may make people uncomfortable but he wanted it out and the open from day one. In today’s world most people don’t feel comfortable talking about their beliefs so for Matheny to be so open is
inspiring. Matheny’s love for baseball and integrity (with the help of God) got him to where he is able to be today. Many are thankful for his hard work and willingness to coach the youth. He has taught the youth far more than words can say while at the same time being a positive impact. In the autobiography Matheny Manifesto you get to experience life through his eyes.