The Book of Joe Manages Tale of Maddon's Life & Career

Joe Maddon is anything but complex. Wonder what it was like to be in the dugout at 12:47 a.m. on November 3, 2016, at Chicago's Wrigley Field, as the Cubs won their first World Series championship since 1908? Maddon, in just his second year of what would be five seasons skippering the Cubs, has you alongside him on the bench.

What was it like to be in the game, digging analytics before the practice was cool? Maddon takes readers along with him to his job interview with the Tampa Devil Rays, complete with the soon-to-be-hired manager carrying his overstuffed binder of statistics.

Did you know back in 2003, Maddon was really close to being hired by the Boston Red Sox as their manager? How many of you baseball aficionados remember Maddon collected his first World Series ring as a member of the 2002 Anaheim Angels' coaching staff?

Finally, after 40 years in the game, Maddon is telling his story. The more you learn, the more you will no doubt give a standing ovation to the deep-thinking, regular guy from Hazelton, Pennsylvania.

"I was aware, all along the way, where I come from," Maddon said during a recent early morning telephone conversation from his home in Mesa, Arizona. "I just didn't get things handed to me. I had to earn, to fight through difficult times."

So, what or who became the tipping point for one of baseball's most successful bench bosses to get him to tell his story?Working with three-time National Sportswriter of the Year Tom Verducci, in part, sweetened the deal.

"I've been asked (to write a book) since our season when the Rays went to the Series in '08.Then, in 2019 I started to think about it. When the pandemic hit, I had the time. I was permitted the time to tell my story."

Recounting his life's journey, both in and out of the game, Maddon didn't restrict his perimeter on just how he would communicate with Verducci, who along with his work for Sports Illustrated can be seen on the MLB Network as well as Fox Sports MLB coverage.

Maddon tells of placing a dictaphone, on a chain, around his neck, while riding his bike. When the world slowed down, the manager of 2,500-plus big league games decided to unwrap his life.

"I admire authors. When I thought it would be cool to have the book written, I needed Tommy every step of the way," explains Maddon, who swears that his mind was set at age six he would someday play MLB ball, and then manage.

Behind every success story in the clubhouse and on the diamond, historically there is a strong woman navigating the often bumpy journey to success. The Ying to Maddon's Yang is his second wife Jaye. Although Maddon only slightly cracks open his personal life, beyond his upbringing in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, readers will learn that his team outside the ballpark is equally important as that inside.

The Book of Joe could also be construed as a directory on how best to navigate in a position of leadership, be it in sports or beyond in a cubical corporate setting.

It's the names of players many readers may haven't heard in some time, and now are no longer forgotten, that is an added bonus in The Book of Joe. Billy Bavasi, Bob Clear, and Gene Mauch lead this list of baseball influencers Maddon's career crossed with, all of who made lasting contributions.

When you had a life where you will quote from John Wooden, Alan Greenspan, and Michaelangelo, it's clear Maddon is someone you want to have a seat next to - and just listen.

One of the many directives offered by Maddon, hoping you will question and think for yourself other than simply follow, comes in chapter 14.

"Don't Ever Permit the Pressure to Exceed the Pleasure" is a keeper; a takeaway by which Maddon molds his daily schedule by.The Book of Joe is the summary of one man who most, if not all, people would like to emulate, but haven't had the opportunity come knocking.

Joe Maddon is a regular that succeeds, and who should have. What a great story.