Teammate: My Journey in Baseball and a World Series for the Ages By David Ross (Don Yaeger, Theo Epstein)

Publisher: Hatchette Books (2017)

Such a remarkable story of the Chicago Cubs backup catcher who embodied the heartbeat and amazing chemistry created to break the 108 year curse of the franchise World Series championship drought. "Grandpa Rossy" as he will call himself in a self deprecating way several times in the book will not become a Nobel Laureate for his writing style but deserves massive credit in his ability to communicate his level of devotion to causes in what may be the most "professional" thing there is...playing 162 regular season games and then trying to win three series against the best teams in the world to claim a World Series ring.

There will be many revelations of his time as a two year member of the organization will come up. His very interesting first discussion with manager Joe Maddon, his comments he received in passing from (then) General Manager Theo Epstein when with the Boston Red Sox, and many other crazy stories about being comrades in a similar goal. Ross candid comments and self awareness will knock back any baseball fan in their chair as he discloses his personal feelings on situations that go above and beyond to illustrate important details in character and the dynamics of team building that he had learned throughout his over twenty four year professional baseball career.

So how does a back up catcher manage to tug the heart strings of the most heartbroken fan base in the history of baseball (prior to Ross' retirement)? His journey will tell you bits and pieces of how he got there. If I were to compare it, it as much more complete story than a movie like say for example "For Love of the Game." This one was definitely not an excuse to Kevin Costner once last shot at a baseball movie and Kelly Preston a payday. This is a highly recommended read for anyone that delegates responsibility to others in any way, is a sports fan/athlete in any way, and great for anyone who basically wants to build their strength in developing relationships with others in general.