Full Count

The Education of a Pitcher

By: David Cone, Jack Curry

Narrated by: David Cone

Met and Yankee All-Star pitcher David Cone shares lessons from the World Series and beyond in this essential New York Times bestselling memoir for baseball fans everywhere.
"There was a sense about him and an aura about him. Even when he was in trouble, he carried himself like a pitcher who said, 'I'm the man out here.' And he usually was." -- Andy Pettitte on David Cone.
To any baseball fan, David Cone was a bold and brilliant pitcher. During his 17-year career, he became a master of the mechanics and mental toughness a pitcher needs to succeed in the major leagues. A five-time All-Star and five-time World Champion now gives his full count -- balls and strikes, errors and outs -- of his colorful life in baseball.
From the pitchers he studied to the hitters who infuriated him, Full Count takes readers inside the mind of a thoughtful pitcher, detailing Cone's passion, composure and strategies. The book is also filled with never-before-told stories from the memorable teams Cone played on -- ranging from the infamous late '80s Mets to the Yankee dynasty of the '90s. And, along the way, Full Count offers the lessons baseball taught Cone -- from his mistakes as a young and naive pitcher to outwitting the best hitters in the world -- one pitch at a time.

Critic reviews

"David Cone was not only one of the smartest pitchers I ever managed, he was also a fearless competitor and a consummate teammate. Whether he was playing through pain or coming out of the bullpen for us in the World Series, his leadership and selflessness was a vital part of our four championships. In [FULL COUNT], David Cone and Jack Curry take us on a journey of what it takes to stay mentally and physically tough enough to maintain the edge it takes to compete on a championship level year after year."—Joe Torre, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Yankee Years

"When one of our generation's greatest pitching minds teams up with one of our generation's greatest baseball writers, the results will be riveting. And this book is riveting. You won't be able to put it down as Cone and Curry take you around the bases on an incredible ride."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Arial; color: #2c2c2c}Michael Kay, Yankees YES Network play-by-play announcer

"With a keen observational eye, David Cone provides a master's-level class on both the art and science of pitching. Chapters crackle like his trademark slider, none more so than his opus on the pitcher-catcher symbiosis."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Arial}Tom Verducci, New York Times bestselling author of The Cubs Way

"There was something different about David Cone. There seemed to be a sly knowing smirk in the way he approached life, which carried over when he took the mound. There was an unpredictability, almost mischievousness to the way he went after MLB hitters. You never quite knew which pitch he was going throw, at what angle he would throw it, and what the ball might do. No matter what he did, or for which team he performed, there was evident joy and intelligence on display. Jack Curry and David Cone are the perfect team to allow us fans a window into the thinking of one of our generation's finest and most clever pitchers."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Arial}Jim Abbott, former MLB pitcher and author of Imperfect: An Improbable Life

"David Cone was as smart and gutsy as any pitcher I ever played behind. In Full Count, he describes what it's like to be on the mound in high-pressure situations. If you want to know what a pitcher is thinking, this is the perfect book for you. I've learned so much about the nuances of pitching from Coney. He's a pitching genius."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Arial}Paul O'Neill, former Yankees and Reds outfielder and five-time World Series Champion

awesome baseball story

great baseball story narrated by david cone himself. amazing insights into his experiences. a must read for real baseball fans.

A really deep dive into the mind of a pitcher

David Cone is the consummate professional when it comes the the art of pitching. His passion for it and the game he (and I) love comes through from start to finish.
I would have liked to hear a little more about the characters of the game and the real life stuff off the field but there is a good amount there.
I listen to David during his calls of Yankee games and live the Iniesta and passion he shares every day.

inspiring pitchers

Must read for every pitcher who thinks they have MLB stuff.Its a great read thanks .

The man knows pitching!

This was an enjoyable “listen” by D. Cone, the writing was clear and informative. Kudos to Cone and Curry.

Cones point of view

Great story from a great pitcher give it a listen Yankee fans from beginning to end