The Grip

By: Marcus Stroman

Narrated by: Jaime Lincoln Smith

In this first book in the semi-autobiographical middle grade series from MLB pitcher Marcus Stroman, a young baseball player learns that perfect games only come with a lot of practice—and some strikeouts.

Young Marcus Stroman is determined to make it to the highest playing level he can, despite every coach telling him he’s not tall enough to become a “real” pitcher. He’ll show them…with some struggling and a whole lot of learning.

It’s easy to forget that for every professional sports player there was a kid just learning that sport, dealing with nerves during try-outs, dropping the ball when all their teammates are counting on them, and learning how to stay friends with someone who doesn’t make the team. These hard lessons are universal whether in the majors or on a school playing field, and so are teamwork, competition, and believing in yourself.

Good message

My ten year old baseball loving kiddo liked this one a lot. He liked the baseball elements but even more so the message

FANTASTIC! Great for players and their parents

This book is fantastic! It is great for any athlete no matter their aspirations. What great life lessons! All parents of athletes should read this! It is a great reminder of what these kids are going thru or what they may be feeling. The same things we forget we went thru too so many years ago. I wish this had been around while I was growing up and going thru the pressures of being an athlete. I will definitely be recommending to all my parent friends esp those who have athletes! And i chuckled when he mentions how baseball parents are. He hit the nail on the head there.

BEST BOOK EVER⚾️

I read the book and I am in 4th grade and its a really great book and it’s very interesting I really like the book and my favorite baseball player is Marcus stroman it’s a great book because it shows his feelings and his thoughts THIS BOOK IS MY FAVORITE BOOK ⚾️

Really good read

I’m a 50-ish year old, and I thought this book was a great read. I’m going to share it with my baseball playing nephews. I want them to know how important it is to believe in yourself and keep yourself mentally well as well as physically.