The On Deck Circle of Life

About the Book

THE ON DECK CIRCLE OF LIFE - 101 Lessons from the Dugout is "a game plan for happiness and success in the major leagues of school, friendships, and family life". The author brings his unique perspective as pediatrician, teacher, kids' baseball coach, and parent to this book of 101 life lessons. As an internationally recognized pediatric specialist and professor, Dr. Harley Rotbart has been named to Best Doctors in America every year since 1996. As a kids' baseball coach, from T-ball through high school, Coach Harley has studied the fine points of a fine game. He has used baseball to guide his players, his patients, and his own kids in everything from homework, humility and helping others, to dating, driving and drugs.

Everything a child needs to know about life can be learned from the dugout steps. Every pitch, hit, and play on the baseball field is its own life lesson. From taking charge under a pop fly, to taking risks on the base paths, to taking heart on the bench, THE ON DECK CIRCLE OF LIFE connects parents and their kids through the analogies, axioms, and allegories that baseball offers for life off the field. Written for kids of all ages to read, and for parents to read over their kids' shoulders, this is a warm and wise playbook for the game of life.



Endorsed by Cal Ripken, Jr:

“You and I share the belief that baseball is a great avenue to learning skills that can translate to all aspects of our life. I have shared your book with our foundation staff and encouraged them to incorporate the lessons into our character education program. Thank you for contributing to the development of healthy, happy children.”

Cal Ripken, Jr., Member, National Baseball Hall of Fame; Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman, Ripken Foundation



Parenting experts are in agreement - this book is just what the doctor ordered:

"This book has home run written all over it. Dr. Rotbart is a masterful writer and his baseball metaphors are brilliant. He has turned baseball into a philosophy of life. Every parent will want to give their baseball and softball players a copy of ON DECK for their birthday"--(Barton D. Schmitt, M.D., Bestselling Author of Your Child's Health)

"With style, wit and wisdom, this beautiful little book captures the essence of life lessons we all would like our children to understand and embrace. Each brief chapter stands alone, offering clear, practical advice and insight regarding the challenges and opportunities life throws our way."--(Gail Reichlin, Founder and Executive Director, Parents Resource Network; and, Bestselling Author of The Pocket Parent)

About the Author

Harley A. Rotbart, M.D. is Professor and Vice Chairman of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine. He has authored nearly 200 medical and scientific publications, but this is the best baseball book he has ever written! He and his wife, Sara, live in Denver with their 3 teenage kids.