Endorsements
Dr. Abraham reminds us that the age-old recipe for success in any organization still holds true: people make the difference. From Ballpark to Boardroom is an excellent study in what creates a successful organization, whether it's nine-year old boys, advanced degree scientists, or anyone in between.
State Senator Chip Rogers, Georgia
I love John's book! Lessons will take us from the ballpark to the boardroom with anecdotal insights that I guarantee will give every reader keys to unlock innovative winning strategies for success. I have the pleasure of working with JOhn in an "elected environment," and i want every reader to know that his winning strategies inspire leadership in every relationship he touches!
Tommy Allegood, Mayor, Acworth GA
John Abraham has seen and experienced a lot in life. He has written a book that is a metaphor of much of that life through his experience as a baseball coach of young kids. The lessons he imparts here are reduced to such simplicity that anyone who aspires to be a leader, or a better leader, will walk away with a clearer understanding of what leadership is all about. There is no one formula, but Abraham captures the essence through his experience as a coach and mentor to boys who will grow up to be tomorrow's leaders. Well done!
Oliver G. Halle, JD., LLM
Oliver G. Hallle & Associates, Inc., Atlanta GA
Officer in charge, Swift boat captain, Vietnam
Retired FBI agent
In this incisive book, John Abraham pitches insights that bring to life that teamwork matters on the fields of play and work. His Action Items just make sense. As coaches, executives will better understand that the rules of the game apply universally to teams as well. John Abraham pitches a great lesson with compelling stories of teamwork both on and off the field. He coaches executives through the mastery of leadership. With humor and powerful insights, this book shows the plays that matter. CEOs will marvel at how little leaguers coach the big leaguers. Home run!
Charles A. Casto, Deptury Regional Administrator
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(endorsement not an official agency position)
John Abraham reaches all of us with his inspiring insight, using Little League Baseball to help us grow as role models and leaders, with the valuable lesson that the 'game of baseball' can actually prepare us for many of the challenges in 'the game of life'. John has always reached out to be a giver in life, and his experiences can now be a great learning tool for all of us.
Gary LaRocque
Senior Special Assistant to the General Manager
St Louis Cardinals
Through an honest, personal portrayal, Dr. Abraham reminds us of the most important lessons we learned in childhood, and proceeded to forget in adulthood. In an enjoyable account filled with both poignancy and humor, he relates practical experiences coaching little league and expounds on the importance of humility, compassion, being considerate and living right. His pragmatic, common sense advice, equally relevant to kids playing baseball and CEOs in the game of life, makes him the Coach we all wish we had.
Raj Pandya, MD
Chairman and CEO, Unicore Health
President, Atlanta Knee and Shoulder Clinic
Finally, a book on management and Corporate America that is a fun, interesting read. Abraham captures his readers with stories of little league baseball, stories to which we can all relate, and teaches us profound lessons valuable to all corporate and government managers. It is as if all you ever learned on the baseball field is all you need to know to manage corporate America. Loved it.
Judge Joan Bloom
Magistrate Court, Cobb County, GA
"In Ballpark to Boardroom, John Abraham reminds us that the leadership task of coaching is both an intellectual and emotional calling, worthy of our best effort. Using real-life and his personal experiences, John provides very practical advice and demonstrates the true leader talents applicable in both business and in your personal life. It provides the
inspirational drive by which to review your leadership coaching talents and need to nurture. This book is full of sensible advice on how to transform challenging team members and improve your relationships with your entire team."
Juan Reyes
Senior Executive with 20+ years of Management and Leadership experience
“From Ballpark to Boardroom” is a very humorous and highly relevant book that enables all of us who played, or even watched, Little League baseball to vicariously apply our experiences to executive leadership in business, industry or the non-profit sector. One of my favorite chapters is “Rethink Policies … for their Desired Intent,” uses a real-life example to make a strong statement regarding established policies that hamstring many of our employees everyday in the workplace. Simply reading the titles of each chapter will help the reader make connections with how our own experiences growing up prepare us for leadership responsibilities. I found the book extremely well written, applicable to many of my professional experiences and a valuable resource for all who strive to be better mentors. I wish you as much success as an author as you have had in your professional career at CDC.
Laurence I. Peterson
Dean, College of Science and Mathematics
Kennesaw State University
John Abraham has always had a can-do spirit: with a team of enthusiastic supporters, he ran as a write-in candidate for student council president in high school...and won! From that unlikely beginning, John had found a formula for forging the people around him into the best working team possible.
John is a gifted storyteller and in this book, he tells some great stories about life and youth baseball. And then he shows that the management and communication skills he used while coaching kids can work for all of us. I'm applying some of these techniques on my students...and my colleagues. Thanks, John.
Alan Sivell
Advisor, The Buzz
Instructor, Communication Dept.
St. Ambrose University
John,
I wanted to let you know I have read most of your book and I enjoyed it. I can relate to the ball field experience. My three boys play football, baseball, and basketball. I also serve on the Board for our youth association. I am always amazed at what parents and board members will get irate over. Dealing with the diverse groups is a lesson in leadership and self-control!
My favorite story is the one where the kid went to the bathroom in his pants!
David G. Lynn, CSP
Senior Program Manager
Corporate Health, Safety, & Environmental
I have been trying to analyze which part of your book was my favorite .No doubt the story of Gator brought much laughter to me. After reading that chapter and having the privilege to know you, I put myself in the stands and watched your actions during the chapter. Very funny seeing you bite down on the towel and other expressions. The next chapter that I enjoyed was of the boy who was killed in Vietnam was very touching. The part that touched me the most was with Michael calling the game and telling you not to take out the pitcher. He changed before your eyes from a boy to a young man. I am looking forward to that day with my son, but also I am very fearful of the tears that will be shed.
I respect you very much as a leader and a friend. I do not ever want to lose your respect. You have touched me internally and have made me a better person.
Bob Hogan
John- I swear :) your book has stayed with me, your stories. All day I have put things into perspective, in both a unique and better way. Of course you're a "nail" to me, said the hammer talking :) Watch out, I am likely to plop a scene onto your desk, written in script tech, just to show you how easily a "movie of the week" could be adapted, based on one of your stories. Most TV teleplays are based on articles, or flash fiction, and Truman Capote loved inventing "creative non-fiction" it is all the rage still.
-- Anonymous
I read your book during jury duty this week and enjoyed it tremendously. It reminded of how much I’ve learned over the years from the boys and their friends. These lessons learned will no doubt help me in the classroom. Not only have I learned from them but also from the many incredible parents and friends.
Although he may not realize it now (maybe he does), Josh is extremely fortunate to have men in his life like Larry, you and Mr. Watkins. It’s scary to think what his and Lee’s life would be like if I had not left to be on my own many years ago. I too have been mentored by the three of you. I’ve learned to be a better parent and a better person all around by listening to advice from all of you.
-- Anonymous
John, I love your book. It would be a better community if more folks would read it, understand it, and practice it.
All the Best,
Larry
Relax good Doctor, your book is a winner!
To me each chapter is a "stand alone" in it's ability to teach transferable principles and you set the stage with baseball as the metaphor for the corporate lessons. Excellent work with very good content and I am not surprised it turned out so well!
I am honored to be your friend and cheerleader!
--- Dr Dwight "Ike" Reighard
Back to homepage
