Joe Cox Livres

A biography about baseball legend Jackie Robinson featuring figures whose lives were altered by the great experiment, as the integration of baseball was called during his time--

Focusing on the extraordinary moments in baseball, this book explores the potential for miraculous achievements within the sport. It highlights rare single-game feats and record-chasing performances, providing historical context and detailed explanations for each accomplishment. The narratives celebrate the players who achieved these remarkable milestones, offering engaging stories that capture the essence of baseball's unpredictability and the thrill of the game.

The rich, poignant tales of major league baseball’s most hard-luck fraternity—the pitchers of its Almost-Perfect GamesFrom 1908 to 2015, there have been thirteen pitchers who have begun Major League Baseball games by retiring the first twenty-six opposing batters, but then, one out from completing a perfect game, somehow faltering (or having perfection stolen from them). Three other pitchers did successfully retire twenty-seven batters in a row, but are still not credited with perfect games. While stories of pitching the perfect game have been told and retold, Almost Perfect looks at how baseball, at its core, is about heartbreak, and these sixteen men are closer to what baseball really is, and why we remain invested in the sport. Author Joe Cox visits this notion through a century of baseball and through these sixteen pitchers—recounting their games in thrilling fashion, telling the personal stories of the fascinating (and very human) baseball figures involved, and exploring the historical American and baseball backdrops of each flawed gem.From George “Hooks” Wiltse's nearly perfect game in 1908 to “Hard Luck” Harvey Haddix’s 12-inning, 36-consecutive-outs performance on May 26, 1959 (the most astounding single-game pitching performance in baseball history) to Max Scherzer’s near miss in 2015, Joe Cox’s book captures the action, the humanity, and the history of the national pastime’s greatest “almosts.”

Exploring the parallels between human behavior and animal captivity, the book critiques modern corporate environments that neglect the fundamental needs of employees. Drawing insights from anthropology, biology, psychology, and sociology, it argues for creating enriched workplaces that foster human flourishing, akin to how modern zoos simulate natural habitats for animals. By understanding what motivates and satisfies Homo sapiens, organizations can enhance performance and well-being, transforming the corporate landscape into a more nurturing space for growth and collaboration.

The narrative explores the profound impact of Jackie Robinson and nine other key figures involved in baseball's integration, highlighting their personal transformations. Rachel Robinson's steadfast support, Branch Rickey's visionary leadership, and Clyde Sukeforth's mentorship are among the pivotal relationships that shaped Robinson's journey. The book also details the evolving perspectives of figures like Red Barber and Dixie Walker, illustrating how Robinson's courage inspired change within a racially charged environment. This fresh perspective emphasizes the enduring legacy of Robinson's excellence and its ripple effect on those around him.

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