Pat Williams

2022 SABR Baseball Research Award Finalist for the 2022 SABR Seymour Medal The careers of pitchers Jack Quinn and Howard Ehmke began in the Deadball Era and peaked in the 1920s. They were teammates for many years, with both the cellar-dwelling Boston Red Sox and later with the world champion Philadelphia Athletics, managed by Connie Mack. As far back as 1912, when he was just twenty-nine, Quinn was told he was too old to play and on the downward side of his career. Because of his determination, work ethic, outlook on life, and physical conditioning, however, he continued to excel. In his midthirties, then his late thirties, and even into his forties, he overcame the naysayers. At age forty-six he became the oldest pitcher to start a World Series game. When Quinn finally retired in 1933 at fifty, the “Methuselah of the Mound” owned numerous longevity records, some of which he holds to this day. Ehmke, meanwhile, battled arm trouble and poor health through much of his career. Like Quinn, he was dismissed by the experts and from many teams, only to return and excel. He overcame his physical problems by developing new pitches and pitching motions and capped his career with a stunning performance in Game One of the 1929 World Series against the Chicago Cubs, which still ranks among baseball’s most memorable games. Connie Mack described it as his greatest day in baseball. Comeback Pitchers is the inspirational story of these two great pitchers with intertwining careers who were repeatedly considered washed up and too old but kept defying the odds and thrilling fans long after most pitchers would have retired.

When Coach John Wooden graduated from eighth grade, his father gave him a handwritten card and said, "Son, try to live up to this." On the card, his father had written seven simple yet profound life principles:Be true to yourselfHelp othersMake friendship a fine artDrink deeply from good books, especially the BibleMake each day your masterpieceBuild a shelter against a rainy day by the life you liveGive thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every dayThese principles were the key to Coach Wooden's greatness--and his goodness. Through powerful stories and pithy advice, this book shares the wisdom that made Wooden happy and successful. This inspirational and conversational book, now in trade paper, will encourage, challenge, and motivate readers to build these principles into their own lives.

Paul Bear Bryant, the legendary Head Football Coach at the University of Alabama from 1958-1982 continues to inspire athletes and fans. Books have been written about Bryant for the last 30 years examining this coaching legend, but never has he been examined under the microscope of leadership. Leadership expert Pat Williams has teamed up with University of Alabama athletics executive Tommy Ford to bring to light what made Coach Bryant so successful and how you can incorporate his leadership principles into your own life. Williams and Ford have interviewed over 200 former players, coaches and members of the media that knew Bryant well. The book uncovers never before revealed leadership insights from Bryants leadership and coaching genius. This 200 page book is packed with riveting stories and illustrations that will appeal to leaders at all levels of society. Football fans will love it and individuals with any leadership role will benefit immeasurably.

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Most people dread growing old. Some even fear it. We’ve all witnessed the drastic measures many have taken to slow (or at least camouflage) the effects of aging. And we’ve seen the tragic results. In Happy on the Homestretch, Pat Williams — a man who ran 58 marathons after the age of 55 — offers a completely different way to think our later years. Instead of fighting tooth and nail to resist them, we should embrace them. We should welcome them with open arms and pursue happiness with the same enthusiasm (if not the same energy) that characterized our youth. He calls it “giving Father Time a hard time.” Here you will find 30 tips for doing just that. No magic, no hocus - pocus, no surgical alterations, no pie-in-the-sky promises, just simple, practical ideas in the areas of attitude, health, relationships, work, and spirituality that will help you make your later years your greater years. Happy on the Homestretch is also a great tool for anyone concerned about his or her legacy. The ideas in this book will guide the reader through the critical steps that are needed to reconcile lingering conflicts, reconnect with old friends, and leave behind value for future generations.

Introduce Young Readers to Inspiring Figures from Early American HistoryWe live in scary and unpredictable times, and times of crisis call for heroes. Despite our recent obsession with all things superhero, real heroes are just regular people who rise to the challenge when the going gets tough--like the people who won the American Revolutionary War. Some famous, some obscure, but all models of courage under fire, these ordinary people followed their convictions, took tremendous risks, and faced dire consequences should they fail. Yet they stuck to their principles, winning the most unlikely of victories and not only shaping a new country but reshaping the world. Now Pat Williams brings their stories to vivid life for children ages 9-12. These engaging stories of men, women, and even kids who showed courage despite overwhelming odds during America's fight for freedom will inspire young readers to face their fears, take calculated risks, and imagine a better future for themselves and their country.

NEVER DO BORING DEVOTIONS AGAIN! Pat Williams is a legend in sports--a former professional baseball player, world champion sports executive, and co-founder of the Orlando Magic. Mark Atteberry, a pastor for forty-six years, once led his church softball team in bloop singles. As old friends and decorated authors, it was inevitable that the pro and the weekend warrior would combine their love of God and sports to produce the ultimate sports devotional. If you, too, are a sports lover and yearning to deepen your relationship with God, you've found just the tool you're looking for. Every Day Is Game Day is biblical, insightful, and fun. Loaded with powerful scriptures, little-known facts, and both dramatic and humorous anecdotes from the world of sports, it will breathe new life into your daily devotional time.

Through engaging stories and inspiring examples of those who have found their sweet spot for success, Williams shows readers how to identify their greatest talent, pursue their greatest passion, and multiply their efforts through teamwork. They'll discover how to maximize their natural gifting, focus their enthusiasm, and leverage their talent and passion into a lifetime of success. Perfect for graduates going off to college or work, or anyone who is still looking for a career that satisfies their soul.

Times of crisis call for revolutionary leadership. What better model could we have for courage and creativity under fire than those who found themselves in positions of leadership during the American Revolutionary War? Men and women, famous and obscure, of European and African descent--the leaders of the revolution faced outrageous odds and dire consequences should they fail. Yet they stuck to their principles, winning the most unlikely of victories and not only shaping a new country but reshaping the world. Now Pat Williams helps you apply their genius to your sphere of influence. Through the remarkable stories of more than 25 leaders of the American Revolution, you'll discover fresh insight into how great leaders are formed, refined, tested, and strengthened. As Thomas Paine wrote, "We have it in our power to begin the world over again." Let Pat Williams show you how to lead in our day with revolutionary courage, confidence, and a serving heart.

Overlooking the Hudson River on the campus of the United States Military Academy at West Point are 12 granite benches, each inscribed with a word representing a key leadership virtue: compassion, courage, dedication, determination, dignity, discipline, integrity, loyalty, perseverance, responsibility, service, and trust. These benches remind cadets of the qualities that lead to victory and success, not just on the battlefield, but in all of life. With his signature enthusiasm and insight, Pat Williams shares the incredible stories of West Point graduates who exemplified these traits, from the Civil War to the War on Terror. He shows readers of all backgrounds how to develop these 12 essential virtues in their lives, whether they are in the corporate world, the academic world, the military, the church, or in some other sphere.

“NO THANKS.” This is the answer countless men and women have given when asked to step up and assume a leadership role. And rarely is it because of a lack of ability. Most often, it’s because of uneasiness about the challenges and difficulties that most leaders face. They know that leaders have to be problem-solvers, and they’ve seen how leaders take the heat and get blamed when something goes wrong. In The Reluctant Leader, renowned leadership expert Pat Williams takes the fear out of leadership by answering every concern a reluctant leader might have and giving practical advice on how to navigate even the stickiest leadership challenges. If you’ve been told you’d make a great leader but have never said yes to a leadership opportunity, let Pat Williams help you overcome the hesitation that’s holding you back.

That magic word travel Come... travel on a magic carpet across mountain tops from the Andes to the Himalayas. Swoop across Tanzania's Serengeti plain. Huddle with New Mexico shamans. Wind along ancient pilgrim paths in Spain. Surround yourself with turtles. Culled from their visits to over a hundred countries, the authors share seven journeys they deem the best of the best. Each dramatic story crosshatches themes of history, ritual, sublime panoramas, primitive spaces, high-wire adventure, and reflective ruminations of mind and heart. The narrative invites the reader to share festal meals, anxious moments, and zany episodes that bring laughter and wonder to this theater of travel. Roam uses travel as a medium to sample the gorgeous tapestry of life. Enjoy the journey

For nearly 20 years, John Wooden ran scores of summer youth basketball camps, imparting wisdom and teaching skills to thousands of boys and girls between the ages of eight and fifteen. Most would not grow up to play professional or even college ball, but all of them found their lives changed by their interaction with the greatest coach who ever lived. In those camps, Coach Wooden also impacted hundreds of camp counselors and assistant coaches. This one-of-a-kind book shares their inspiring stories, highlighting six fundamental lessons from Coach Wooden for a life of success and unforgettable impact on others.

Each topic is a gem of brilliant writing from a master storyteller. By turns delightful, thought provoking, funny and packed with stories and observations about life's vagaries.

From the age of seven, Pat Williams's greatest passion was baseball. However, after two years in the minors, he had to admit it was not his greatest talent. But when he combined his passion for sports with his greatest talents--leadership, salesmanship, and promotion--he found his sweet spot for success. What followed was a phenomenally successful career and a lasting impact on the world. Through engaging stories and inspiring examples of those who have found their sweet spot for success, Williams shows readers how to identify their greatest talent, pursue their greatest passion, and multiply their efforts through teamwork. They'll discover how to maximize their natural gifting, focus their enthusiasm, and leverage their talent and passion into a lifetime of success. Perfect for graduates going off to college or work, or anyone who is still looking for a career that satisfies their soul.

Foreword: Leadership Lessons That Ring True, by Bobby Bowden, former head football coach, Florida State University Foreword: Here's Your Assignment, by Gen. Tommy Franks, U. S. Army (Retired) Introduction: They Just Led 1. The First Side of Leadership: Vision 2. The Second Side of Leadership: Communication 3. The Third Side of Leadership: People Skills 4. The Fourth Side of Leadership: Character 5. The Fifth Side of Leadership: Competence 6. The Sixth Side of Leadership: Boldness 7. The Seventh Side of Leadership: A Serving Heart Epilogue: A Leader Who Has It All Notes Acknowledgments Contact the Author About the Authors