Praise for You Gotta Have Balls
"Brandon Steiner's story illustrates not only how You Gotta Have Balls, but how to keep a million balls in the air at the same time. His delightful, insightful anecdotes will inspire anyone juggling life's challenges."
—HARVEY MACKAY, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive
"It takes tremendous confidence and vision to start your own business and great leadership and execution to build it into a market leader. That's exactly what Brandon has done."
—DEREK JETER, All-Star shortstop for the New York Yankees
"Brandon has been a tremendous partner and friend over the years. He is one of the true playmakers in this business."
—ELI MANNING, quarterback for the New York Giants
"This book will light your fire, make you laugh your ass off, and respect the courage and the character of Brandon Steiner, a person that comes along once in a lifetime—and use his balls-growing experience and wisdom to grow your own. BUY THIS BOOK NOW!"
—JEFFREY GITOMER, author of The Little Red Book of Selling and The Sales Bible
"Brandon Steiner is the real closer when it comes to big business."
—MARIANO RIVERA, pitcher for the New York Yankees
"Nobody ever goes into Brandon's office—it's still too crowded."
—YOGI BERRA, baseball legend and Hall of Famer
"I've known Brandon Steiner for the past twenty years, and I've never seen anybody more dedicated or committed to excellence in overcoming problems than him. His attitude is infectious, his competitiveness is unmatched, and his concern for other people is inspirational. I've learned a great deal from Brandon by being around him, and I've learned even more from his book."
—LOU HOLTZ, legendary football coach, active sportscaster, author, and motivational speaker
"Being a good entrepreneur is like being a good point guard. You have to be creative, to see into the future, and to execute the best play possible. In this book, Brandon shows you how to do all of it."
—MAGIC JOHNSON
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ix
PROLOGUE LAST CALL AT YANKEE STADIUM xi
INTRODUCTION BEING ALL IN xv
Chapter 1 WHAT’S WITH THE WATER IN BROOKLYN? 1
Chapter 2 THE SECRET OF ‘WHAT ELSE?’ 15
Chapter 3 LIFE, DEATH, AND SODA 23
DEWEY HIGH SCHOOL 23
SYRACUSE 30
Chapter 4 YES OR YES 41
IF IT ISN’T EASY, IT ISN’T POSSIBLE 51
Chapter 5 GETTING THE RAISE, THEN THE JOB 57
Chapter 6 THE ONLY SPORTS BAR IN NEW YORK 71
Chapter 7 WAITING TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING 77
MAKING CONNECTIONS 78
THE ‘86 GIANTS 81
MEETING MARA 83
ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER 85
ON MY OWN 87
MAKING THE MARKET 90
DREAMING UP APPEARANCES 94
MEDICINE MEN 97
OUR FIRST MAJOR DEAL 102
YOU NEVER KNOW 105
Chapter 8 PLAY THE GAME, NOT THE SCORE 107
RELATIONSHIPS, NOT TRANSACTIONS 111
Chapter 9 TURNING MEMORIES INTO MONEY 115
EXPANDING OUR BUSINESS 115
MY FAVORITE COLLECTIBLE 120
Chapter 10 THE BIG BREAK: YANKEES-STEINER 125
Chapter 11 THE LIGHT IN THE OTHER ROOM 133
Chapter 12 TURNING DIRT INTO DOLLARS 139
Chapter 13 A JEWISH KID MEETS TOUCHDOWN JESUS 143
Chapter 14 THE FINAL DAYS OF YANKEE STADIUM 153
THE FRIEZE 164
THE ORIGINAL BRICKS 166
THE ‘‘I WANT TO THANK THE GOOD LORD FOR MAKING ME A YANKEE’’ SIGN 168
THE BLACK 168
THE FOUL POLES 170
THE CLUBHOUSE CARPET 170
Chapter 15 NOTHING BUT A DREAMER 171
Chapter 16 SANDLOT WISDOM 175
GET EVERYONE TO BUY IN 176
MAKE SURE INDIVIDUALS KNOW WHAT’S EXPECTED OF THEM 177
IF YOU CAN’T MOTIVATE, INCENTIVIZE 178
MAKE EVERYONE FEEL IMPORTANT 179
CONCLUSION WHAT MAKES YOU TICK? 183
INDEX 189
Anonymous
Posted September 13, 2012
This book is a pretty strong read. Much better than his first book. Quick read, but pretty entertaining anecdotes about his years with famous athletes and teams. Also, a lot of good business tips and lessons. I got a lot out of it. Just wish I knew they were having this half-off special...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 11, 2013
It was boreing
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 25, 2012
Baseball & Business...it doesn't get any better than that! And... from a real guy who found his gift and went for it...not talked about it but did it. It is a real 'how to' that every kid in America MUST read. Brandon is a wonderful example of being a true entrepreneur that is honored to serve customers, create jobs and give back all along the way. Great read. Dave McLurg
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 24, 2012
You Gotta Have Balls was a great read and gave me a lot of insight into the sports memorabilia business. An avid collector, I had no idea what went into getting that jersey from the players locker to my home. And the story of Brandon's rise from paper delivery boy to memorabilia tycoon was heartwarming. I'll admit, I was skeptical, but now that I've read the book I have a renewed sense of respect for him! A must read if you like sports, collectibles or success stories!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JesseG103
Posted September 24, 2012
I grew up a diehard sports fan, and especially a Yankees fan. So what surprised me about You Gotta Have Balls wasn’t that I enjoyed all the inside stories and anecdotes from Brandon Steiner’s time around Yankees players and executives, but how much I loved everything else.
To be frank, I was worried that it would be simply be the former: a disposable collection of stories charting one man’s unlikely rise to the top. But while the book certainly depicts Steiner’s journey from an underprivileged, overextened youth in Brooklyn to the foremost face of the sports collectibles industry, it also provides the reader with a roadmap for similar success.
Of course, Steiner focuses on his personal experiences: brokering deals with Brian Cashman; selling bagels and newspapers as a youth in Brooklyn; and venturing out to South Bend for a particularly interesting encounter, just to name a few. But embedded into theses anecdotes is true and helpful life and business advice, applicable and interesting whether you are a businessman or simply admire good ones.
I’ve seen Brandon Steiner’s name pop up enough in media and on Yankee Stadium billboards to know he’s a gifted businessman. I wasn’t aware he was such a gifted storyteller as well.
Hrmarketing
Posted September 20, 2012
This review is from: You Gotta Have Balls: How a Kid from Brooklyn Started From Scratch, Bought Yankee Stadium, and Created a Sports Empire (Hardcover)
I couldn't wait to receive my copy of "You Gotta Have Balls" and now I know why! Brandon Steiner's life story is a "rags to riches" one told with passion, emotion and humor. From the moment you start reading you want to continue as he tells the story of his incredibly impoverished youth and how he started working at the age of 8 to help support his family and hasn't stopped working since.
The lessons you learn from him about business, life and love are invaluable! This is a must read for anyone looking to achieve success, it's Brandon's story of "the American Dream!
Don't hesitate to buy it, read it and learn the lessons!
db1213
Posted September 18, 2012
Brandon.
I received your book the other day. I have not been able to put it down Excellent reading and I don't usually read books. I am very happy for you how you came from no money and don't forget we were best of friends since we were 7 years old to the success you have become It shows Hard Work & dedication. Pays off &. You got to have balls. Great. Title.
Sincerely
Your Friend
David Beyda.
Anonymous
Posted September 17, 2012
This book is an awesome read even if you have no interest in sports. This book is a terrific read to anyone who wants to learn the business of sports. I learned many solid business tips and lessons that can be applied to my current job.
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Posted October 17, 2012
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Posted October 8, 2012
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Posted September 26, 2012
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Overview
Praise for You Gotta Have Balls
"Brandon Steiner's story illustrates not only how You Gotta Have Balls, but how to keep a million balls in the air at the same time. His delightful, insightful anecdotes will inspire anyone juggling life's challenges."
—HARVEY MACKAY, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive
"It takes tremendous confidence and vision to start your...