From the Publisher
“I love this book so much! I’ve been listening to Clint share his ‘Hurdle-isms’ filled with wit and wisdom for years and now we all get to benefit from his greatest hits. Pun intended. Everyone needs to read this book!”
—Jon Gordon, Award-winning author of The Energy Bus and The Power of Positive Leadership
"Clint Hurdle has a way of saying things that stick. His ‘Hurdle-isms,’ spawned from a storied MLB career and a life that's had its share of uphill climbs, are small enough to fit in your pocket and big enough to change the trajectory of your life. An astute observer of both human nature and the game of baseball, Hurdle has taken copious notes along the way. He lives to pass them on."
—Sherri Coale, Hall of Fame Women's Basketball Coach and author of Rooted to Rise
“Any fragment of a sentence, any complete sentence, or any short paragraph that Coach says or writes, I want to learn. I anticipate that as you read this, you will feel the same.”
—Buzz Williams, Men's Head Basketball Coach at Texas A&M
“Hurdle-isms is one of those buy 2 and give one to a friend books! Clint’s wisdom has impacted so many, including me. If you want life changing tools, get this book!”
—Rod Olson, President, Coaches of Excellence Institute
“Clint Hurdle is the embodiment of a true leader, someone who inspires and uplifts those around him. As a dear friend and mentor, Clint has always had the perfect words at the right time. I’m thrilled for anyone who picks up this book to experience the same wisdom and inspiration he’s shared with me over the years.”
—Sean Casey, Former MLB player, coach, and Analyst on MLB Network
“Hurdle-isms is an appropriate title for a man who had so many profound thoughts on baseball and life… this highly entertaining and fun book provides a peek into the world of professional baseball at the highest level but with incredible life lessons that apply to your personal and professional … if you want life’s lessons on culture, leadership, relationships, and what world class communication means and how it applies to everyday life, this book is a home run. Having known Clint fort many years, no one is more authentic and lives the life he talks about in the book than him!! As you will read, like the game of baseball there are two types of people those that are humble and those that are about to be …. So do yourself a favor and find out why that is a good thing!! Enjoy learning from a transformational man who will make a transformational difference in your life!!!”
—Dan O’Dowd, Former MLB General Manager and Analyst on MLB Network
“Interesting and interested. Two of the first words that come to mind when I think of Clint Hurdle. What’s not interesting about a man whose story includes the lows of divorce and alcoholism followed by the highs of World Series and grace? His story will forever inspire me. But perhaps his interested peculiarity is what makes me most excited for people to consume this book. To me, Hurdle-isms comes from a place of wisdom derived from Clint’s interest in the human soul. Your soul and my soul. I am certain this book will touch us both.”
—Taylor McGregor, ESPN and Chicago Cubs Reporter
“Everyone knows of Clint from his Sports Illustrated days. I got to know him when I started to work for the Rockies in 2006 & I really got to know him these last three years when he came back to the Rockies as a Special Assistant. He is a MASTER motivator. You hang on every word he says. He could easily be termed the ‘most interesting man in America.’”
—Jerry Weinstein, more than six decades teaching at all levels of baseball including with Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs organizations
“To know Clint the professional is an honor unto itself. Knowing Clint, the person is a Blessing. Clint gives each of us hope and inspiration with his daily messages on what is truly important in our lives. I am sure this book will contain many entertaining stories, but each will have a very meaningful connotation as any interaction with Clint does.”
—Kevin Colbert, Former General Manager, Pittsburgh Steelers
“Beginning in November 2010, when Clint Hurdle took over as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bucco fans were introduced to a true leader with a remarkable and distinctive communication style. His gifted leadership, combined with expert coaching, transformed our lowly team from perennial basement-dwellers into a winning, playoff-caliber club for the first time in 20 years! Clint is truly one of a kind, and I'm proud to call him a close friend who still enjoys hearing his creative ‘Hurdle-isms’ in private!”
—Phil Henry, Lifelong Yinzer
“This book, like Clint Hurdle the man, is a gift for all people—a blueprint for how to live. You need not have been an athlete to take away the precious nuggets in here on how to not just live but enjoy life and enjoy yourself in the process. I think this book should be mandatory reading for all college students. Honestly, though, people everywhere need this book—today more than ever. Thank you, Clint Hurdle, for this book and for all you do to make the world a better place.”
—Jim Acho, Longtime attorney for MLB/NFL retired players, sports law professor
“Clint’s perspective on life and baseball is born from years of experiences and lessons learned, both good and bad. Through it all, he has always challenged himself and others to become better people, teachers, and leaders. With this book, his wisdom becomes timeless and will serve generations to come. But like all great books, the value is found in how you read it, absorb it, and then bring it to life in the service of the people you teach and lead. Players play better when we coach better, and this book will make you a better coach.”
—Andy McKay, VP, Assistant General Manager, Seattle Mariners
“I have been around several great baseball people in my life, players, coaches, and front office personnel. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing is Clint Hurdle. I met him expecting one thing and what I got was so much more. His passion to connect with people is what makes him special. To reach the pinnacle of one’s career and then go beyond to develop people is what makes him different. Sharing knowledge to make someone a better player is great, but to travel beyond that line and to care enough to make them better people is his gift.”
—Butch Chaffin, Four decades as a baseball coach
"Coach Clint Hurdle’s new book, Hurdle-isms: Wit and Wisdom from a Lifetime in Baseball, is a gold mine of insights. It’s not often you get to learn from someone who has competed at the highest level for an entire career, but this book offers that rare chance. Coach Hurdle shares powerful lessons, captivating stories, and motivational insights that will both entertain and inspire you. As you read, you’ll be challenged and equipped to push beyond your limits—and have fun doing it. Add this to your library today!"
—Brian Dodd, Author of The Games Leaders Play
“Great stories with simple, practical wisdom make this book a must-read for leaders and anyone trying to be the best version of themselves. Clint Hurdle has experienced the pinnacle of professional baseball and plenty of struggles along the way, all of which he shares transparently in an effort to help us all on our own journeys. He has never been afraid of learning or helping, which this book shares both. Hurdle-isms will put a smile on your heart and give you a nudge to get better.”
—Kyle Stark, Former MLB Assistant General Manager, President of Stark Contrast Coaching
"I love this book because it highlights life’s simplicity through Clint’s unique ‘Hurdle-isms.’ It’s funny, relatable, deeply inspiring, and packed with insights that stick. Clint humbly shares his story, drawing you in and inspiring you to be and do better. His wit provides us with a quick reset that can guide us through life’s challenges and at the same time, remind us to cherish the gifts that are right in front of us! This is a book that I will continue to read again and again!
—Brandon Buck, Soul Leader-Mentor-Friend-Coach, Author of Distracted by Success
“My dear friend Clint Hurdle has a new book coming out and I encourage you all to check it out. When I say, ‘check it out,’ I don't mean at the library. I mean order it, purchase it, buy it! Over the past 15 years Clint has had a major impact on my life, and I know his heart, wit, and wisdom will most certainly impact you. I love this man.”
—Steve Shenbaum, President and Founder, Game On Nation
“Clint Hurdle is an American treasure! His humility, humor and wisdom shine through brightly in Hurdle-isms, as he shares a lifetime of incredibly valuable insights applicable to all facets of leadership and life! Entertaining, enlightening, and encouraging, Hurdle-isms is packed with wisdom and is a must read for all leaders who not only want to broaden their impact on society but deepen it! Cannot wait to share this book with my friends and colleagues! Thanks for your authenticity, humility and wisdom Clint!”
—Todd Gongwer, Leadership speaker and author of LEAD…for God’s Sake!
“We’ve all been around people who talk a good game. Especially in today’s social media world. So, when you find someone who is genuine, who really walks the walk, you don’t forget them. That’s Clint Hurdle. The kind of friend you might not see for years but would drop everything if you’re in need. Who will offer advice, but only something he’s actively learned himself. He can be loud; he can be comforting. But he’s always real. The man lives to help others succeed. This book is just that—Clint sharing his experience, wisdom, and love because something here may just help each and every one of us.”
—Jon Daniels, Senior Advisor, Tampa Bay Rays
“For decades, Major League players have benefitted from Clint Hurdle's wisdom and hard-earned knowledge and now with Hurdle-isms, you can too. In this book, Clint opens the door into his life so we can all benefit from the lessons he's learned along his journey. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, this book will help improve your performance in the game of life.”
—Steve Gilbert, Senior Reporter, MLB.com
“Years ago, I reached out to Clint when our team was struggling. He challenged me saying, ‘You have to do what the game demands.’ This was my first experience with a Hurdle-ism. Clint has a way of using words and phrases that stain the brain. His Hurdle-isms often center around baseball; however, the core of his messages can be applied to any life endeavor.”
—Mike Deegan, Denison University Head Baseball Coach, author of Let It Rip: Life Lessons Learned Through Sports
“From his days as a rookie phenom on the cover of Sports Illustrated to his playing career, and years as coach, manager and baseball adviser, Clint Hurdle has gathered and learned from experiences (including some highs and a few missteps) from which he has grown and used to guide others both on and off the field. His stories, wit and wisdom, make Hurdle-isms an enjoyable must-read for baseball fans and anyone looking to live a more effective and fulfilling life.”
—Ron Shapiro, Attorney, Agent, New York Times bestselling author
“While it’s true that Clint Hurdle enjoyed great success in a professional baseball career spanning more than 45 years, Clint is much more than just a ‘baseball lifer.’ Through his experiences, Clint has compiled a series of life lessons he affectionally calls ‘Hurdle-isms.’ Well respected for his kindness, humility and compassion, Clint has been conveying his wisdom via daily emails for 15 years and is now sharing his thoughts in Hurdle-isms: Wit and Wisdom from a Lifetime in Baseball. Anyone who reads the book can apply these lessons to better themselves in both their personal and professional lives.”
—Jonathan Wexler, President, PFP Sports
“I had the pleasure of playing for Clint for 9 years. Over those years I learned a lot of ‘Hurdle-isms.’ Many of them have carried me throughout my career and I find myself telling my peers about it as well. You see, that’s the best part about ‘Hurdle-isms,’ they stay with you forever. I hope this book helps you as much as Clint has helped me throughout the years. It’s time I celebrate him, just like he has celebrated me all these years. Hurdle-isms isn’t just a book, it’s a gateway to internal belief, selflessness and empathy.”
—Andrew McCutchen, MLB All-Star, 2013 National League MVP
“In Hurdle-isms, Clint artfully marries his endearing wit with his remarkable wisdom to bring the lessons that he has learned over his illustrious career to life. As a devout servant leader, Clint strives to enhance the lives of everyone he touches by magnanimously sharing his life’s rich learnings from his successes and failures alike. Clint possesses the extraordinary ability to elevate the spirits of everyone in his orbit through his unflappable optimistic attitude and his authentic selflessness. As readers embrace Clint’s ‘Hurdle-isms,’ I am confident that he will prove to be a beacon of positivity as he has been for me throughout our twenty-five-year friendship.”
—Thad Levine, MLB Executive
“Amazing wisdom from an amazing man, husband, father, and Major League Baseball skipper. Clint weaves stories throughout the book that provides timeless wisdom learned from being in the fire of life. It is rare to get to open, honest advice from a man so experienced with life’s trials, tribulations, and successes. Through it all, Clint’s humility allows him to bear his soul to you the reader, allowing you to gain valuable insights into life, love, leadership. Clint has been at the tip of the spear of human existence. Allow him to provide you with practical advice and experiential metaphors vital to navigate life.”
—Dan Hawkins, College Football Coach
“There are very few people that can impact the game and life at all levels. Clint gets it. His magical ability as a former MLB player, coach and manager to inspire so many is unique. His daily messages and words of hope and encouragement have been the how so many start the day. In a world so needing love and words of wisdom, Clint’s share of his life and lessons is perfect timing!”
—Tony Abbatine, Founder, Frozen Ropes, MLB and NCAA Performance Coach
“You will learn in reading Hurdle-isms what I came to know as a journalist covering Clint Hurdle for four seasons: that he is a master communicator and self-evaluator.
Without his ability to relay the right messages in a way in which they would be accepted, the Colorado Rockies would have never made a miraculous run to their first and only World Series appearance.
Without Hurdle’s ability to adopt and sell new concepts, new data entering the game in the mid-2010s at a time when many were resistant to them—while marrying them with effective traditional methods—the Pirates would never have ended the longest stretch of losing seasons in North American pro sports history. That was a period of great change in the game, and it had to be navigated well. He had to have buy-in from his players and coaching staff.
While he owns bonafides as an ex-MLB player, which helps sell ideas to players, coaches and execs, he also has empathy, wit and wisdom. That combination makes him a rare leader, and communicator that all of us can learn something from.”
—Travis Sawchik, Author of Big Data Baseball
"Clint Hurdle is a thoughtful and charismatic leader whose intimate knowledge of baseball and genuine relatability carried him to the biggest stages of the sport. With his 25 ‘Hurdle-isms,’ Hurdle details many of the stories and principles behind his success over more than four decades—providing critical perspectives and frameworks for self-improvement. His authenticity, humor, and humility are illuminated in this fun read for any coach, leader, or baseball fan."
—Trevor Kapp, writer and reporter
“Clint is a genuine soul and his love for people is shown by him sharing his personal journey. This book provokes one to ponder ideas that inspire personal thought via life experiences, hard decisions, and challenging times. I have benefited tremendously from Clint’s insights and are now a part of my journey.”
—Lonni Alameda, Head Softball Coach, Florida State Seminoles
