ORANGE PARK, Fla., June 30, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Improving one's game is just as important in life as it is in the world of sports. In his new book, Career Year: A Major League Fable (now available through AuthorHouse), Dan Briggs invites readers to follow the transformation of a professional baseball player who rises from his slump to become a star performer and better human being under the guidance of a unique personal coach.
Career Year offers readers an entertaining blend of practical life wisdom, business techniques, philosophical ideas and baseball action. The story revolves around two men. Luke Kelly is a member of a clandestine group of personal/business coaches that seeks out people who need improvement in mind, body and spirit. Nick Hudson is the Red Sox baseball player who becomes the most important student of Luke's career.
On the verge of ejection from the secret group for failures with his last two projects, Luke must succeed with this witty, handsome and cocky ballplayer. Nick agrees to the stranger's help, thinking he is being assigned a mentor by the league or player's union. As Luke guides Nick through practical exercises and methods to improve his performance, readers learn valuable life lessons in an entertaining way. Meanwhile, Nick proves to be a handful as he challenges Luke and mocks his teachings. Before long, however, he has left his slump behind and enjoys success in the field and in life. When Nick is injured midway through the season, it seems an insurmountable obstacle blocks his chance for ultimate success. However, using Luke's lessons, he comes back to help his team win the World Series. A close friendship forms between the two men in this humorous tale with heart.
Timely issues surface in this unique story, such as steroids use, the emergence of satellite radio and a World Series scene that pits the Red Sox against the Washington Nationals (formerly the Senators). With plenty of baseball action scenes expertly woven in by Briggs, an avid baseball fan, Career Year is packed with provocative themes, philosophical musings and lighthearted fun.
Born and raised in South Kingstown, R.I., Briggs is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston. He is the general manager for a security systems integration company in Jacksonville, Fla., and has been a member of The Executive Committee (TEC), an international organization of CEOs and top executives, for more than six years. An avid Red Sox fan, he is married with two children and lives in Orange Park, Fla.
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