By Brian Altenbach
Developing True Character from Within
Batter Up!
“Remember, kid, there are heroes and there are legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart, and you’ll never go wrong.”–Babe Ruth
Many lessons are learned by youth—and adults—on the baseball diamond. The diamond can be the crucible where a young person’s character is formed. Honor the Diamond spotlights six character traits, then illuminates them with story and advice learned—and earned—on the field by umpire Brian Altenbach.
This inspiring, insightful book will help youth—and adults—develop courage, compassion, gratitude, humbleness, honesty, and faith—traits that will serve them well on the field and translate to the school, workplace, and home. Viewing these character facets through the lens of baseball will draw in baseball players and fans alike. Let’s play ball!
About the Author
Brian Altenbach was born and raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, and he has been around baseball his entire life as a spectator, player, coach, and umpire. He is married a second time and has two wonderful boys, a stepdaughter, stepson, and two grandchildren at this time. He is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor who works part-time in private practice counseling individuals through many aspects of life. He works full-time in a local county correctional facility, counseling adults faced with a wide array of charges. As a way to relax from his career, he decided to become a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Baseball Umpire for high school. He is also a member of the National Umpire Association and umpires in the Cal Ripken League of the Lehigh Valley. His collective experiences as a son, father, counselor, and umpire have led him to the formulation of this book.
Specifications
Format: Paperback
Trim size: 6×9”
Cover price: $14.95
Page count: 56 pages
ISBN: 978-1-958711-49-1
“Brian’s compassion for the youth of today and love for baseball are displayed every time he steps onto the diamond.”
—Mike Long, parent, coach, and umpire
“This very insightful book highlights the importance of character through real-life examples. It will absolutely inspire a young child as well as any parent to cultivate character to make a positive difference in the world. As a coach in the Babe Ruth League, I believe this book is a must-read for any player and parent.”
—Anthony Vitale, DC, parent and chiropractor
“In reading, Honor the Diamond, I saw an instinctive ability of the Speech Ump to bring out the best in young people, by guiding them when they needed it most to dig deep within themselves to overcome the challenges that confronted them. He launches them successfully through their difficulties and into their life’s journey with confidence. Honor the Diamond truly delivers its message: the development of true character. It’s a potent, inspiring read for any age.”
—Ron L Glazier, USMC Veteran
“Baseball has always been a game that teaches life lessons, but today’s game has gotten away from teaching them. This book is a must-read on how parents, coaches, players, and umpires should approach the game and its value in teaching the players of today. The person you are is more important than the game being played.”
—Eric Vernon, Cal Ripken coach and parent