To Stir a Movement: Life, Justice, and Major League Baseball

by Jeremy Affeldt

Jeremy Affeldt understands passion. With passion, his dream of being a major league baseball player became a reality. With passion, he battled injuries that plagued the early years of his career. With passion, he struck out the side of the Detroit Tigers line-up in the 8th inning of the final game of the 2012 World Series. Jeremy Affleldt's passion doesn't end when he walks off the field. As an outspoken advocate against human trafficking and a committed servant against injustice, Jeremy Affeldt has made a significant mark in this world.

Follow Jeremy Affeldt's journey from a military brat and self-centered, hot-tempered, high school athlete to a two-time world series champ and Christ follower.

Whether helping the trafficked find freedom, the thirsty receive water, or the hungry obtain food Jeremy Affeldt is using his voice to demolish the barriers that stand between everyday people and the injustice around them.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Inspirational

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love God, Baseball, and the San Francisco Giants, so this book was right up my alley.

Let's start with the positives. Affeldt was part of the core four relievers that led the San Francisco Giants to 3 World Series titles in 5 years. Affeldt gives you an inside look at the Giants in 2010 and 2012. He also discusses his Christian faith, which is even more important. He sets out how he became a Christian and the effect his faith had upon him throughout the ups and downs that come. I would have liked Affeldt to discuss other ballplayers who were Christians. Affeldt also gave back to the community, whether it be fighting human trafficking or getting clean water sources to people throughout the world.

The negatives: I wish he had waited to write the book until after he retired in 2015. He could have discussed his thinking about retiring and what he now does with his free time in Spokane, Washington. Writing the book in 2013 also prevented him from covering the 2014 season when the Giants won their third World Series.

Finally, Affeldt states that in 2010, the San Francisco Giants qualified for the World Series for the first time since 1954, when they were still the New York Giants. The Giants went to the World Series in 1962, 1989, and 2002 when they played in San Francisco. They did not win the World Series in San Francisco until 2010.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot exactly recommend this book. Affeldt is more of a pitcher than a writer. There is a lot of telling here, without the descriptive details that make you lose yourself in a story. But Affeldt, it seems, is a good man, and has become one through hard work and a deep and abiding belief in God. To Stir a Movement chronicles his journey from spoiled brat, to good man, invested not only in his success on the field but in "stirring a movement" -- involving young people in their community and the world, in being thankful, and in doing good works.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this because I love baseball AND I believe in people living out their faith rift where they are with the gifts they've been given. Perfect match for me. Folks who love in depth descriptive novels won't love it necessarily. Jeremy just tells it like it is. Folks who don't love baseball might think there's too much baseball in here, not enough about the giving. But I think it's the right blend. Easy, quick, and compelling read.

[Zack M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affeldt's journey through life is a beautiful and inspirational story that all should know about. He had so many moments in life where God was able to turn his pain into something good. READ THIS BOOK!

[Shawn Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Playing in the World Series sounds cool

[Kallie Beltrami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author of this book is Jeremy Affeldt, a relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, gave a fantastic insight into the world of Major League Baseball, and did a superb job at informing his readers about his non-profit organizations that he supports. Affeldt is actively involved in the "Not for Sale" movement against human trafficking, as well as a few other large causes such as building clean water wells with Living Water International, building orphanages with the Global Orphan Project, and feeding the Hungry with Youth Front's Something to Eat Initiative. Affeldt begins the book with a very personal story about his own experince with human trafficking when he was young, and opens the door for the reader to want to help the cause too. Throughout the book, Affeldt kept me, the reader, feeling close to him by sharing personal stories and engaging me in his career path as if I were there with him. I loved the way he described his teammates and the atomsphere at the ball club. I'm a huge baseball fan and I enjoyed the baseball factor of the book, but it was also rich in Affeldt's religious beliefs and career choices. Jeremy Affeldt makes himself out to be a very relatable guy and I appreciated his charisma and humor. The way that he portrayed his growth throughout his life was very respectable, as he mentioned that he was a rebellious teenager but grew up to be, what I perceive, an incredible person.

[Sheri S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Affeldt is a major league pitcher and has been to the World Series three times. He describes his youth and the anger and bitterness he experienced while growing up. Late in high school, he was impacted by his relationship with Christ and made some significant changes in his outlook on life. He began playing professional baseball after high school and faced many physical challenges (as well as personal challenges with anger)as he ascended the ranks of professional baseball. Affeldt describes how his relationship with Christ impacts his baseball career and how playing baseball has given him a greater platform through with to serve God. Affeldt is involved in several humanitarian efforts both nationally and around the world.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy Affeldt is not a great writer. In fact, he is not even a good writer--not really. But that's okay, because he compensates for that by being a great person. So, sure--his story is kind of cliche, predictable, and even a little repetitive. But he has some good things to say; so his book holds its own as an inspiring, enjoyable one for any person of faith (or open-minded unbeliever).

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. I appreciate that Jeremy takes his faith so seriously and is intentional about the contribution he can give to society and young people. A ball player who is a great Christian role model. This book gave me motivation to reflect on how I've been using the gifts God has given me. Greatly recommended!

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay read, but I wish there was more about how he washelping and less about his baseball career.
I know this is difficult for my friends to believe as they know I love baseball.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the way Jeremy thinks, and it comes through in the book. His faith isn't cheesy. It's real and it's all about loving his neighbors, both around him and around the world.

[Kevin Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read. It is very encouraging to hear a major league player put more importance on faith and doing right for others than big money in his career.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was a 3.5 star book. Held my interest, but not hard to do with baseball involved:-)

[JJ Vancil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great content and stories. Definitely touches the soul and leads the reader to desire being a witness to who God is. However, the quality of the writing leaves a lot to be desired.

[Brian3753]

Good story

Great stories & great lessons to learn from Jeremy's journey. I wish more athletes had his mindset about making a difference.

[Stephanie Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremy is unique among athletes. He's a thinker and a humble guy. His story will inspire many.

[Traci Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent to read! It's easy and very enlightening I recommend it. it was very moving