THE ONLY WAY I KNOW

Ripken's autobiography is really a baseball lover's book, not just another egocentric sports biography. Ripken embodies much of the spirit of baseball that has been lost with its modern evolution. He describes himself as a guy who loves the game--loves to play the game as his "most-consecutive-games-played" record attests. The choice of narrator for the audiobook, not Ripken himself, but actor Sam Fontana, even keeps Ripken out of the limelight. Fontana's voice is vigorous and youthful as he tells of growing up in a baseball family with coach and manager Cal, Sr., and later his brother Billy. Ripken's delight in learning and honing his game is ably conveyed in the narration. Fontana speaks convincingly for Ripken, and we believe we're getting a first-hand account. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 97]