A new leadership book rooted in hustle, heart, and high performance — and inspired by baseball legend Pete Rose — is now available on Amazon and through IngramSpark Publishing. Owensboro’s Mark Calitri is a co-author of the book.
Titled “The Winning Leadership Playbook: The Pete Rose Way — Hustle, Heart, and High-Performance,” the book is also co-authored by Dr. Larry C. Bobbert. Built on real conversations with Rose and insights from Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, Calitri said the book blends lessons from sports, business, and personal development into a results-driven guide for aspiring and experienced leaders.
“Pete loved Owensboro,” Calitri said. “He felt at home here. That hard-working spirit is what built his career — show up every day and give your best.”
The idea for the book originated in 2017 when Calitri helped bring Rose to Owensboro for a sold-out show at RiverPark Center. Their ongoing conversations about accountability and performance laid the groundwork for the playbook.
Rose’s visit included storytelling about his baseball career and reflections on his time in Vietnam with Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio. During his stay, Calitri said he also toured local attractions and praised Owensboro’s welcoming people and work ethic.
The book also pays tribute to Sparky Anderson, the iconic manager who led both the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers to World Series titles, citing his disciplined and trust-based leadership style as a model for long-term success.
Inside the playbook, Calitri said readers will find practical takeaways from Rose and other high achievers, including Jungle Jim Bonaminio and Mary Kay Ash. Key principles include:
- The 51% Mentality — giving more than you take to build trust.
- The Scoreboard Doesn’t Lie — letting results speak for themselves.
- Blending grit and grace.
- Finishing with discipline and purpose.
Calitri said that more importantly, the book doesn’t shy away from Rose’s challenges. It examines how setbacks, including stepping out of bounds, can become turning points when met with ownership and perseverance.
As Rose said, “You owe it to yourself to be the best you can possibly be — in baseball and in life.”
Calitri said Bobbert brings decades of teaching experience and a background in martial arts to the project, grounding the material in discipline and clarity. He has taught at institutions including Eastern Kentucky University and Morehead State University, and presented internationally across four continents.
“This book is for anyone ready to find their next level — beginners and veterans alike,” the authors said. “No fluff. No theory. Just results.”
