One Base at a Time

How I Survived PTSD and Found My Field of Dreams

By: David R. Mellor

Narrated by: David R. Mellor

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

“Dave Mellor has built one of baseball’s most inspirational stories over the last half-century. Anchored by a love for his family and the game, he survived incomprehensible catastrophes and PTSD to become a pioneering ballfield artist and head groundskeeper for Fenway Park.” (Buster Olney, ESPN)

On July 10, 1981, David Mellor was just a baseball-crazed kid, a star high school pitcher preparing to go to college and dreaming of one day taking the mound in Fenway Park for his beloved Boston Red Sox. His dream was derailed as he crossed the parking lot of a McDonald’s. He heard the racing engine, but couldn’t defend himself against the car coming straight at him. It sent him flying through the air and into a wall, where it hit him again and pinned him, severely damaging his knee and destroying his hope of ever being a Major League pitcher.

In the wake of the accident, even as he reached the major leagues as a groundskeeper, David was tortured by the aftermath of his injuries and additional traumas, including being struck by a car again, this time in the outfield of Milwaukee’s County Stadium while he was working on overhauling the field for the Milwaukee Brewers. He suffered terribly from anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, completely unaware that he was experiencing the debilitating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD.

One Base at a Time recounts in vivid detail his subsequent 29-year struggle with PTSD. This harrowing but inspiring story documents the remarkable journey of a man debilitated by physical and psychological injuries who refused to give up even when everything seemed hopeless. After a fortuitous event, he admitted to needing help, sought effective treatment, and turned his life around. It’s a powerful, helpful outline of the steps one needs to take to overcome the powerful hold PTSD has on one’s life.

One Base at a Time is a must-listen for anyone suffering in silence or anyone who knows someone suffering in the wake of severe traumatic events. Those who seem broken can be fixed and live a happy, fulfilling life.

“Dave is a truly unique person. His passion, hard work, creativity, and love for baseball gives life to Fenway Park. It gives intensity to us as ball players and pushes us to put on a show night after night. Dave is as much a part of the Red Sox team as anyone and his life and the adversity he has overcome is really inspiring.” (David “Big Papi” Ortiz)

©2019 David R. Mellor (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The true star of Fenway Park is not one of the Red Sox players; it is the esteemed groundskeeper David Mellor. This is a powerful memoir, taking David from his days as a potential big league pitcher through the time when, after his dreams came to a traumatic halt, he battled PTSD and eventually returned to the diamond after conquering his demons. It is an inspiring story, and I encourage all baseball fans to read this motivating book.” (Tom Werner, Chairman of the Boston Red Sox)

Unbelievably Incredible

Could not stop listening. David did such a beautiful job explaining in great detail such horrifying events. to have to survive through just one is imaginable. To think David survived it ALL and still has such an amazing outlook on life is incredible.

David really dives deep into the first hand knowledge of what it's like to suffer with PTSD. I'm happy he has been able to endure the journey ey and come out the other end as a positive, shining example of the benefits to treatment.

Inspirational amazing book

The author did a terrific job of reading the book. It is an amazing journey of how to handle life’s challenges when life is not fair.

PTSD, Baseball & Service Dogs

I loved this book! My son was diagnosed with PTSD recently and I needed to know more. I heard an interview of David Mellor on the Glenn Beck Radio broadcast. I immediately purchased this book on Audible and listened. In so many ways I have been inspired by David’s journey! The book addressed PTSD in a way that a non medical person can understand, just what I needed. And Baseball...I love baseball, so I was hooked. Through David’s words I am much more aware of the PTSD struggle and of the role of service dogs. I am encouraging my family members to read or listen to this book to get a clearer idea of PTSD to better understand my son’s battle. His PTSD was also not due to military service but rather spending 14 years as a paramedic/first responder. Thank you for opening your heart, mind & soul to write about your journey. I thank God for catching that interview on Glenn Beck and then the path to your book. Thank you so much!

Inspirational Story!

What a great story about overcoming adversity. Once I started the book I had difficulty putting it down. I appreciate David sharing his story. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes heart felt stories. Thanks to Glenn Beck for suggesting this book.