{"product_id":"once-a-pear-my-cricket-journey-9781801502023","title":"Once a Pear: My Cricket Journey","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eDaryl Mitchell, a one-club man from Worcestershire, played for the club for 17 years, making five promotions, five relegations, and winning short-form triumphs in the Pro40 competition and the Twenty20 Blast. He is a club legend, with 38 first-class county hundreds and 295 catches, and four years as chairman of the Professional Cricketers Association. He reveals what it takes to be a successful county cricketer and the impact on a player's mental health, and how the game has changed in the last 20 years. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 256 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 25 April 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pitch Publishing Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce A Pear... is the captivating cricketing tale of Daryl Mitchell, the epitome of a one-club man. Daryl's journey from the village game to becoming the first Worcestershire captain born in the county since 1925 is truly remarkable. Despite numerous offers from other more renowned counties, he remained loyal to the club for 17 years, navigating a turbulent career that included five promotions, five relegations, and triumphs in the Pro40 competition and the Twenty20 Blast. Daryl's legacy as a club legend is cemented by his impressive statistics, with 38 first-class county hundreds placing him sixth on the all-time list of Worcestershire centurions and 295 catches securing him eighth place in the fielding records. His four years as chairman of the Professional Cricketers' Association further attest to the high esteem he holds among his fellow professionals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Once A Pear..., Daryl delves into the intricacies of what it takes to succeed as a county cricketer, shedding light on the impact the sport has on a player's mental health. He also explores the significant changes the game has undergone in the past two decades. This is the story of a true cricket enthusiast, a man who has dedicated his life to the sport and left an indelible mark on its history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDaryl's journey begins in the picturesque village of Ombersley, where he honed his skills on the local cricket field. His talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly caught the attention of local coaches and scouts. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Daryl remained determined to pursue his cricketing dreams.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs he progressed through the ranks, Daryl's dedication and hard work paid off. He was selected to play for Worcestershire's second-string team, and his performances caught the eye of the senior management. His breakthrough came in 2000, when he was named as Worcestershire's captain and led the team to their first-ever County Championship title.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver the next 17 years, Daryl's career took him on a rollercoaster ride. He led Worcestershire to numerous promotions, including two consecutive promotions to the top tier of English cricket. However, the journey was not without its setbacks, as Worcestershire faced relegation on three occasions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite the challenges, Daryl remained resilient and committed to the club. He was a true leader on and off the field, and his passion for the game inspired his teammates to give their best. His performances on the field were equally impressive, with 38 first-class county hundreds and 295 catches placing him sixth on the all-time list of Worcestershire centurions and eighth in the fielding records.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to his cricketing achievements, Daryl also made a significant impact off the field. He served as the chairman of the Professional Cricketers' Association for four years, during which he worked tirelessly to improve the conditions and support for players in the county. His leadership and dedication to the sport earned him widespread respect and admiration among his fellow professionals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce A Pear... is a testament to Daryl Mitchell's incredible journey and his unwavering commitment to the sport of cricket. It is a story that inspires young cricketers to strive for excellence and to never give up on their dreams, even in the face of adversity. Daryl's legacy as a one-club man and a true cricket enthusiast will continue to inspire generations to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 240 x 160 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781801502023\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Daryl Mitchell","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44101314445562,"sku":"9781801502023","price":11.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1651227295806_book.jpg?v=1651262067","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/once-a-pear-my-cricket-journey-9781801502023","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}