Illinois Native MLB Player Releases Book, Documentary About His Addiction
A two-time World Series champion is ready to tell his complex story of hitting rock bottom, recovering, and finding redemption.
Baseball die-hards will remember Scott Spiezio as the clutch switch hitter for World Series-winning teams like the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. However, the Joliet, IL native's story also involves addiction and substance abuse. In his new book, The Hardest Comeback, and in an upcoming documentary, Spiezio, the professional athlete gets candid about his struggles.
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Scott Spiezio Talks About His Book and Documentary:
I had the privilege of chatting with Scott Spiezio, who now resides in Morris, IL. His book, The Hardest Comeback, was just released a couple weeks ago. Meanwhile, his documentary Spiezio will be released on September 10th. Him and his father, Ed Spiezio, are the only father/son duo to win a World Series with the same franchise (St. Louis). He is part of a unique chapter in MLB history. His memoir looks to show his struggle with alcoholism off the field.
Meanwhile, Spiezio frames its titular subject's time between World Series wins, where he emerged as a changed man by the time he won it all with the Cardinals:
Scott Spiezio hit the home run that gave the Anaheim Angels their first and only World Series ring. Fame followed — a street named after him, late-night television, a hometown that loved him. Then the collapse. Alcohol and cocaine addiction. Eleven rehabs. Two divorces. Multiple arrests. His net worth gone. For years, family and parents kept their distance [....] Spiezio, a feature-length documentary coming soon, goes looking for the answer. Blending intimate interviews, archival footage, and candid reflection, it explores the hidden cost of success — and the man behind the headlines - per the Spiezio documentary's website
Spiezio Gives Some Perspective on the MLB as Well:
In addition to talking about his new book and documentary, I picked Spiezio's brain about the potential for an MLB lockout/labor stoppage in 2027, how he learned to become a switch hitter, and even some of his favorite stars/young players in the league at this time. He was insightful all around.
Take a listen to my interview with Scott Spiezio below. Find out more about his book, The Hardest Comeback, on Amazon, and find out more about his new documentary on the film's official website.
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Gallery Credit: Seth Berkman