The Hardest Comeback - by Scott Spiezio & Lesley Butcher (Paperback)

About the Book

Scott's memoir is a raw account of the dark side of fame and fortune. His faith, sobriety, and a second chance to reconcile with the ones he loves is the comeback story he wants to be remembered for.

Book Synopsis

A COMEBACK STORY YOU'LL NEVER FORGET

Most little boys dream big dreams, especially when it comes to sports. For Scott Spiezio that dream was to win a World Series and play 10 years in the Majors. Unlike other kids, he held a unique advantage, a father who had done exactly that. His dad laid out a blueprint and walked alongside him every step of the way. His training began in their basement at age three, and Scott trusted his father's plan without question. His dad knew the path that would take him to the mountain top, and when Scott hit a pivotal home run in the 2002 World Series run for the Angels, his job seemed done. Scott had everything he could ever want: a World Series ring, a multimillion dollar contract, a beautiful wife, and two healthy sons. But his immense success, followed by an unexpected injury, led to confusion and depression, opening a door to everything he'd spent years avoiding: alcohol, drugs, and adultery.

His raw account of losing his family, his fortune, and nearly his life to poor choices and the disease of addiction exposes the devastating struggle of substance abuse. Scott shares candidly about the challenges and experiences of both an athlete and an addict. His story sheds light on the dark side of fame and fortune, and how sometimes to lose everything only to find what really matters.

Scott and I shared a love for baseball and faith from the beginning of our careers. It was a privilege to play alongside him at the pinnacle of our sport, and an honor to watch his incredible comeback off the field. His story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond hope and no setback is beyond redemption. It's one I believe needs to be shared. - David Eckstein, two-time World Series Champion and 2006 World Series MVP

Scott's story is a powerful testimony of perseverance and the strength to keep moving forward when life seems at its darkest. Many of us watched him struggle through some of his most difficult seasons and prayed he would find his way back. What makes his journey so inspiring is not simply that he survived, but that God used those struggles to shape a greater purpose. Scott's life is a reminder that our mistakes do not define us, and that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work. His story offers hope to anyone searching for redemption, healing, and a reason to keep believing. - Albert Pujols, World Series Champion, nine-time MLB All Star

Scottie was an incredible teammate who practiced and played with relentless intensity. On the field, we shared baseball, but off the field, we shared something even greater-our faith. That foundation has strengthened our friendship through the years and remains at the heart of our relationship today. I'm grateful that Scott is sharing his story, and even more grateful that he lived to tell it. His journey is a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and God's grace. - Tim Salmon, World Series champion, Angels Hall of fame

This is a story, not just about the moment of success or the hard work, but the dangerous other side that often unfolds when success is attained, goals are achieved, and the dark side of competition rears its ugly head. Some may know the pain of failure, and few know the pressures of a high-performing environment. Yet, each of us can learn from and be shaped by Scott's redemptive story. - Shelby M.T. Kimpel, Nominated Director of Spiezio

Review Quotes

Scott's 2002 World Series 3-run home run helped us comeback from elimination and gave the Angels Organization and its fans a memory of a lifetime, but his story of coming back from his struggle off the field gives us a deeper sense of hope that extends far beyond baseball.

- Mike Scioscia, World Series Champion and Former MLB Manager

Scott gave our 2006 championship team a spark and the veteran presence that helped us win it all in St. Louis. He was an easy player to admire on the field and an even better person off it. That's what made his battle with substance abuse so difficult for those who knew him. Watching Scott overcome that struggle, reconnect with his faith and family, and build a life of purpose has been one of the most inspiring comebacks I've witnessed. This is far more than a baseball story. It's a story of hope, and one worth sharing.

- Tony Larussa, Hall of Fame Manager, three-time World Series Champion

"The world saw the Scott who had unbelievable talent, and then an epic unraveling. Behind the scenes, he was always just a good guy from the Midwest who loved baseball and people. That's the Scott I knew. His story is bringing hope to so many, and I hope others will read this and be reminded of what matters most."

- Joel Goldberg, Emmy winning broadcaster and bestselling author

Scott and I became instant friends early in his career. I watched him achieve what most athletes only dream of, and I watched him fall into an addiction that I wasn't sure he would survive. But this story isn't about the fall, it's about the comeback. While I've always been proud of Scott's accomplishments on the field, I'm even more proud of the man he has become. His journey is a powerful testament to the life-changing power of second chances. I'm grateful he lived to tell this story, and I believe it will help countless others find hope.

- Morgan Rose, drummer for Sevendust

I coached Scott in college and watched his drive and determination take him all the way to the top. Over the years, I went from being his coach to being a fan, and ultimately, a friend. What God has done in Scott's life is a powerful story of faith and restoration. It's one I've often invited him to share with our players because of the impact it has on those who hear it. I'm grateful the world will finally get to read his story and discover the hope it offers.

- Dan Hartleb, Head Baseball Coach at the University of Illinois

Scott's story reminds us that it's never too late for a comeback, both on and off the field. This book will let you in on the hard work he put in, the choices that nearly cost him everything, and the grit he showed to come back from them.

- Trent Clark, three-time World Series Strength Coach

My wife and I had a front-row seat to Scott's journey as an athlete. We witnessed the highs that made headlines and the very public struggles that followed. Like so many others, we watched him experience both remarkable success and heartbreaking failure. But the most powerful part of Scott's story isn't what happened on the field, it's what God has done in his life since. Watching God's redemptive work unfold through pain and second chances has been far more inspiring than any athletic achievement. Scott's story is a powerful reminder that our failures do not define us and that God's grace can transform even our darkest chapters into a greater purpose.

- Nick Sandeno, Community Pastor at The Village Christian Church