Long Shot, Mike Piazza
Long Shot, Mike Piazza
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Long Shot

Author: Mike Piazza, Lonnie Wheeler

Narrator: Holter Graham, Mike Piazza

Unabridged: 15 hr 47 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/12/2013


Synopsis

In this New York Times bestselling autobiography, baseball legend Mike Piazza takes readers into his exceptional and storied career—from the rumors and controversies to his proudest achievements.

In this remarkably candid autobiography, superstar Mike Piazza takes readers inside his life and career to show what it takes to make it to the major leagues and to stay on top.

Piazza was drafted in the sixty-second round of the 1988 MLB draft, a courtesy pick because of a family connection to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. No one expected Mike Piazza to play in the major leagues except Mike and his dad—not even the Dodgers. But with talent, determination, and a formidable work ethic, long shot Piazza learned the demanding position of catcher and not only made it to the majors, he became one of the great players in the history of the game.

With resolute honesty Piazza addresses the issues that swirled about him during his career: the rumor that he was gay, the infamous bat-throwing incident with Roger Clemens, and the accusations of steroid use that plagued nearly every power hitter of his era. But above all, Long Shot is the story of a superstar who rose to the top through his talent and his deep drive to succeed.

About Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza grew up in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixty-second round of the 1988 Major League Baseball amateur draft. He was National League Rookie of the Year in 1993 and was a twelve-time All-Star selection. He holds the record for most home runs by a catcher (396) and held the record for highest batting average in a season by a catcher (.362) until it was recently broken. He lives with his family in Miami Beach, Florida.

About Lonnie Wheeler

Lonnie Wheeler’s numerous books include collaborations on the autobiographies of Hank Aaron (I Had a Hammer), Bob Gibson (Stranger to the Game), Mike Piazza (Long Shot), a baseball dialogue between Gibson and Reggie Jackson (Sixty Feet, Six Inches), and reflections on a summer at Wrigley Field (Bleachers). The author of Intangiball: The Subtle Things That Win Baseball Games, he lives in New Richmond, Ohio.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Rob

Rob To say I'm disappointed is an understatement... I idolized this man. He put numbers in the books that are certainly Hall of Fame caliber... However, in reading his memoir (and listening TO HIS OWN WORDS) Mike is clearly not a nice man. The most self-centered, egotistical, aloof, arrogant, moody, se......more

Goodreads review by Jim

During Mike Piazza’s years with the Mets (1998-2005), I loved the guy. I was a HUGE Piazza fan, so much so that at one point, I was seriously considering getting a tattoo of his uniform number, 31. The beanball that Roger Clemens threw at him in 2000, which cost Piazza an appearance in the All-Star......more

Goodreads review by Jason

In who is my favorite ball player of all time, I found this book very insightful but not necessarily in a good way. While Piazza was coming through the Dodger organization he was frequently whiny and self gratifying. His father frequently intervened in his professional life and I'd have been better......more

Goodreads review by James

Let's call this a 2.5, dead in the center of the scale. It's got its interesting points, specifically Piazza's signing and climb through the minors. In the end it goes on a bit long, sort of like a catcher trying to hang on beyond his prime. The dust jacket, in typical fashion, promises thrills and s......more