The Hardest Comeback: A Memoir

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

Author: Scott Spiezio,Lesley Butcher
Publisher: CG Sports Management LLC
Published: 07/28/2026
Pages: 268
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.51lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.88d
ISBN: 9798993839134

About the Author
Spiezio, Scott: - Scott Spiezio is a two-time World Series champion and former Major League Baseball player who spent 12 seasons with the Oakland Athletics, Anaheim Angels, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals. He is the only father-son duo to win a World Series ring with the same organization (St. Louis Cardinals). An All-American at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the school's career home run leader, Spiezio is best known for his pivotal home run in Game 6 of the 2002 World Series that helped lead the Angels to their first championship. He was a 2002 nominee for Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Award and has been inducted into the Joliet Area Sports Hall of Fame, University of Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame, Morris High School Hall of Fame, and the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame. He lives in Morris, Illinois, where he coaches upcoming baseball and softball players in his sports facility.Butcher, Lesley: - Lesley Butcher is an award-winning storyteller, published author, and professor of Communications at San Jacinto College. She lives in League City, Texas, with her husband, a former rocket scientist, and her three kids.