Beautifully rendered ... more than an account of alcoholism. It has plenty of stirring baseball moments ... C.C.’s portrait of the Crest, the city’s black enclave, is thoughtfully nuanced ... The author’s candor humanizes the game ... dwells on Sabathia’s shortcomings—and only on his. He is generous (or discreet) toward fellow players. His self-criticism is on display when he writes that lying to cover up his drinking was also an addiction ... Readers and fans will be rooting for him to enter the Hall of Fame and rooting even harder for him to stay sober.
... fascinating ... Sabathia openly discusses his baseball career and personal life and gives readers a close-up look at the ups and downs he endured; he battled alcohol addiction for years and is raw in recounting his addiction and recovery. Baseball fans will be familiar with some of Sabathia’s memorable moments, including signing a seven-year $161 million contract with the New York Yankees, going public about his addiction in 2015, and pitching his three thousandth strikeout. His life story comes alive in this fast-paced account, from developing his love of baseball as a child, to joining the minor leagues, to having initial success with the Cleveland Indians. This book proves that Sabathia’s success wasn’t guaranteed; it was a long and difficult road at each turn ... A wonderful read from start to finish. Fans of Sabathia, and baseball in general, will love this honest memoir.
