“The Phenomenon: Pressure, the Yips, and the Pitch that Changed My Life” by Rick Ankiel and Tim Brown.
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Got 1/3 of this book read last night, so far mostly back story and youth. Tough "father" who made it hard on him and his mother. Knowing his baseball career story looking forward to reading about his conversion to the OF and hitting. Good enough so far and very little mention of the use of "medicating" with vodka, he doesn't seem to be that guy who abused it from an alcoholic standpoint. Sounds like a good dude as evidence to the interviews with Cardinal personnel who did everything they could to keep him in the game/organization. Those interviews were on the HBO Real Sports last month, same episode with the Matt Bush story. Different guys.
Reading assignment completed. Like I stated above, was really interested in his offensive conversion to the OF and becoming a hitter. There was not much devoted to that, some mention of key players and coaches that contributed. That being said, having finished it I can't say I am disappointed. This guy lived with and fought a demon and came through it a man. For all the 6th tool fans, you'll love how important and instrumental Harvey Dorfman was to him. I remember when Ankiel's pitching went off the tracks, what I didn't realize was how young he was. What I learned from his story was how ill prepared he was for it and how alone he was. Stupid statement there, how can anybody be prepared for that? How can anyone relate to that and provide support. This is the kind of story that pains you in how lonely the struggle can become and his struggle was one of the ugliest. Look out for the guys that need reassurance, a pat on the back, a kind word and be someone who is there for them.