R.A. Dickey has a reputation as a renaissance man. He’s a good speaker, has many interests that go beyond the standard jock topics. So when I heard he was writing a book, I was looking forward to it.
But now, judging by some items I’ve seen — which I know is unfair — it appears it will be another in the line of detailed “overcoming hardship” issues.
The various sources pick out the most salacious items on which to focus. (Remember all the hoopla about Selena Roberts’ bio about Alex Rodriguez that really didn’t amount to much. Once the fanfare fueled by sports columnists ran out, when all was said and done, it was a pretty standard piece.)
In Dickey’s case, we learn about suicidal thoughts brought on by infidelity, parental neglect, and sexual abuse by his female babysitter when he was eight years old. Then there was the temptation of PED use while he was a member of the Texas Rangers.
The New York Daily News‘ Andy Martino published this piece today. isn’t there some conflict of interest here, given that Dickey’s co-author, Wayne Coffey, also writes for the Daily News? Even though the fact is mentioned in the headline, it still strikes me as the NYDN somehow tooting its own horn, given Coffey a leg up where other authors might not enjoy that same benefit?
Here’s an excerpt, courtesy of Sports Illustrated and SI writer Jon Wertheim writes a “behind-the-pen” piece as well.
- From The Sporting News
- From Yahoo sports
- Publishers Weekly gave it a “starred” review, concluding that “Dickey has set a new standard for athlete autobiographies.”
I’m sure there will be more in the days ahead.
is available on Amazon.com,
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