When I went down south a few weeks ago on a “scouting” trip I finally had some free time to read a couple of books I had been eagerly anticipating. So I purchased The Extra 2% by Jonah Keri and The Bullpen Gospels by Dirk Hayhurst at my local Chapters (yeah, I’m still old school) and thought I would share a quick review on the latter today.
The Bullpen Gospels is written by former Toronto Blue Jays reliever Dirk Hayhurst who takes the reader on an emotional ride into what life is really like behind the scenes of pro baseball. I have to say if there was ever a book that drew my complete, undivided attention after only one page it would have to be this one.
Mr. Hayhurst is an imaginative and well spoken introvert living out his dream of “making the show” and at times his inner anguish and pain bleeds through the pages as he stumbles, triumphs and staggers through life in the minor leagues. All former pitchers, at any level will appreciate his battle with the “Baseball Reaper” the unseen force causing untimely wildness, jet streams out to left and cheap hits to fall in.
AL Eastbound & Down 