Long Shot Brochura - 2014

In this New York Times bestselling autobiography, baseball legend Mike Piazza takes readers into his exceptional and storied careerâÈ'from the rumors and controversies to his proudest achievements.

Mike Piazza was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixty-second round of the 1988 baseball draft as a âÈêcourtesy pick.âÈë The Dodgers never expected him to play for themâÈ'or anyone else. Mike had other ideas. With talent, determination, and a formidable work ethicâÈ'thanks in large part to his fatherâÈçs aspirations for himâÈ'he became the National League Rookie of the Year in 1993, broke the record for season batting average by a catcher, holds the record for career home runs at his position, and was selected as an All-Star twelve times.

With the Dodgers, Piazza established himself as baseballâÈçs premier offensive catcher, but the team never seemed willing to recognize him as the franchise player he was. He joined the New York Mets and led them to the memorable 2000 World Series with their cross-town rivals, the Yankees. Mike tells the story behind his dramatic confrontation with Roger Clemens during that time. He addresses the steroid controversy that hovered around him and Major League Baseball, and he discusses the rumors of his being gay. He also describes the thrill of his game-winning home run on September 21, 2001, the first baseball game played in New York after 9/11. Along the way, he tells terrific stories about teammates and rivals that baseball fans will devour.

âÈêA story of hope and audacityâÈë (Bloomberg.com), Long Shot is a fascinating memoir written with resolute honesty, insight, humor, and charm. ItâÈçs surprising and inspiring, and will continue to be one of the most talked-about sports autobiographies for many years.