Holy hell, Dirk is one hell of a writer. I really feel appreciative that I had a chance to sit down with him at the team hotel in Scranton when he was pitching with the Durham Bulls. He is an amazing, one of a kind guy. I just really wish I had read the book before I talked with him. After reading the book, you forget that this guy is only 30yrs old. His life experiences have really given him the insight and wisdom I can only compare to those old wise men that you see in movies, you know, where someone climbs a mountain to see an old guy who looks like he is wrapped in a towel, with his long unkept hair and facial hair to match. Dirk really has a unique view on life, and his perceptiveness to glean the knowledge that he has from his experiences really is bar none. This book is a baseball book only in theme, it really is a book about life. If you can't gain a valuable life lesson from reading this book, then you really weren't paying attention. Dirk told us that he has another book on deck that he is almost finished with, and I, for one, will be first in line when I hear that it is released. He really has an amazing way with words and this book will cause you to run the gamut of emotions. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, you have to read this book! ( )

Dirk was pitching for my Toronto Blue Jays when this book came out. I was greatly anticipating it and it did not disappoint. There were funny stories of minor league life but what made the book come alive for me was the documenting of the dark side - the poverty, the fear of being released, the cruel ways players sometimes treat each other.

He took a lot of flack from his fellow players when he wrote this, although he doesn't name any names. (A couple later revealed themselves when the book was successful.) I'm very glad he didn't let himself be intimated to silence. I'm grateful for the window into this rarefied world. ( )

My husband recommended this to me and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This had me feeling just about every emotion. In fact, I found myself laughing aloud multiple times throughout the book as well. This also had a phenomenal narrator for the audiobook as well. His zeal and vocal inflections helped to bring the stories alive. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has been part of a sports team, but also, anyone who loves sports or can relate to sports. This story was so much more than about a guy who was in minor/major leagues. Stay away if you dislike vulgarity! ( )

A season of minor-league baseball from a relief pitcher's point of view. ( )

I LOVED this book-I laughed so much reading this! An honest look at a season in the minors and baseball in general. The writing and storytelling is fantastic!
Pick this book up! ( )