Book Review: "The Bullpen Gospels" by Dirk Hayhurst

Now I realize that books written by athletes are usually hit or miss, but let me tell you, Dirk Hayhurst's The Bullpen Gospels is absolutely amazing.

Hayhurst, a reliever with the Jays this year who is currently on the disabled list, retells countless adventures through his year in minor league ball, back in 2007, when he was fighting his way through the Padres organization.

The book, as should any written by a minor league reliever, includes lots of hilarious tales from Dirk and his teammates about their antics both on and off the field.

Some of these include; defecating in a mascot's costume head, riding scooters through the clubhouse, and his grandmother having her gun taken away for trying to shoot the neighbors, who cut her lawn.

While these may sound basic, there are many more that have escaped me and are delivered in such a witty way, they will have you actually laughing out loud.

The book is about so much more, though.

It discusses the difficulties Dirk faces with his family, which includes an abusive and alcoholic brother and a disabled father. It touches on the family experience that ballplayers have, and how quickly some of them can disappear with a simple cut from spring training.

Mostly, however, the book discusses why Dirk continued on in baseball.

It talks about whether baseball is really as big as people think it is (and take it to be), or if baseball could better be suited helping in other ways.

It discusses management referring to the players as entertainment instead of athletes, and the ability to make dreams come true simply by wearing a jersey.

It is easily one of the best sports book I've ever read, and is one that is relatable to even those who have no interest in baseball (or sports for that matter.) It's an uplifting tale of a kid realizing his dreams, just to question the importance of those dreams.

If you haven't already, buy this book. It's not readily available at many locations in Canada, but can easily be ordered online...and should!