JayRo Reads: The Bullpen Gospels

The Bullpen Gospels
by Dirk Hayhurst

This is by far the most interesting book I have read in the last year. It is one of the best baseball books that I have read. It might be one of the best books that I have read.

The book is a recounting of Hayhurst's 2007 season, which was spent in the San Diego Padres' minor league system. In it, you get a great look at what minor league baseball is like, with most of the stories of sex, drugs and alcohol you would come to expect.

What isn't expected is Hayhurst's own story of overcoming his anxiety, his overcoming his family situation, to produce results on the field. Hayhurst approaches this in the same way that he approaches the minor league portion of the book - with honesty. What could have been a book that was filled with the antics of a minor league is instead an honest portrayal of not only the minors, but one man's struggles to exceed at baseball but also determine what his ultimate goal is for his life.

Even if you aren't a baseball fan, you should read this book. I can not recommend it enough.