The Bullpen Gospels, a Book Every Baseball Fan Should Read

Most baseball fans I know don't have a clue how the process to become a major leaguer works. Once in a while they read about a baseball sensation who goes from high school directly to the major leagues and signs a multi-million dollar contract. But truth is most players labor at the craft for some time before actually setting foot on a major league field. Dirk Hayhurst was a prospect that did just that in the minor leagues for 5 years before getting his first real break in the San Diego Padres organization.

Dirk describes in the prologue of the book what baseball is and what it is not. Reality is a major stumbling block for minor leaguers and Dirk is candidly honest in his narration. He also accounts for the passion that drives someone to labor at this game for so long. His portrayal of the depression and self-doubt that creep in to try and steal your dreams alone is worth the read. But as long as you are wearing a jersey you have a chance to make your dreams reality.

Like life itself the humor that permeates the game and the players is told in a way that leaves you laughing but allows for the grim reality of men on the road away from home for the first time. The pecking order descriptions of the veterans that were borne from tradition show the respect they all have for the game. But we are reminded on several occasions throughout the book that this is just a game and players are like everyone else who work at climbing the ladder of success.

One of the really fascinating parts of the book are Dirk's descriptions of off-season workouts and living arrangements. Not the plush MLB facilities but down the ally self made in-door cages that a retired minor leaguer or independent team owner might make available. The multitude of family and relatives that you live with for free off and on who try to talk some sense into you by stealing the dream.

The process of spring training was a great part of the book and everyones struggle to make a rooster on an A or AA farm team. How those dreams end for friends and fellow players are gut wrenching affairs that are not always understood by the players or explained by the coaches.

There is always a party somewhere and the masculine arena of minor league baseball is no exception. But for all the drunken fools there are always those that don't allow anything to interfere with the dream. Dirk was one of those guys. He not only didn't drink but was a virgin to boot, which is a confirmation of single mindedness and direct action affiliated with one who is extreme in their passion for something. In Dirks life it was baseball.

This was a very well written account of Dirk Hayhurst life in minor league baseball. Starting with off-season workouts, spring training, long arduous bus rides and finally a moment of chance to make his dream come true.

As soon as I put down my copy of the book my 14 year-old picked it up. Batting .649 in a local baseball league he couldn't help himself and I am glad he is reading it.