Via Deadspin, we learn that the fomer Dodgers and Mets catcher Mike Piazza is writing his autobiography. Piazza is perhaps most well known for his bizarre 2002 press conference where he declared he was not gay. Piazza started a bit of a trend among jocks publicly declaring their heterosexuality, then marrying Playboy Playmates (see also: Garcia, Jeff).
According to Publisher’s Weekly, he’ll “discuss controversies of his career, including the 2000 World Series incident when Roger Clemens threw a shattered bat at him, and the press conference he held to deny rumors that he was gay. The autobiography will also cover Piazza’s tumultuous relationships with the Dodgers, their front office and Tommy Lasorda; as well as his former teammates Bobby Valentine, Pedro Martinez, Rickey Henderson and others.”
There is no title for the book at this time, but I’m positive Mike will go out of his way to ensure “Catcher” is not in it.
Unless Piazza dishes some real dirt, ala Jose Canseco, or says he’s changed his mind about his sexuality, why would anyone want to read his autobiography? Save for the “I’m not gay” press conference, when has Piazza said or done anything remotely interesting? Sound like just another retired jock trying to cash in on whatever fame he has left.
on Nov 13th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
“Why would anyone want to read Mike Piazza’s autobiography?” you ask?
I imagine there are countless reasons, most having to do with baseball and baseball fans and few having to do with a player’s sex life. Like anyone else, celebrity or citizen, Piazza has a right to write a book, as well as the right to privacy.
To baseball fans and fans of this particular player, an autobiography might seem very interesting, like other jock bios. And gay or not gay, a young gay athlete might benefit from reading about this athlete’s experience being called gay.
Let’s not bash people for living their lives, playing pro sports and wanting to write about it. That’s just not cool, to Mike Piazza or any other athlete. It also demeans the best intentions of this great and necessary site.
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
You basically could have wrote “I do not like Mike Piazza” in this article and saved yourself some time.
“Save for the “I’m not gay” press conference, when has Piazza said or done anything remotely interesting?”
I don’t know, maybe being one of the greatest catchers in baseball history? MAYBE that’s pretty interesting. He’ll probably be in the Hall Of Fame someday, I mean I could see how some people MIGHT find that interesting and want to read about it.
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Mike Piazza is one of the greats of all time. That is why people would want to read his book. I group up idolizing the guy. I’ll be the first to get this book. I am very excited about this!
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I’m questioning the criteria for OutSports writers in general after reading this particular “article.”
Though I have a definate problem with anybody calling Mike Piazza “one of the greats of all time,”(for, as we know, he couldn’t throw a runner out at second to save his life…hitter, possibly) he definately had a prolific career that could land him in Cooperstown. Is this not known to the ‘writer?’
My watch doesnt set by gay sportswriters, and I appreciate the work you do at OutSports, but Im thinking that the informed part of writing should trump the gay part of writing, because they are not hired to be ‘gaywriters,’ are they…
on Nov 15th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Here are two suggested taglines for the book:
Great career, boring read.
OR
Talent doesn’t always transfer to the printed page.
And one more thought. Let’s be clear that unless Piazza (or anybody) has a secret literary talent, he WILL have a ghost writer.
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Couldn’t agree more with what Black said.
He is a great in the sense he’ll go into the HoF with an NYM hat, how he grew up in PA, lived in LA and NYC and how his dad supported him.
This is no different from John Amaechi’s Man in the Middle, say for the gay thing.
And let’s be honest, Piazza will be remembered for this career, which is what a lot of sports fans care about.
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I think he plans to confess that he tipped Roger’s pitches to opposing batters in the 2004 all star game.
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
When will Outsports.com drop the whole Mike “I’m not gay” Piazza thing?
on Nov 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
When he stops trying to capitalize on it.
From the PR announcing the book:
“Piazza’s … time with the Dodgers and Mets was marked by enormous popularity with fans and national controversies –- notably the 2000 World Series incident when Roger Clemens threw a shattered bat at Piazza, and the press conference he held to deny rumors that he was gay.
“Piazza will discuss those episodes in detail. …”
on Dec 1st, 2008 at 1:36 am
I’m not at all sure he’ll get into The Hall. His defense stank, and he was an incomplete player, when did he ever steal a base? He hit the ball, a lot, for a catcher, but that’s all he did.
I thought it was interesting when he grabbed that pitcher by the throat. Might that have been an example of ‘roid rage?