When You Can't Come Back: A Story of Courage and Grace

by Dave Dravecky

The former all-star pitcher chronicles his painful struggle with cancer, his heroic return to baseball, and the eventual loss of his arm to the disease

Genres: Biography, Sports, Baseball, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction, Christian, Memoir

Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad book, but a great story.

[Ted Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting because I was at Dave Dravecky’s comeback game, a victory over the Reds. I remember it being a big deal but didn’t understand the effort he had to go through to get to that point. It was even more amazing what he went through afterwards, including the test in his faith. This is inspiring for anybody, and as someone who nearly lost a leg three years ago I could somewhat relate (thankfully, the skilled surgeons at University of Iowa hospitals saved my leg with three surgeries in five days).

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pitching arms are delicate things. You’ll often see pitchers with their arms iced down after a start. In between innings, many pitchers sit in the dugout with their jackets on. So having cancer in it probably meant the end of Dravecky’s career.

Only it didn’t. Somehow, after the tumor was removed, he found the fortitude within himself to redevelop the muscles in his arm and return to pitching for the Giants.

All of these events were discussed in Dravecky’s first book, simply titled Comeback.

When You Can’t Come Back tells the story of what happened after that great and glorious when he returned to the pitcher’s mound to a standing ovation. When he recorded a win after many people thought he wouldn’t pitch again. And as you might guess from the title, things didn’t end on the “happily ever after” note after that game.

But that’s not the message of the book. Told in journal style by both Dravecky and his wife Jan, it’s the story of the two of them cope with some of the worst life throws at you. Both are Christians and have a deep faith which they found tested during this time.

To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the follow-up book to Dave Dravecky's book Comeback, which chronicled his return to major league pitching after being treated for cancer in his pitching arm and a broken arm he suffered five days later-which ended his return to major league baseball.

This book picks up where the first one left off and tells the difficult story of the return of the cancer and the amputation of his left arm. This is an honest, almost painful book to read, as both Dave Dravecky and his wife, Jan, are very open about their struggles through this trial.

The book, which is just shy of 200 pages, deals with depression, burnout, stress and suffering. There is a deep maturity in the last half especially, which is less a book on baseball and more a book on the theology of suffering. A tough read, but in the end very hopeful and encouraging. Its message is one of hope in the midst of devastating and disorienting circumstances.

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten that this this book was in my peronsal library. In a way it prbably was and still can be more impactful than his first book. This book opens up the door into their personal lives as it relates to fighting depession, fighting for their marriage, family and faith and coming to terms with the amputation of his entire left arm because of the reocurrance of cancer. In the meantime Dave has to admit to his struggles and finally allow his lovely wife to receive the help she needed. And they had to fend off the many pieces of advice thrown their way that quite frankly was very unhelpful and unhealthy. In all of that they saw the grace of God in their lives that allowed them to touch others going thru much more difficult circumstances because of the platform given to them as a professional baseball player and family in the limelight.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The follow up book to Dravecky's book Comeback, which chronicled his return to major league pitching after being treated for cancer in his pitching arm and his subsequent injury to his arm a second time. This book picks up where the first one left off and tells the difficult story of the return of the cancer and the amputation of his left arm. This is an honest, almost painful book to read, as both Dravecky and his wife are very open about their struggles through this trial. But this is also a faith-filled book. The Draveckys demonstrate astonishing faith in God through everything. There is a deep maturity in the last half especially, which is less a book on baseball and more a book on the theology of suffering. A tough read, but in the end very hopeful and encouraging.

[Nelda Whynot-DelNegro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a sports fan, yet I found this book uplifting. All of us face some adversity. All of us desire to overcome. The only thing we can control is our actions and our attitude. Even then it is often not enough. What we really need is to find our hope in and center our thoughts on the Father's love to get through the pain. This book demonstrates that process in one man's life, but can apply in many ways to all of us. I found it an enjoyable read.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever had setbacks - or ever will, you should read this book. The character shown by Mr. Dravecky is truly remarkable and motivates me every day.

[Jodi Uplinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Great testimony given and an interesting book to read.

[Gloria Ramos-Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me through my journey with cancer. I highly recommend the book.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I'm traveling to North Carolina this week I was reminded that I read this book on the plane the last time I traveled to NC (May 2007). I'm not a huge baseball fan (or sports fan for that matter). But I did enjoy this autobiographical read of Dave Dravecky's second round with cancer, the round that ultimately retired him. What stood out to me is Dave's wife's battle with depression during the ordeal. She writes wonderfully about the hardships she went through and how she felt alienated from their church and church friends. It's a quick, easy, real life read that I recommend.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave Dravecky was a major-league pitcher with the SF Giants when he found he had cancer and eventually had his arm amputated. This is a story of his faith and the support of his family and friends while facing such a difficult time in his life. A bit "preachy" but still a good read and a lesson that some of us need to have pounded into our heads more than once.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book which shows the human spirit being tested like never before. It puts other people's lives in perspective and reminds everyone that when one door closes, another door opens. Furthermore it tells people have things much worse than those griping and complaining about their lives.

[Len Knighton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A candid account in which both Dave and Jan Dravecky make comebacks. I question some of the theology although I applaud Dave for one stand against popular conservative Bible interpretation. I invite the readers to discover it.
Not much of a review. I'm afraid the book did not move me.

[Tyler Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great but sad story.Very easy read. Dave really lays it all out there from the losing his career to nearly losing his marriage. When you get into it baseball is really the least important problem he faces.

[Glenda Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story ... great guy ... again, I'm biased here from my days in sports marketing. I got to know Dave Dravecky when we were working on Paul Azinger's book "Zinger".

[Mary Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring! I couldn't put it down.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

"It is by the mercy of God that even in a very great loss something can be found"

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuation of Dave Dravecky's story--what happens when things don't go as you planned.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but the first one is better.