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Out of My League: A Rookie's Survival in the Bigs
"Dirk Hayhurst writes about baseball in a unique way. Observant, insightful, human, and hilarious."
--Bob Costas- "Even more than he did in The Bullpen Gospels, Dirk Hayhurst teaches us here what happens when a 'dream career' collides with reality. There is such universality in his struggles, that if by the book's end you don't become him in your mind, there's probably something wrong with your heart. This book shows why baseball is so often used as a metaphor for life."
--Keith Olbermann
"Not many pitchers have replaced future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. Only one has written a delightful book about it. This isn't the story of any old Triple-A veteran trying to finally reach the majors. This is the story of Dirk Hayhurst finally reaching the majors. Which makes the story worth reading."
--Rob Neyer, Sports Nation
"Hayhurst has done it again... Turns out he's a starter and a closer."
--Tim Kurkjian, ESPN
"A stirring, revealing tale of humanity."
--Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports
"Gripping, revealing--and not at all what you'd expect."
--Tyler Kepner, The New York Times " With razor-sharp wit and keen observational powers, Dirk Hayhurst delivers a rare gem of a baseball book. Out of My League captures both the joy and the toll of becoming a big leaguer unlike anything else before it."--Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated -
"Hilarious, illuminating and poignant...This is more than a baseball book. It's the story of a man learning that it's possible to grip a baseball without it gripping him."
--Craig Calcaterra, NBC Sports.com
"Hayhurst has done it again...If only I could pitch as well as he can write, I might have more Cy Youngs than Greg Maddux."
--Jayson Stark, ESPN.com
"Memorable... Hayhurst delivers an entertaining story for more than just sports fans. This is about life, relationships and the sacrifices made to pursue a dream"
--Jordan Bastian, MLB.com
"Funny, earthy, touching. Dirk finally makes it to a big-league mound, but as a writer, he's been throwing strikes in the Show for a while now, and "Out of My League" is another quality start."
--King Kaufman, Bleacher Report
"The most candid portrayal of life as a professional athlete I've ever seen."
--Michael Dolan, Editor-in-Chief, Athletes Quarterly
"It's never too inside baseball, even though it is literally from inside baseball."
--John Manuel, Editor, Baseball America
"Dirk is a good friend who has never been afraid to tell it like it is. He has a genuine gift for telling the stories of his life in such a way that they reveal profound truths. I find his writing both entertaining and thought provoking... unlike his fastball."
--Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays All-Star
"Baseball is a game governed by countless rules, none bigger than this Don't over think it. Dirk Hayhurst takes us down the rabbit hole that is his mind, to a place where that rule is constantly violated, every decision, every move, every breath over thought. In the process, he provides a brutally honest take on life in the majors--the oversized ballparks, hotel rooms, and personalities, but also the self-doubt, loneliness, and despair. I laughed, I cried, I even learned how to doctor a baseball."
--Jonah Keri, author of The Extra 2%
"Compulsively readable and enjoyable...Apparently, it's not enough for Hayhurst to be a major league pitcher; he has to be a fantastic writer, too."
--Matt Fraction, Marvel Comics
--Bob Costas- "Even more than he did in The Bullpen Gospels, Dirk Hayhurst teaches us here what happens when a 'dream career' collides with reality. There is such universality in his struggles, that if by the book's end you don't become him in your mind, there's probably something wrong with your heart. This book shows why baseball is so often used as a metaphor for life."
--Keith Olbermann
"Not many pitchers have replaced future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. Only one has written a delightful book about it. This isn't the story of any old Triple-A veteran trying to finally reach the majors. This is the story of Dirk Hayhurst finally reaching the majors. Which makes the story worth reading."
--Rob Neyer, Sports Nation
"Hayhurst has done it again... Turns out he's a starter and a closer."
--Tim Kurkjian, ESPN
"A stirring, revealing tale of humanity."
--Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports
"Gripping, revealing--and not at all what you'd expect."
--Tyler Kepner, The New York Times " With razor-sharp wit and keen observational powers, Dirk Hayhurst delivers a rare gem of a baseball book. Out of My League captures both the joy and the toll of becoming a big leaguer unlike anything else before it."--Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated -
"Hilarious, illuminating and poignant...This is more than a baseball book. It's the story of a man learning that it's possible to grip a baseball without it gripping him."
--Craig Calcaterra, NBC Sports.com
"Hayhurst has done it again...If only I could pitch as well as he can write, I might have more Cy Youngs than Greg Maddux."
--Jayson Stark, ESPN.com
"Memorable... Hayhurst delivers an entertaining story for more than just sports fans. This is about life, relationships and the sacrifices made to pursue a dream"
--Jordan Bastian, MLB.com
"Funny, earthy, touching. Dirk finally makes it to a big-league mound, but as a writer, he's been throwing strikes in the Show for a while now, and "Out of My League" is another quality start."
--King Kaufman, Bleacher Report
"The most candid portrayal of life as a professional athlete I've ever seen."
--Michael Dolan, Editor-in-Chief, Athletes Quarterly
"It's never too inside baseball, even though it is literally from inside baseball."
--John Manuel, Editor, Baseball America
"Dirk is a good friend who has never been afraid to tell it like it is. He has a genuine gift for telling the stories of his life in such a way that they reveal profound truths. I find his writing both entertaining and thought provoking... unlike his fastball."
--Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays All-Star
"Baseball is a game governed by countless rules, none bigger than this Don't over think it. Dirk Hayhurst takes us down the rabbit hole that is his mind, to a place where that rule is constantly violated, every decision, every move, every breath over thought. In the process, he provides a brutally honest take on life in the majors--the oversized ballparks, hotel rooms, and personalities, but also the self-doubt, loneliness, and despair. I laughed, I cried, I even learned how to doctor a baseball."
--Jonah Keri, author of The Extra 2%
"Compulsively readable and enjoyable...Apparently, it's not enough for Hayhurst to be a major league pitcher; he has to be a fantastic writer, too."
--Matt Fraction, Marvel Comics
406 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2012
130 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Dirk Hayhurst
4 books63 followersDrafted from Kent State University in 2003 as a senior sign, Dirk Hayhurst has pitched professionally for nine years on more than eight minor league teams and two major league teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2011, he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays and pitched for their Triple-A team, the Durham Bulls, in Durham, NC. Hayhurst was born in Canton, Ohio, and resides in the off-season in Hudson, Ohio, with his wife Bonnie, a music therapist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
January 22, 2013
I commented on The Bullpen Gospels that what was missing from the story was Dirk Hayhurst meeting his wife, as that seemed like an important part of the narrative that was missing. Turns out that he was just saving all the material from the Bonnie situation (which does not resemble Pulp Fiction in any way; no appearances by the Wolf) for a second book, one in which he makes his way into the big leagues.
It's more of the same immature and riotously funny minor league stories mixed in with some heart-warming stories about the development about his relationship, beginning with the kind of first date that comes right out of an awkward romantic comedy.
For a baseball player, Dirk is cerebral. This is what makes it easy to root for him. Perhaps it is a bit self-serving on his part, being able to cast himself as a bit of an outsider amidst all of these clowns, but as we find out here, the big leagues are a bit different of a story. (Though you've still got to watch out for Jilly.)
There's two kinds of sports movies. One is the kind where the main character or team wins at the end. The other is the kind where they lose. In the former case, you're supposed to be inspired by their triumph in the face of adversity; in the latter, the inspiration comes from having battled against all odds to get that far to begin with. Hayhurst's story is the latter kind. He has thrown a total of 39 innings in the major leagues, and none since 2009. But he learned plenty about himself along the way, got a few big league paychecks, and now, I suppose, has some royalties and advance checks and who knows what else to keep him comfortable.
Great book, glad it was recommended to me. Baseball fans should give the Garfoose a read.
It's more of the same immature and riotously funny minor league stories mixed in with some heart-warming stories about the development about his relationship, beginning with the kind of first date that comes right out of an awkward romantic comedy.
For a baseball player, Dirk is cerebral. This is what makes it easy to root for him. Perhaps it is a bit self-serving on his part, being able to cast himself as a bit of an outsider amidst all of these clowns, but as we find out here, the big leagues are a bit different of a story. (Though you've still got to watch out for Jilly.)
There's two kinds of sports movies. One is the kind where the main character or team wins at the end. The other is the kind where they lose. In the former case, you're supposed to be inspired by their triumph in the face of adversity; in the latter, the inspiration comes from having battled against all odds to get that far to begin with. Hayhurst's story is the latter kind. He has thrown a total of 39 innings in the major leagues, and none since 2009. But he learned plenty about himself along the way, got a few big league paychecks, and now, I suppose, has some royalties and advance checks and who knows what else to keep him comfortable.
Great book, glad it was recommended to me. Baseball fans should give the Garfoose a read.
December 14, 2015
Hayhurst takes the reader through a year of professional baseball, a year mostly in AAA as he strives to make it to the Major Leagues. This all appeals greatly to the long-ago boy who wanted to make The Show on his hometown team, as I did. Hayhurst shows his life as being thoughtful and conservative, and doing that in spite of a rather dysfunctional family and situation during the off-season. His season finds him surrounded by ballplayers and staff, some insightful, like his AAA pitching coach, others genuinely offbeat, while early on Dirk meets a woman through an internet dating site, mercifully not one of those women ardently pursuing a professional athlete. Hayhurst paints himself as a complex person, not hedging on those thoughts and actions he might regret, notably including over-thinking and being emotional. I rarely pick up first person autobiographically inspired books, finding the emphasis on oneself burdensome, but that didn’t happen here. It’s not clear how much is entirely true, and some, but not all, names are altered. It’s likely some events were drawn from experiences or melded from them. Never the less, it rings true in spirit. There are some genuinely funny moments here. All that to say, the audience for such a book is limited, but if one happens to be in that audience, it fills a hole in unfulfilled youthful wishes.
January 23, 2014
Matt Mecca
Ms. Pryle
English H II
24 January 2014
From the Bottom to the Top
4.5 out of 5 stars
Dirk Hayhurst, a pitcher who struggled through his early years in the minor leagues, believes that this is the year he gets to the MLB. With the “baseball reaper”, which represents the end of his career, behind him, Dirk looks to the future with high hopes. However, some new things erupt during the offseason, along with a new job and a potential marriage with a girl he met online. This marriage can best be described by Dirk as he says, ““You don't get married for yourself, you get married because you're better together than separate” (Hayhurst 52). He must juggle this as he enters another year with the AA team of the San Diego Padres hoping to get to the top. Out of My League sets the stage for another funny instillation of Dirk Hayhurst’s saga with great humility and blunt stories.
Considering Dirk seems defeated going into the season, his accomplishments are superior in the ensuing baseball season. He earns his way up the ladder to finally earn a hefty paycheck in the MLB, something he badly needed. He gets the start in his first MLB game against the Giants and he feels excited. Due to his new paycheck and newly instilled hope, Dirk can finally properly propose to his girlfriend with a ring, something he could not afford during the offseason. Eventually, the two get married as Dirk rides out the season with the MLB Padres. An underdog story at its best, this truly is a hopeful story.
Once again, Dirk Hayhurst hit the novel jackpot, an entertaining while also inspiring story that brings the reader to tears, both saddened tears and tears of laughter. Dirk successfully offers a worthy sequel to an amazing first story of The Bullpen Gospels, something that remains difficult to accomplish for many writers. His style of frank honesty and hilarious sarcasm combine to create an interesting and wonderful book, something that is very rare when it comes to sports books. While it may seem full of sometimes crass humor and often uncouth language, the book accomplishes its goal of hilarious writing and inspiring hope. In the end, this story creates a beautiful story that leaves the reader thinking, “If he could do it, I could do it.”
Ms. Pryle
English H II
24 January 2014
From the Bottom to the Top
4.5 out of 5 stars
Dirk Hayhurst, a pitcher who struggled through his early years in the minor leagues, believes that this is the year he gets to the MLB. With the “baseball reaper”, which represents the end of his career, behind him, Dirk looks to the future with high hopes. However, some new things erupt during the offseason, along with a new job and a potential marriage with a girl he met online. This marriage can best be described by Dirk as he says, ““You don't get married for yourself, you get married because you're better together than separate” (Hayhurst 52). He must juggle this as he enters another year with the AA team of the San Diego Padres hoping to get to the top. Out of My League sets the stage for another funny instillation of Dirk Hayhurst’s saga with great humility and blunt stories.
Considering Dirk seems defeated going into the season, his accomplishments are superior in the ensuing baseball season. He earns his way up the ladder to finally earn a hefty paycheck in the MLB, something he badly needed. He gets the start in his first MLB game against the Giants and he feels excited. Due to his new paycheck and newly instilled hope, Dirk can finally properly propose to his girlfriend with a ring, something he could not afford during the offseason. Eventually, the two get married as Dirk rides out the season with the MLB Padres. An underdog story at its best, this truly is a hopeful story.
Once again, Dirk Hayhurst hit the novel jackpot, an entertaining while also inspiring story that brings the reader to tears, both saddened tears and tears of laughter. Dirk successfully offers a worthy sequel to an amazing first story of The Bullpen Gospels, something that remains difficult to accomplish for many writers. His style of frank honesty and hilarious sarcasm combine to create an interesting and wonderful book, something that is very rare when it comes to sports books. While it may seem full of sometimes crass humor and often uncouth language, the book accomplishes its goal of hilarious writing and inspiring hope. In the end, this story creates a beautiful story that leaves the reader thinking, “If he could do it, I could do it.”
May 29, 2017
Man, Dirk Hayhurst can fucking write! Whether a baseball fan or not it doesn't matter, read these books!
July 14, 2021
baseball has a special place in my heart, and hayhurst is a fantastic writer.
May 21, 2022
I tend to watch hit TV shows well after their time in the Hollywood spotlight. I watched Lost in 2016, Breaking Bad in 2018. We just finished Sillicon Valley in 2022 and I'm sure there will be more to follow. On the one hand, it's kind of weird to experience something new that for others is old news but not classic/vintage/nostalgic, but on the other hand, it's nice to have the benefit of hindsight and going at your own pace.
Reading Dirk Hayhurst's memoir about his 2008 debut season in the major leagues was my book version of Lost or Breaking Bad, except if the show I watched was utterly forgettable with a few big name actors. The 2008 Padres (and, as it turns out, their minor league prospects at the time) were a rather forgettable bunch as far as the annals of baseball history, and it appears that Hayhurst himself is no longer directly involved with baseball.
Despite all of that, I enjoyed Out of my League for the rare "behind the curtains" view it provided. Hayhurst is candid throughout and he isn't afraid to be vulnerable to his reader. I can see why Hayhurst was drawn to writing even while he was still active as a professional baseball player, as his prose has a natural flow and readability (though his editors really dropped the ball on spell check).
Hayhurst's musings and recountings made a solid companion for the excitement of the new season. It both humanized MLB players and lowered them from the collective pedestal that we mere mortals place them on. I especially appreciated that our point of view was that of the "cup of coffee" non-prospect rather than the freak athlete or all-star. Enough is (understandably) written about those guys. Hayhurst is relatable to the everyman, 40-man or not, and I will continue rooting for him in his non-baseball endeavors.
Reading Dirk Hayhurst's memoir about his 2008 debut season in the major leagues was my book version of Lost or Breaking Bad, except if the show I watched was utterly forgettable with a few big name actors. The 2008 Padres (and, as it turns out, their minor league prospects at the time) were a rather forgettable bunch as far as the annals of baseball history, and it appears that Hayhurst himself is no longer directly involved with baseball.
Despite all of that, I enjoyed Out of my League for the rare "behind the curtains" view it provided. Hayhurst is candid throughout and he isn't afraid to be vulnerable to his reader. I can see why Hayhurst was drawn to writing even while he was still active as a professional baseball player, as his prose has a natural flow and readability (though his editors really dropped the ball on spell check).
Hayhurst's musings and recountings made a solid companion for the excitement of the new season. It both humanized MLB players and lowered them from the collective pedestal that we mere mortals place them on. I especially appreciated that our point of view was that of the "cup of coffee" non-prospect rather than the freak athlete or all-star. Enough is (understandably) written about those guys. Hayhurst is relatable to the everyman, 40-man or not, and I will continue rooting for him in his non-baseball endeavors.
May 23, 2012
Dirk Hayhurst acknowledges in his author notes that OUT OF MY LEAGUE is not a baseball tell-all. His point is not to “smear his fellow players or air the sport’s dirty laundry”. He also doesn’t focus on the sport’s technicalities which makes the book enjoyable by all, not just baseball fans. Even so, there are plenty of tales of the bizarre and funny happenings, the diverse personalities in the clubhouse, the odd rituals and the tremendously different lives of minor and major league players. He shares entertaining anecdotes as well as heartfelt personal stories. Hayhurst is an anomaly among the players because of his personal moral beliefs and takes a lot of grief for it. He plays along to get along with the rookie hazing but doesn’t let peer pressure cause him to compromise his beliefs. His courage in this is inspiring. He is starkly honest about his flawed relationship with his family and his personal insecurities. He shares the sweet tale of meeting, courting and marrying his wife, Bonnie. At times laugh out loud funny and at others almost depressing, the book is entertaining from start to finish.
Rating: 4.0
Heat Rating: Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy, mild violence or profanity.
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
Rating: 4.0
Heat Rating: Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy, mild violence or profanity.
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
March 4, 2012
What can I say about this book?
Well first of all, I loved it. Being a Baseball fan I have always wanted to know what really happens behind the scenes. This book -like it's predecessor "The Bullpen Gospels" shows all of this in detail.
But it isn't the primary focus you would think. It's mostly about Dirk's personal journey. A player trying to reconcile his dreams with the reality of the situations he is in.
To say I can't wait for the next book is an understatement. Get at it Dirk ! (please!)
Well first of all, I loved it. Being a Baseball fan I have always wanted to know what really happens behind the scenes. This book -like it's predecessor "The Bullpen Gospels" shows all of this in detail.
But it isn't the primary focus you would think. It's mostly about Dirk's personal journey. A player trying to reconcile his dreams with the reality of the situations he is in.
To say I can't wait for the next book is an understatement. Get at it Dirk ! (please!)
December 15, 2015
I wouldn't go all David Price on him and call him a nerd but there is a clear longing for what Hayhurst just barely missed (Disclaimer: I quit playing baseball when I realized I would never be able to hit anything traveling 90mph at me from 60ft, 6in away). Even though there is longing and jealousy in the author's voice, book is a nice look at what it takes to make it to the Bigs.
February 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. unique writing, he is really entertaining and insightful, not afraid to question some baseball norms but without being a jerk about it. Highly recommended better than the first one.
May 21, 2023
3.5 stars
Dirk Hayhurst is a good minor league pitcher with loads of self-doubt. He's been struggling in the Padres system for years with little hope of ever being promoted. He does not have much money. He has a crazy family that he does not enjoy spending much time with, but he has no choice in the off season, because he has nowhere else to live due to financial difficulties. Not uncommon for a minor league ball player.
He meets his future wife Bonnie on eHarmony, who is described as the ultimate saint in Dirk’s story. He would say that she made him feel capable and creative. Dirk's fortunes start to change with Bonnie's support. He's promoted to the AAA Portland Beavers and playing well but at the same time he's pressured by Bonnie to get a ring to make their engagement official.
Dirk is rewarded for his performance in AAA and becomes a San Diego Padre. He is introduced to the glitz and glamor of the Major Leagues. Dirk’s honest reflection of himself leads the reader to root for him, both on the field and off, yet he comes off as affable, self-deprecating, and painfully insecure in his abilities. He never goes too deep into anything, but one has to wonder if he had more confidence in his abilities, would he have had a longer stay in the major leagues.
Dirk tells some stories in the minor leagues that comes across as PG frat boys hanging out together. I kind of got the sense that Dirk held back on some of his stories. The two most interesting parts of the book were Dirk talking about his family and of coarse being in the major leagues.
His family is a mess and they never seemed to be on his side. His grandma calls Bonnie a whore the first time they meet. His dad tells him that he is making a big mistake when Dirk tells him that he and Bonnie are getting married. His mom? There is some serious passive aggressive stuff going on between Dirk and his mom. I'm not always 100% sure which one is in the wrong. He seems to take everything she says in the worst possible way, and she seems oblivious to how hurtful some of the things she says are.
Perhaps the funniest bit in the book is the conversation he and his mom have when she phones him, waking him up, to say how proud she was to have seen him on ESPN SportsCenter's highlights. The highlight? He gave up a big home run to Manny Ramirez. She claims not to understand why he's not thrilled to be on national TV. It is just hilarious, a proud mom, excited that she saw her son on TV, and a son that wishes he could just curl up and die.
To me the rags to riches lifestyle of going from a minor leaguer to a major leaguer is the most fascinating. Dirk described being a minor leaguer as being broke, sharing an apartment with a bunch of guys, little food in the house, taking buses everywhere, being sleep deprived, tolerating some jerks, and not knowing what your future is. A side from some hazing, Dirk described being in the major leagues as a dream come true. Dirk’s own insecurities make him doubt is he worthy of it. Staying in luxury hotels, eating like a king, flying in private planes, playing in the cathedral like MLB ballparks, and being around other major league ball players including Hall of Famer, Trevor Hoffman. Dirk mentioned he was now making over $400,000 a year which he said was $1,800 a game which is more than he made in a month in the minor leagues.
Dirk eloquently described his feelings of pitching and batting for the very first time in the majors. The nervous excitement that he described sounded overwhelming. Dirk sounded haunted by the fact that he can be sent back down to the minors at any time and that he is not worthy of being a major league player. Also, the loneliness of being a rookie, not knowing anyone well, compounded by being hazed by the veteran players sounded tough, and not getting much love from his pitching coach. I can see why a lot of these guys get married so young. It must be soothing to get some unconditional love from somebody.
I looked up Dirk’s stats on Baseball Reference. His stats in 2008 with the Padres were not good. He had a 0-2 record with 9.72 ERA in 10 games, pitching 16 innings. In 2009 he pitched much better for the Toronto Blue Jays and had a 2.78 ERA in 15 games. That was his last season in the major leagues. Dirk never explained what happened. I would think if you post an ERA under 3.00, that should keep you in the big leagues. Overall this was a compelling read, but I think it could have had been better if he would have finished the story on how his MLB career ended in Toronto.
Dirk Hayhurst is a good minor league pitcher with loads of self-doubt. He's been struggling in the Padres system for years with little hope of ever being promoted. He does not have much money. He has a crazy family that he does not enjoy spending much time with, but he has no choice in the off season, because he has nowhere else to live due to financial difficulties. Not uncommon for a minor league ball player.
He meets his future wife Bonnie on eHarmony, who is described as the ultimate saint in Dirk’s story. He would say that she made him feel capable and creative. Dirk's fortunes start to change with Bonnie's support. He's promoted to the AAA Portland Beavers and playing well but at the same time he's pressured by Bonnie to get a ring to make their engagement official.
Dirk is rewarded for his performance in AAA and becomes a San Diego Padre. He is introduced to the glitz and glamor of the Major Leagues. Dirk’s honest reflection of himself leads the reader to root for him, both on the field and off, yet he comes off as affable, self-deprecating, and painfully insecure in his abilities. He never goes too deep into anything, but one has to wonder if he had more confidence in his abilities, would he have had a longer stay in the major leagues.
Dirk tells some stories in the minor leagues that comes across as PG frat boys hanging out together. I kind of got the sense that Dirk held back on some of his stories. The two most interesting parts of the book were Dirk talking about his family and of coarse being in the major leagues.
His family is a mess and they never seemed to be on his side. His grandma calls Bonnie a whore the first time they meet. His dad tells him that he is making a big mistake when Dirk tells him that he and Bonnie are getting married. His mom? There is some serious passive aggressive stuff going on between Dirk and his mom. I'm not always 100% sure which one is in the wrong. He seems to take everything she says in the worst possible way, and she seems oblivious to how hurtful some of the things she says are.
Perhaps the funniest bit in the book is the conversation he and his mom have when she phones him, waking him up, to say how proud she was to have seen him on ESPN SportsCenter's highlights. The highlight? He gave up a big home run to Manny Ramirez. She claims not to understand why he's not thrilled to be on national TV. It is just hilarious, a proud mom, excited that she saw her son on TV, and a son that wishes he could just curl up and die.
To me the rags to riches lifestyle of going from a minor leaguer to a major leaguer is the most fascinating. Dirk described being a minor leaguer as being broke, sharing an apartment with a bunch of guys, little food in the house, taking buses everywhere, being sleep deprived, tolerating some jerks, and not knowing what your future is. A side from some hazing, Dirk described being in the major leagues as a dream come true. Dirk’s own insecurities make him doubt is he worthy of it. Staying in luxury hotels, eating like a king, flying in private planes, playing in the cathedral like MLB ballparks, and being around other major league ball players including Hall of Famer, Trevor Hoffman. Dirk mentioned he was now making over $400,000 a year which he said was $1,800 a game which is more than he made in a month in the minor leagues.
Dirk eloquently described his feelings of pitching and batting for the very first time in the majors. The nervous excitement that he described sounded overwhelming. Dirk sounded haunted by the fact that he can be sent back down to the minors at any time and that he is not worthy of being a major league player. Also, the loneliness of being a rookie, not knowing anyone well, compounded by being hazed by the veteran players sounded tough, and not getting much love from his pitching coach. I can see why a lot of these guys get married so young. It must be soothing to get some unconditional love from somebody.
I looked up Dirk’s stats on Baseball Reference. His stats in 2008 with the Padres were not good. He had a 0-2 record with 9.72 ERA in 10 games, pitching 16 innings. In 2009 he pitched much better for the Toronto Blue Jays and had a 2.78 ERA in 15 games. That was his last season in the major leagues. Dirk never explained what happened. I would think if you post an ERA under 3.00, that should keep you in the big leagues. Overall this was a compelling read, but I think it could have had been better if he would have finished the story on how his MLB career ended in Toronto.
August 2, 2017
I've just finished reading books by three author-pitchers: Brosnan, Bouton, and Hayhurst. Each was at a different phase of his career - Brosnan at his peak in the late 50's (The Long Season) and early 60's (Pennant Race), Bouton near the end in 1969 (Ball Four), and Hayhurst at the beginning of his big league experience 2007-09(Bullpen Gospels and Out of My League). That timing perhaps explains the tone of the books - Brosnan very much engaged in the moment, in a timeless present; Bouton in 1969 with an eye backward to his early 1960's success with the Yankees, and Hayhurst trying to make it as a rookie, with all the insecurities that involves. I think the books are also a product of their times - the 1950's and early 60's being a relatively conservative time, while 1969 was in the heart of the counter-culture, and today being whatever it is, but certainly characterized by a greater self-awareness and inclination to share the details of moments of private introspection. Hayhurst writes the most by far about his family, in a quite personal way.
They are all quite good and readable. I would agree with those who say that Brosnan is perhaps the best writer of the group, though my favorite book is Bouton's. Hayhurst's though, naturally, speaks most directly to the contemporary reader.
There are a couple of other memoirs by pitchers. I read Pat Jordan's A False Spring and Sparky Lyle's the Bronx Zoo many years ago, and may follow up with Bill Lee's book. I wonder whether there are any position players who have written memoirs of comparable quality. I hear good things about Ankiel's book, just out, though as a pitcher before he was an outfielder, that doesn't quite count.
They are all quite good and readable. I would agree with those who say that Brosnan is perhaps the best writer of the group, though my favorite book is Bouton's. Hayhurst's though, naturally, speaks most directly to the contemporary reader.
There are a couple of other memoirs by pitchers. I read Pat Jordan's A False Spring and Sparky Lyle's the Bronx Zoo many years ago, and may follow up with Bill Lee's book. I wonder whether there are any position players who have written memoirs of comparable quality. I hear good things about Ankiel's book, just out, though as a pitcher before he was an outfielder, that doesn't quite count.
January 3, 2018
What can I say? I know my class library lacks "boy books" so if I find something sporty that seems vaguely interesting I grab it. To be honest, Out Of My League: A Rookie's Survival in the Bigs is a book that I picked purely because the back of the book mentioned that he was a pitcher for the San Diego Padres (woot!).
However, once I got home and started researching the author a bit more this is REALLY interesting. He was a minor league player who started a newspaper column that gained interest. His column gained popularity and he is probably better known for his journalism career than his sports career. He has been on Sportsnet Toronto, ESPN, ESPN 2, and TBS's as a sports announcer or analyst. In addition he continued his writing career! The story is about his transition from the minors to to majors and his transition from dating to marrying.
So wait a minute? I picked up this book because it mentioned the Padres, and ended up getting a great example of a professional journalist who can show students it's OK to be sensitive. #winning
Overall the book was a combination romance / belated coming of age story (can I make it? can i handle it?). While not 100% my style, I can see how it would resonate with others.
However, once I got home and started researching the author a bit more this is REALLY interesting. He was a minor league player who started a newspaper column that gained interest. His column gained popularity and he is probably better known for his journalism career than his sports career. He has been on Sportsnet Toronto, ESPN, ESPN 2, and TBS's as a sports announcer or analyst. In addition he continued his writing career! The story is about his transition from the minors to to majors and his transition from dating to marrying.
So wait a minute? I picked up this book because it mentioned the Padres, and ended up getting a great example of a professional journalist who can show students it's OK to be sensitive. #winning
Overall the book was a combination romance / belated coming of age story (can I make it? can i handle it?). While not 100% my style, I can see how it would resonate with others.
January 23, 2018
Before reading “Out of My League”, I read Hayhurst’s earlier book, about his 5th year in the minors, and his later book, about the medical rehab of his pitching arm. I found the earlier and later books quite good, combining baseball stories with stories about his family. I found his first book very funny. This one, though, was in the middle. Certainly, it takes place between the other two books. But it also focuses on his family and his girlfriend and his plans for getting married at the end of the season, a season where he finally makes it to the majors. I really enjoyed the baseball stories here, just like in the first book. But there weren’t as many, and he spends a lot of time being angsty, which distracted from the reading experience. I was frankly overwhelmed by the “puppy love” that Hayhurst writes about, and his reactions to getting married and to promotion to the majors seemed over played in a lot of ways. Of the three Hayhurst books I’ve read, this was certainly my least favorite. And I think a big part of that is that Hayhurst fails here – it is a hard story to read how he falls apart after reaching his dream, and I suspect it was just as hard to write about it. Don’t expect a feel good book here.
October 26, 2019
As a baseball fan this is an entertaining read. Sheds light on alot of the ins and outside of life as a major leaguer and minor leaguer. He does not recount much of his on the field action, but he tells alot about what life is like in the clubhouse and being on the road and such. As someone who always wondered about the logistics of finding a place to live quickly when getting promoted/demoted within a baseball farm system, and stuff like that, this book didn't disappoint. Dirk sort of walks the reader through all the stuff and I enjoyed it.
I also liked reading about how he met his wife, and talked about his strenuous relationship with his family. But when it came to Hayhurst recreating certain scenes with his wife or family, it all sounded a little eccentric like a TV show. The dialogue just seemed forced. I realize the man can't recall conversations exactly from years ago, but at the same time I think he coulda recreated them more genuinely. But that's just me nitpicking.
All that said I still had a hard time putting the book down, flying through it. Highly recommended, and I'll be looking to read the Bullpen Gospels by him soon now too.
I also liked reading about how he met his wife, and talked about his strenuous relationship with his family. But when it came to Hayhurst recreating certain scenes with his wife or family, it all sounded a little eccentric like a TV show. The dialogue just seemed forced. I realize the man can't recall conversations exactly from years ago, but at the same time I think he coulda recreated them more genuinely. But that's just me nitpicking.
All that said I still had a hard time putting the book down, flying through it. Highly recommended, and I'll be looking to read the Bullpen Gospels by him soon now too.
June 22, 2018
Dirk Hayhurst's memoir offers some genuinely fascinating anecdotes and insights into what it's like for a player to be on the cusp of achieving the Major League dream and coming to terms with harsh realities of big league life.
While it's a breezy read, you still have to work to get to those pockets of interest, especially through the first 2/3rds of the book. To get to the good stuff, you have to slog through Hayhurst's misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia, and (literal) holier-than-thou Christian smugness. I almost abandoned the book multiple times because I was disgusted by the author. At one point, the antagonist of the book "Dallas Preston" (likely Jared Wells in real life), gets into an argument with Hayhurst and yells at him that he's "a judgmental asshole." I cheered.
But for baseball fans who would like a behind-the-scenes look at the game, especially a player's vulnerability and anxiety rarely seen or expressed, this might be worth reading through the eye-rolls.
While it's a breezy read, you still have to work to get to those pockets of interest, especially through the first 2/3rds of the book. To get to the good stuff, you have to slog through Hayhurst's misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia, and (literal) holier-than-thou Christian smugness. I almost abandoned the book multiple times because I was disgusted by the author. At one point, the antagonist of the book "Dallas Preston" (likely Jared Wells in real life), gets into an argument with Hayhurst and yells at him that he's "a judgmental asshole." I cheered.
But for baseball fans who would like a behind-the-scenes look at the game, especially a player's vulnerability and anxiety rarely seen or expressed, this might be worth reading through the eye-rolls.
September 20, 2020
There were worthwhile pages, here and there, but this train never left the station. Disappointing. Chapters - most of which were three to four pages long – attempted unsuccessfully to balance the exploits of teammates and baseball “life on the road,” with a “this is my life” narrative that became whiney and outright irritating. Terrible dialogue too – but I guess that’s to be expected from someone who was a so-so athlete and, for that matter, not “really” a writer? For me the deal breaker was page 200 or so (of 400) where I began reading about a professional athlete complaining about the taxes taken out of their pay. This after a couple of occasions of outright gay bashing…. I’m done! The trials and travails of a professed virgin competing and canoodling with a bunch of irreverent, dumb jocks - most of which are a tired re-hash of Animal House characters – just couldn’t keep me in it.
June 29, 2018
The stories that most readers are coming for are there, but you have to dig.
Tons of dysfunctional family drama that is tedious to get through crowds out the juicy baseball tales. Maybe I’m selfish, but I don’t really care about his bizarre family! I do care about what AAA and Major League Baseball is like from a players perspective.
It also struck me how unprepared mentally this poor guy was for the big leagues. Forget a pitching coach, he needed a sports psychologist! If MLB organizations really want to prepare their minor leaguers for the bigs, they should get them some counseling. I’m starting to suspect the difference between a 90 mph minor leaguer and major leaguer is primarily the head on their shoulders.
Tons of dysfunctional family drama that is tedious to get through crowds out the juicy baseball tales. Maybe I’m selfish, but I don’t really care about his bizarre family! I do care about what AAA and Major League Baseball is like from a players perspective.
It also struck me how unprepared mentally this poor guy was for the big leagues. Forget a pitching coach, he needed a sports psychologist! If MLB organizations really want to prepare their minor leaguers for the bigs, they should get them some counseling. I’m starting to suspect the difference between a 90 mph minor leaguer and major leaguer is primarily the head on their shoulders.
July 20, 2018
I quickly became a fan of Dirk Hayhurst's writing as I read OUT OF MY LEAGUE. This is the most delightful baseball related story I have read. Taken from his lived experiences as a baseball junkie Hayhurst moves through his final year in the minor leagues before a late season call up to the parent San Diego Padres where his performance doesn't match his dreams. Weaving in his developing relationship with Bonnie, his new girl friend, and the family trials with Mom, Dad and Grandma, Hayhurst has created stirring word pictures about life. I am eager to read his book THE BULLPEN GOSPELS next. This book will hold your attention if you are a baseball fan and pull you into life if you don't know baseball.
August 31, 2021
Dirk Hayhurst was a Major League Baseball pitcher with borderline talent at pitching - but excellent chops at writing. Out of My League recounts his experiences in 2008 as he struggles to reach the big leagues and stay there. At the same time, Hayhurst is planning his wedding and trying to deal with dicey relationships with his parents.
Out of My League is a cut above most sports books. It is 400+ pages, but it’s still a quick read. Some of the themes have been covered before in other baseball books - particularly regarding the borderline player’s struggles to stay in the big leagues. But Hayhurst has good insights into other aspects of the game and he doesn’t shy away from discussing times when he failed in baseball and in life. Baseball fans will enjoy this one.
Out of My League is a cut above most sports books. It is 400+ pages, but it’s still a quick read. Some of the themes have been covered before in other baseball books - particularly regarding the borderline player’s struggles to stay in the big leagues. But Hayhurst has good insights into other aspects of the game and he doesn’t shy away from discussing times when he failed in baseball and in life. Baseball fans will enjoy this one.
August 26, 2018
Dirk Hayhurst is back at it with his second book that picks up right after his first book, The Bullpen Gospels ends. This book has a very similar tone to his first one,filled with funny stories with a good mix of Hayhurst’s struggles to live out his dream. Dirk has moved on to AAA this season, and he parlays a good showing there into a month and a half with the big club in San Diego. I really like Mr. Hayhurst’s ability to write. He keeps it interesting, and really does a good job of getting you into the story. I am excited to read his next two books.
September 24, 2023
Good read
A well written tale of the struggle of a player once he's reached his goal, and grasp on his feeling of failure once achieving it. In retrospect the book seemed to leave out some of the details of the day-to-day struggle in the minor leagues. However, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the read. You don't need to know the author's baseball career to enjoy the book. Having read the books out of order I now wonder if there is an "in between" book outlining the epilogue's tale of joining the Blue Jays and the injury laden book.
A well written tale of the struggle of a player once he's reached his goal, and grasp on his feeling of failure once achieving it. In retrospect the book seemed to leave out some of the details of the day-to-day struggle in the minor leagues. However, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the read. You don't need to know the author's baseball career to enjoy the book. Having read the books out of order I now wonder if there is an "in between" book outlining the epilogue's tale of joining the Blue Jays and the injury laden book.
April 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book and I liked the author and his fiancee personally. He certainly explored the significant difference between playing in the baseball minor leagues as opposed to the major leagues. The author is an observant Christian who does not believe in pre-marital sex and he makes droll, but not judgmental observerations about his teammates behavior. I kind of used the voice of Jimmy Stewart to the authors musings.. Highly recommended to all people who loves books on baseball!
April 15, 2020
Dirk is both funny and honest in "Out of My League" and as someone who worked in Minor League Baseball for almost 10 years chasing that similar "Big League" dream I really appreciated both the humor and the struggle. My only complaint would be that the chapters are really short, which for me make it hard to stay focused because I feel like my reading flow is constantly interrupted.
April 17, 2020
Really enjoyed this book and learned a lot about the life of a fringe AAA player. It is staggering to see the difference between the near-poverty of playing minor league baseball and the ridiculous exorbitance of the big league lifestyle. I didn't know anything about Hayhurst, so I didn't know what was coming next, and he is an excellent and entertaining writer.
May 29, 2023
Still pretty good! Some of the magic was missing for me this time, because everyone clocked he was a writer, and he wanted to preserve their privacy. I join the other readers that didn't really care about his family drama, which makes me feel very callous and cruel. But it's a great sequel to the first, if not quite as bright and unusual to behold!
January 6, 2021
We know more about astronauts than we do about major league baseball players.
This book about the life and trials of baseball players adds to my understanding and pleasure of the game. The book was a blast and well-written too. Good for you, Dirk, and us fans too.
S
This book about the life and trials of baseball players adds to my understanding and pleasure of the game. The book was a blast and well-written too. Good for you, Dirk, and us fans too.
S
July 29, 2023
Big League Insights
I loved this book. At times I wanted to wake the hero up but that’s why he is real. He forgets lessons he has learned and finds his way to his next adventure. In the end, it is the power of a man and a woman working together and making life work.
I loved this book. At times I wanted to wake the hero up but that’s why he is real. He forgets lessons he has learned and finds his way to his next adventure. In the end, it is the power of a man and a woman working together and making life work.
March 13, 2018
Fast moving and entertaining, funny even peak at what average pro baseball players experience in the minor leagues and what it's like to make the majors.
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