Saving Bernie Carbo

by Bernie Carbo, Peter Hantzis

" My great friend Bernie Carbo has written a terrific book. Bernie was my favorite player and teammate and one of the best clutch hitters I ever saw. With the help of Peter Hantzis the book examines and then reveals his complex and at times troubled lie. Contrary to the book I don't believe that I saved Bernie's life. As his best friend on the Red Sox I was concerned and called him at the right time. With Ferguson Jenkins I helped put Bernie in a position to help himself. He did the work. He started out one hour, then one day, one week and, with the help of his wife Tammy, 19 years later he is still clean and sober. I could not be more proud of him- and happy for him!" Bill Lee

" This is a rare collaborative work that both inspires and educates. Former Boston Red Sox player Bernie Carbo provides the inspiration by showing that it is possible to recover from the devastating effects of child abuse, the deepest of depressions and the most debilitating of addictions. In doing so his story provides help and hope to countless others. Dr. Hantzis educates with his accurate and incisive commentary and by presenting intricate material in language that is easy to understand. I strongly recommend this book to anyone seeking a greater understanding of these pervasive issues."
Michael Desmond Murphy, MD
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
American Board of a Psychiatry and Neurology

Genres: Baseball

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2013

Reviews

[Anup Sinha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book doesn’t attempt to be a hardcore biography as much as it is about the “pathology” and eventual “reclamation” of Bernie Carbo, a troubled major league ballplayer who found solace through his religion in his older years.

My interest was as a baseball fan and also through personal connections (having common friends, also being from Detroit) and I was just curious about his life story in his words.

Much of the book is psychoanalysis by Peter Hantzis, the co-author, who tries to explain Carbo’s life through a scientific lens.

The book is definitely rushed, there are a lot of typos and just information they didn’t take the time to confirm.


I enjoyed it because of a personal interest. If you are a fan of Bernie Carbo as a player or just curious about him, the book is worth a read regardless of its shortcomings. I certainly enjoyed the baseball aspects of the book and reading about all the iconic players and managers he crossed paths with.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would’ve rated this higher (4/5) if I didn’t have to read it for school.

It is an interesting story about a famous baseball player who went through a lot of abuse and addiction and how he eventually coped with it. It’s an easy read, but not the most amazing thing ever. I’d recommend it if you like baseball or possibly if you’re struggling with addiction just to see how another person learns to heal.


My professor wrote this book and made us read it and questions were on quizzes and exams about it so that’s partially why I’m not a huge fan (seems weird to force ppl to read a book you wrote).

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at a book signing a few years ago at the Ted Williams dinner where I met Bernie. I was a casual fan of his and knew a bit about his on field performance but had no idea the struggles that he went through. As a fellow Christian I understand that we all are sinners and have struggles but had no idea about the demons that Bernie has overcome. Bernie is a great example of what faith in Christ can do for you and your soul. I wish Bernie continued success with his ministry and outreach programs.

[nokomis · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was an enjoyable book to read and gain more insight on. although i had to read this for my college class (psychology: child and adolescent development) it was very interesting to read. it was based on a famous player on the red soxs when he was going through issues of depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and drug addiction… along with many other struggles that he went through.

i also liked that my professor interviewed Bernie Carbo with the questions and then structured the book. does talk a lot about jesus and god.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, well written testimony of a baseball player who struggled with worldly battles.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernie Carbo grew up in a dysfunctional and abusive family. He became a famous major league baseball player, but amidst his fame, he still struggled. He became an alcoholic in early adulthood, and ended up dependent on drugs as well. This affected his relationships and his performance on the ball field. At the lowest point of his life, friends reached out and told him about Christ, which turned his life around.