closedthecover

I would consider this book a must-read for any baseball fan, especially a baseball fan who paid attention to the MLB Steroid Scandal of 1990-2010 (and beyond). If you recognize the names Kirk Radomski or Brian McNamee you should read this book. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Throughout the book you develop an understanding of who Kirk Radomski is as a person, a husband, a father, a bodybuilder, a personal trainer and a friend not just as MLB’s greatest steroid supplier. You begin to understand how he first found his way in to baseball (working as a Clubbie for the NY Mets in the 80′s) and the friendships he developed with players such as Lenny Dykstra, Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, Bobby Gorilla, etc. You also understand how the steroid use began, who he first supplied and how the epidemic grew. One of the most interesting things about the book is learning how absolutely little money Radomski actually made by selling steroids and HGH to MLB players. Most of the steroid and HGH kits were sold to MLB players at cost which I didn’t believe, but was confirmed by the IRS Investigators audits of all of his financial records.

The book does speak briefly about Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee. It also discusses briefly about Barry Bonds and BALCO but the primary focus remains in Radomski himself, the players he dealt with, and his involvement in the scandal. Senator Mitchell’s investigation is discussed, as well as the lack of cooperation by the Commissioners Office and the Player’s Association and the infamous resulting “Mitchell Report.”

All in all the book is interesting, captivated my attention and provided great insight in to baseball clubhouses and the competitive drive of a baseball player. The writing is very bold, very direct and feels very honest. My perspective on the steroid scandal has changed (although my personal opinion has not.) It’s definitely worth a read.