During his playing career, former Major League Baseball player Scott Spiezio traveled about a million miles. His journey from success to alcoholism, the brink of death and finally recovery was his toughest yet most rewarding trip.

I interviewed Scott to discuss all of this and his book, The Hardest Comeback, on Talking Travel. His story is especially important to share in Sober October.

Scott’s father, Ed, played nine seasons in the MLB. He appeared in two World Series (winning one) with the St. Louis Cardinals. A few days before his last MLB game with the Chicago White Sox in 1972, his son Scott was born. Twenty-four years later, Scott made his MLB debut with the Oakland A’s. Scott went on to play 12 seasons, winning two World Series, one each with the (then) Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. The Spiezios are the only father-son combo to win a World Series with the same franchise.

By his own admission, Scott went from speaking against alcohol to succumbing to it during his career. His addiction continued and worsened after his retirement. Many rehab stints were unsuccessful. His low point came with a grim prognosis due to severe liver damage. Through his faith, he found the determination to finally beat his addiction. Miraculously, his liver also rebounded on its own. A changed man, Scott proudly states he has been completely sober for many years.

In our interview Scott talked about his road to recovery. Although he isn’t making millions or hearing thousands cheer like he did during his career, he has never been happier. He has his life back, and he wants to help others do the same. Through his book and also the documentary Spiezio, he tells his cautionary tale for others to learn.

© Scott Spiezio

© Scott Spiezio

While that mental journey was tough, his journey around the world playing baseball was full of great times. Scott discussed several of his favorite places where he played. He spoke of baseball taking him to places he wouldn’t have seen, like Cuba, without baseball. Scott also mentioned a few of the things he brought on every trip. I was surprised to hear a guitar was one thing he took on trips. This led him to form the hard rock and nu-metal band Sandfrog.

Scott’s next big trips are planned for Spring Training. He will tell his story to MLB teams, hoping to discourage others from going down the wrong path.

For now, Scott is telling his story through interviews like ours. He happily lives a quiet life in Morris, Illinois. He experiences Sober October in a much different way than most, and he is forever grateful he was given that chance.

Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.

— John Wroblewski, podcaster