Playing Through the Pain

As compelling as it is heartbreaking, Dan Good's Playing Through the Pain provides an in-depth look into Ken Caminiti's life, both on and off the field. As his teammate during his 1996 MVP season, I witnessed Cammy's toughness and talent firsthand. It wasn't until I read this book that I really got to know Ken and his battles. --Bob Tewksbury, All-Star pitcher, mental skills coach, and author of Ninety Percent Mental Drawing from almost a decade of interviews with Caminiti's teammates and coaches, Good's narrative is decidedly unsparing, but it offers crucial context to the 'steroids era' ... This is a must-read for baseball fans. --Publishers Weekly, starred review Like Ken Caminiti so many times with the San Diego Padres, Dan Good has gone deep with this exhaustive biography of the 1990s slugger. Playing Through the Pain builds anticipation well in detailing Caminiti's rise and tragic fall, threading in four hundred interviews with everyone from childhood friends to steroid dealers. Caminiti's story is one of the secrets--childhood sexual abuse, drug abuse--that undid a generous spirit and preternaturally talented ballplayer. Good ends up with an effective portrayal of a man whose courageous willingness to blow the whistle on steroids helped clean up the game. --Brad Balukjian, author of The Wax Pack This is an incredibly interesting book about a flawed star and his impact on the game. I couldn't put it down. --Peter Golenbock, author of The Bronx Zoo, Bums, Wrigleyville, and Valentine's Way