Mike Piazza

Considered too slow and a poor fielder by major league scouts, Mike Piazza was the last player drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988 (the 1,390th overall pick). But by the time Piazza made his major league debut in 1992, he shocked his detractors by quickly rising through the ranks, becoming one of the best catchers in MLB history. A 12-time All-Star, Piazza holds the all-time record for home runs by a catcher with 419 and has twice finished as the runner-up for MVP. Remarkable full-color photographs, relevant career statistics, and insightful sidebars enhance this inspiring new biography, which explores how, through hard work and determination, Piazza succeeded despite the early odds against him.