Free Byrd: The Power of a Liberated Life

by Paul Byrd, John Smoltz (Foreword)

Cleveland Indians pitcher paul Byrd gives an honest account of how he has kept his faith in God despite all the trials and temptations associated with the Major league Baseball lifestyle. Paul Byrd has experienced many struggles, victories, and life lessons both on the diamond and off. Throughout his life, the one thing that has kept him focused on walking clean is the glimpses he has received of God's goodness. He addresses the issues he has faced -- such as the temptation to cheat while pitching, the unhealthy desire to cheer against fellow teammates so he could benefit from their failure, and his personal battle with pornography. Byrd gives readers Major League insight into the lifestyle of top-tier baseball players while showing how, even through a struggle, he was able to pick himself up and continue to believe and trust in a God who deeply loves us all. Paul's focus remains on the people we relate to every day and the significant conversations and interactions we can have with those we love, learning to build them up rather than tear them down. In Free Byrd , readers see how Paul's life was changed through the lessons he was taught, and how he discovered a freedom he never imagined through a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. And, most importantly, he invites everyone to experience the same transformation.

Genres: Baseball, Sports

225 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book after having read it, though I got the copy I read from my local library. Despite the author having pitched for the local Major League Baseball team, I don't recall his name. (For some reason, his name reminds me of another pitcher, Mark "The Bird" Fidyrich, who, as I recall, gained some fame for appearing to talk to the baseball before he pitched it.)

This is not a standard memoir. I'm not sure if the author had a ghostwriter's help or not, but if he did, they sure did a good job at capturing a unique voice in the work. Byrd focuses mainly on his walk with God as a Christian and is not afraid to admit his struggles. He does use some baseball stories to illustrate points, but his pitching was not featured as much as I thought it would be.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is fine and a little silly at times but it was the right book at the right time for me, and may be for you. Byrd is genuine and humble which makes this a very comfortable and encouraging read.

[Cody Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Very open and honest! I highly recommend especially for guys who love Baseball. Not only talks about Baseball but also real life struggles and the Power of God

[Michael Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost did not get this book... I was thinking -- great another baseball player puts out a book full of the "normal" christian pop culture and how Jesus is great and all that jazz.

But I have to admit... this is an amazing book... it is down right unvarnished in your face... this is my life and how my faith has grown through out the years...

It is one of my top books of 2008... it really is not about baseball but more about life and living an authentic christian life... not a perfect super clean verson -- but a real down in the dirt true christian life.

I totally recommed this book.

I look forward to Paul Byrd's next book...

[Lolo Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised at how honest he was. Athletes are in the limelight. So many examples of where athletes try to guard what they say or how they act to please their sponsors or be be these perfect role models. I felt because Byrd was so honest about how he is not perfect that in my mind he became the perfect role model to look up to. I just really appreciated his openness to his struggles and things that a public figure would try to keep hidden. I also kept checking to see if he had a ghost writer (he didn't) because it was so well written and funny.

[Howard Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Paul Byrd steps out and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at his baseball lifestyle. The trials and temptations that he has had to deal with as a man of God, and yet still continues to walk in faith is such a story of hope.

[Clint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of autobiographical book of the former Major League Baseball pitcher (and now Atlanta Braves analyst)'s Christian walk, mixing stories from his then-still active career with discussion of aspects of faith.

[Jim Trela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read from a player on one of my favorite teams. Autobiography of a life as a Christian man who also played Major League Baseball.