Catching Heat: The Jim Leyritz Story

by Jim Leyritz, Jeffrey Lyons, Douglas B. Lyons

Most people remember me for two events, both of which tested my faith in different ways. I controlled one; the other, I did not. I was in control of the home run I hit in the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves, which turned the Series around for the New York Yankees and eventually led them to their first world championship in eighteen years. I was not in control of the 2007 car accident in which I was involved that resulted in the tragic loss of a woman's life . . . I decided that I would not let my life be defined by either of these moments. This is my story. So begins Jim Leyritz's dramatic tale Catching Heat , a thrilling spectacle of professional and personal highs and lows that take fans behind the scenes of life on the road, in the locker room, and ultimately to the defendant's seat in a courtroom. From a struggling player fumbling through the Minors and finding resilience during disappointing trades to speaking his truth when others wouldn't, Leyritz evolved into the epitome of a 'clutch' player when it came to leading teams to victories when it really counted. Well beyond a successful sporting career saga, Jim's story is an inspiring example for anyone who wants to pursue a dream or learn life's lessons--both hard and hallowed--from a man who knows what it is like to live his.

234 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2011

Reviews

[Mark Mindel]

An autobiographical look at the inside story of THE KING, from his big World Series winning home run in the 1996 World Series off the Atlanta Braves' Mark Wohlers to his car accident in 2007 that led to the tragic loss of a woman's life and shattered his life as well. Leyritz gives you the inside look into these two huge events in his life as well as many others, and his devotion to family and religion. Leyritz, by the way, played for the Albany-Colonie Yankees in 1989. If you're a Yankees fan, this book is a must.

[Spideygirl]

I rated this book 4 stars because it kept my attention and was an easy read. I don't recall any slow boring parts. Also, the contents were subjects I like - baseball, drug addiction, family drama, New York Yankees, mostly baseball, baseball, baseball.
However, I now think Jim is an a*hole. It is clear that he never learned the simple lesson of don't talk back to or piss off your boss. In his case that would be his manager and coaching staff. He repeatedly had run-ins with them demanding more playing time. He never 'got it'. Never seemed to understand the business of baseball.
He seems to be an out-spoken hot-head to his detriment. It is really a shame because he is obviously a gifted ball player. He totally got in his own way from having a long prosperous career in the MLB. And he states he wouldn't change a thing about how he handled himself on pursuing his MLB career. To top it all off he kept sprinkling in that he had a relationship with God and did various charity work.
I think the "Publishers Weekly" said it best by calling the book "a surprisingly defensive attempt at a self-serving memoir."

[Holly B]

I started this book on 10/20 and finished on 10/22 on free time at work. I've been reading Sports Biography since the 70's and while it wasn't the best or exciting it was good and kept me riveted and reading as it told a story in steps and order. A little bit I, I, I, me, me, me and a couple things grammatically that were wrong and didn't make sense like saying they won 3-0 but mentioned a run scoring.. And had me liking him( I watched him as a Padre). But it had me question if he was innocent as he claimed with divorces.. But I bought the book for 50 cents and it kept me interested n eager to keep reading. It usually takes me months to finish a book but I had time at work and it wasn't boring considering it was not a favorite athlete or anyone too big.

[Jim Kulhawy]

A quick read that tells the story of former Yankees' player Jim Leyritz. From his youth, to college, through his Major League journey, this book chroincles the highs, lows and struggles of Leyritz's life. It gives a blow, by blow account of his MLB career, as well as the tragic aftermath and how Leyritz put his life back together after a traffic accident that took a young woman's life. It is an easy book to read and shows Leyritz's devotion to his boys and his faith in himself, justice and how a belief system helped him overcome his life's adversities.

[Sarahb.]

I did not remember this Yankee Player, but his story was interesting.

[Jill]

Hmmmmmmm. It made me mad.