MVN - Most Valuable Network

Interview With Jeff Pearlman

Outs Per Swing is proud to bring you another interview with another fantastic sports writer.  Last time it was Joe Posnanski, this time it’s Jeff Pearlman of ESPN.com

Jeff is currently working on an upcoming book on the 1990’s Dallas Cowboys titled “Boys Will Be Boys” which is scheduled for an August 2008 release.  He was born and raised in Mahopac, NY home of 25 pizza joints, a big ‘ol lake and Henry Winkler’s mother.  He attended the University of Delaware, graduated in 1994 and landed a job at The Tennessean.  In 1996 Jeff was hired by Sports Illustrated as an entry-level reporter.  He spent 6 1/2 years there and advanced to senior writer.  He’s best known for his 1999 profile of John Rocker, but is more proud of his covering of the game as a whole.  He has written two books, “The Bay Guys Won” which is a biography of the 1986 New York Mets and “Love Me, Hate Me” which is about Barry Bonds. 

We had Jeff on because he’s also covered Josh Hamilton since Josh was in High School.  Josh, who’s having a monster season, is an interesting figure to all Rays fans and we thought you’d all like to hear some insight into the man from someone who truely cares. 

EH: You’ve covered Josh since High School.  What kind of player did you expect him to become then? 

JP:   Well, based on everything the scouts were saying, he was an ARod type of talent … and he threw 96 mph as a lefty. So clearly there was a tremendous upside. At the least, I thought he’d be a star. 

EH: If not for his addiction issues where do you think Josh would be in baseball right now?  Meaning would he be a several time All Star at 26?  One of the best players in the game?  One of the most popular players? 

JP: He’d be Ken Griffey, Jr., age 26. All the talent in the world, all the charisma, etc. He’d be huge. And think how it would have impacted the Tampa franchise to have a true 5-tool star to build around.

TR: If Hamilton were still with the Rays organization where do you think he’d fit? 

JP: Hitting third, centerfield, part of the best young lineup in baseball. There’s no reason to believe otherwise.

TR: Do you think it would be a bad thing, bringing back old scenery and maybe old friends, if Josh ever came back to play for the Rays? 

JP: Hmmm … good question. I definitely think it’s good that the Rays left him unprotected in the Rule 5. Anyone who kills the franchise for that doesn’t get it. His history with the Rays was long, deep and troublesome. He needed a fresh start, and the team did, too.

EH: You recently wrote about the abuse he’s gotten from fans this season about his past addictions.  Are you surprised that he’s gotten that kind of abuse?  He says it doesn’t bother him, but no man can not be bothered by some of the taunts he’s receiving, can they?

JP: It doesn’t surprise me, but it saddens me. So pathetic. This is a man who deserves nothing but standing ovations; who is a true role model for so many people in recovery and heading toward recovery; who have battled addiction and are looking for an example of success. So anyone who mocks his efforts is simply a fool.

EH: This 2001 St. Petersburg Times article quotes Josh’s parents talking about him getting six tattoos before spring training.  His mother is quoted as saying “It’s just him trying to say, “This is me,’ ” Linda said. “If it was rebellion, he’d be out drinking and partying and whatever the other guys are doing. So far, knock on wood, we don’t have anything to do with that. He might get crazy and dance or something. He still kind of has that boyish shyness to him.” And his Father: “Put it this way,” Tony said. “If this is the worst thing he ever does, I’ll be happy.” Those are chilling quotes.  Could anyone have seen his addiction problems coming?

JP: Impossible for me to answer, to be honest.  I didn’t see it, but I’m just a writer.

EH: Is his comeback story the best we’ve ever seen in baseball, and maybe in all of professional sports?

JP: Without question, and it staggers me that more people don’t get it. Let’s say a ballplayer returns after a year away with an injury. He’s praised. Two years? Even more praise. Josh Hamilton missed four years of organized baseball to become a coke and crack addict. Not only that, but he never played above Double A. It’s 100% unheard of

TR: Who has a better chance at the hall of fame Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens

JP: Bonds. Because writers say he was a Hall of Famer even before the drugs. Had Clemens retired after his last season in Boston, he’d be Dwight Gooden, stats-wise. 

TR: Can you give us any details on the upcoming Dallas Cowboys book?

JP: Lots of football and hookers. Not in that order. :) 

TR: Its election year, if these were the final four candidates for President who would win; Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, John Rocker or Josh Hamilton?

JP: Oh, Hamilton, easily. It’s the American Dream personified. No matter how much one suffers; no matter how far one falls, he can always get a second chance to excell. Hell, I’d vote for him right now. Well, maybe not.

We want to thank Jeff for agreeing to the interview.  Everyone make sure you check out all of his writing on ESPN.com and go out and buy as many books of his as you can.  Look out for “Boys Will Be Boys” coming out in August.  For more information on Jeff and his book, go to his MySpace at www.myspace.com/sedrictony . 

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