Scott Spiezio is Still Writing His Story
- Jeff Perro
- Oct 4
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 8
In April 2018, Scott Spiezio found himself in a hospital bed. He was weak, short of breath, and his skin had turned a deep yellow. The doctors delivered a grim truth: he needed a liver transplant to survive. But there was a catch. To even be considered for the transplant, he had to remain sober for six months.
Timeline of Scott Spiezio's Career:
1993: Drafted in the 6th round by the Oakland A's
1996: Made MLB debut on September 14th
2002: Became a World Series hero with the Anaheim Angels
2004: Suffered a back injury during spring training with the Seattle Mariners and began drinking
2005: Started an affair while married to his high school sweetheart, leading to his first divorce
2006: Became a hero in the NLCS for the St. Louis Cardinals, won his second World Series ring, and became addicted to cocaine
2007: Entered rehab for the first time and fled police after a drunk driving accident on December 30th
2008: Released by the Cardinals after they learned of his DUI; later released by the Atlanta Braves after playing in 5 games in AAA
2010: Experienced his second divorce
2013: Arrested during a domestic incident and received a second DUI
2018: Achieved sobriety and has remained sober since
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Scott Spiezio began his major league career with the Oakland Athletics in 1997 at the age of 24. He quickly established himself as a reliable switch-hitter. In 2000, he signed with the Anaheim Angels, where his contributions grew significantly.
In 2002, Spiezio had a standout season, hitting .285 with 12 home runs and 82 RBIs. He became a postseason hero, delivering clutch hits throughout the playoffs. His legacy was cemented with a dramatic three-run home run in Game 6 of the World Series, helping the Angels come back from a 5-0 deficit. That victory earned him his first World Series ring and appearances on both The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman.
Transition to the Mariners and Struggles
Scott continued his production with the Angels in 2003. However, after that season, the Angels did not renew his contract. He entered free agency and signed a multi-year deal with the Seattle Mariners.
"I really didn't want to leave Anaheim," Scott recalls. "I loved it there, the fans, and my teammates. But a new owner changed everything."
His Mariners career began on a rough note. During spring training in 2004, Scott tripped over the pitcher's mound while fielding a pop-up, severely injuring his back. "They told me I probably wouldn't play again," he explains. "If I tried to play and more fluid came out of my spine, it could paralyze me."
Despite the grim prognosis, one doctor believed he could play. "It's crazy to think I even played," Scott reflects.
The back injury took a toll on Scott, both physically and mentally. "I was just miserable," he admits. "I was traveling with a new team and didn't know anyone. In Anaheim and Oakland, I had teammates who held me accountable."
Before this time, Scott was not a drinker. He could count on one hand the number of times he had been drunk. But during his recovery, he began drinking to fit in. "One turned into four, then eight, then who knows how many," he says. "It became a habit that took away my anxiety and depression."
Upon returning to the field in 2004, he struggled, posting a .215 batting average. His off-field issues mirrored his poor performance on it.
"I became a different person when I drank," Scott explains. "I made stupid decisions, leading to my first divorce. I felt guilt and shame, which made it easier to drink more."
A New Opportunity with the Cardinals
Scott thought his baseball career was over until he received a call from the St. Louis Cardinals. "I was like, 'YEAH!'" he recalls. "I got my haircut and dyed my soul patch red. My agent thought I was crazy, but I said, 'Don't worry. People are going to love it.'"
Scott's father, Ed Spiezio, is a former Major League player himself. He spent parts of ten seasons in the league and is remembered for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was part of two World Series champion teams.
Scott was born just six days before his father played his last professional game.
As a utility player for the 2006 Cardinals, Scott played multiple positions and had a bounce-back season, hitting .272 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs.
"We had a bunch of great guys, and being a big part of it was cool," Scott remembers. "Seeing St. Louis fans coming to the park wearing stick-on red soul patches was really special."
His success continued into the postseason, where he delivered key performances during the Cardinals’ championship run. Notably, he hit a pivotal triple in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Mets, helping the Cardinals win the series and ultimately the World Series.
Scott and Ed Spiezio became the first father-son duo to win World Series rings with the same team. "The thing that was missing was my dad and a lot of my family," Scott shares. "We didn't talk for a couple of years after my divorce."
The Dark Side of Success
However, 2006 was also the year Scott became addicted to cocaine. "I had been exposed to it for the first time that season," he explains. "I was the D.A.R.E. guy, preaching to kids about staying away from drugs. But after a game in Phoenix, I tried it. I hit two home runs the next day, and I thought, 'I gotta keep doing this.'"
Scott's addiction spiraled. "I was using cocaine and drinking heavily," he admits. "I had water bottles filled with vodka on the bench and cocaine on me during games. I was trying to balance everything while not getting much sleep."
The rift with his family took a toll on Scott, but it began to heal thanks to the Cardinals organization. "They reached out to my dad, and it was a special moment when he presented me with my World Series ring," Scott remembers. "I just started crying. That was the start of healing."
The Downward Spiral
On August 7, 2007, Scott fainted in the clubhouse due to a combination of alcohol, cocaine, dehydration, and lack of sleep. When he regained consciousness, he was alone with the team doctor and athletic trainers. He pulled out the IV and ran.
The next day, general manager Walt Jocketty and manager Tony La Russa confronted him. Scott came clean about his substance abuse. They devised a plan to put him on the disabled list under the guise of a finger infection, but in reality, they were sending him to rehab.
Unfortunately, the news leaked, and Scott's struggles became public. "I didn't even have a chance to tell my kids or my parents before it was all over the news," he recalls.
"They sent me to outpatient rehab, but it didn't work," he admits. "I went for 28 days, but I was still exposed to drinking and using. 2007 was a rough year for me."
Scott's troubles continued after the season. On December 30th, he crashed his BMW into a fence while drunk and assaulted a neighbor. The police issued a warrant for his arrest, and shortly after, the St. Louis Cardinals released him.
The Atlanta Braves offered him another chance, sending him to AAA Richmond. "I was doing well and about to get called up," Scott remembers. "But I didn't want to be far from my kids, so I told them I was done."
Losing Everything
Scott's second marriage ended shortly after his MLB career. The structure of baseball had vanished, and he found himself isolated. "I started doing adrenaline-filled things," he explains. "I had sports cars and traveled all over, partying with rock stars. It was one big party for me."
As the money dwindled, Scott faced financial difficulties. He had two expensive divorces, child support payments, and multiple rehab stints. Eventually, he turned over power of attorney to his father to help manage his finances.
Cocaine's high cost ultimately played a role in breaking Scott's addiction. He could still trade autographs for booze, but he was losing control.
Recovery, in His Own Words
"My liver started deteriorating," Scott shares. "At one point, I was drinking two handles of vodka a day. I turned yellow and was told my liver was shutting down. I had a 20% chance to live."
"I prayed, 'God, if you can get me through this, I'll be a voice for you and talk to kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.' From that day on, I never had a craving. That was April 6th, 2018, and I haven't had a sip of alcohol or a drug since."
Scott's health improved, and doctors were amazed. "They told me my liver numbers were normal, and my liver damage had disappeared," he recalls.
Scott has kept his promise. He speaks to schools, churches, and organizations about his journey. "I went from being ashamed to share my story to doing it regularly," he says.
"I realized my identity isn't as a baseball player; it's as a Christian first. I still love the game, but I'm comfortable in my skin as a father, son, and friend."
Scott's children now have a father who has overcome extraordinary challenges. He feels blessed to have a second chance with his kids. "I've grown close with my two oldest boys, and I'm working on rebuilding my relationship with my daughter," he shares.
A New Chapter
For nearly a decade after his baseball career, Scott distanced himself from the game. He attended a few alumni events but was still in the throes of his struggles. However, by 2022, he was living sober and ready to reconnect with his teammates.
"At the Angels' 20th reunion, my teammates saw a different man," Scott reflects. "They were happy to see me healthy. It felt great to reconnect."
In addition to regular appearances at Cardinals’ fantasy camps, Scott shares his story with youth sports teams and faith-based organizations. His message resonates: "It's never too late to get sober, change your life, or mend broken relationships."
Scott owns and operates Spiezio Baseball in his hometown of Morris, IL. He teaches students from elementary to college age, providing one-on-one instruction while warning them about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
Scott's autobiography, ghostwritten by Lesley Butcher, is expected to be completed by early 2026. A documentary titled "Spiezio," directed by Shelby Kimpel, is also set to be released around the same time. "It's not a vanity project," Scott insists. "It's to help people and give them hope."
Conclusion, in His Own Words
"Like Ozzie Smith always says, 'We're in the business of making moments that will last a lifetime,'" Scott reflects. "The messages I get now are about inspiring sobriety and rebuilding relationships. That's what excites me the most."
If you are interested in having Scott Spiezio speak to your group, he can be contacted at *spieziobaseball21@gmail.com
Comments