Scott Spiezio’s Journey: Battling Personal Demons and Finding Redemption

Scott Spiezio underwent an MRI for back pain in 2018. Unexpectedly, this revealed severe jaundice due to liver failure, a consequence of years battling alcoholism. A World Series champion aged 47, Spiezio was told he had only a 20% chance to survive.

Doctors informed Spiezio that he needed to quit drinking for six months to qualify for a liver transplant. He felt uncertain about his ability to stop. “I didn’t think that I could do it. I went from never drinking to not knowing if I could go six months without it to save my own life,” Spiezio admitted.

A Baseball Legacy

Scott’s father, Ed Spiezio, a two-time World Series champion, had high hopes for him. Scott began switch-hitting at age three. His father and he practiced tirelessly with the dream of major league success.

Later, Scott realized his life’s purpose wasn’t only excelling in baseball but winning championships, a dream he achieved by winning the World Series, notably with a legendary home run for the Angels in Game 6 of the 2002 World Series.

A Fall from Grace

Following his World Series triumphs, Spiezio’s life took a negative turn. Injuries stalled his career and led to depression. In Seattle, without a support system, he turned to alcohol. From reluctance to take painkillers, he moved to daily drinking, which spiraled into a serious addiction. This drifted him away from his father and led to personal and professional turmoil.

His legal troubles and struggles with addiction resulted in a fall from grace. He went from being honored to struggling with the consequences of his habit.

Reaching the Lowest Point

Despite attempts at rehabilitation, Spiezio’s addiction worsened. He isolated himself from loved ones and hit rock bottom. His situation was so dire that he contemplated running towards police officers, hoping to end it all.

This entire period was marred with guilt and shame for failing his family, his community, and himself.

A Miraculous Recovery

In April 2018, Spiezio received the wake-up call he needed. With a failing liver and low survival odds, he made a plea to God, asking for a way out of his addiction. Since that day, he experienced no cravings for alcohol.

Miraculously, routine medical checks later revealed that his liver had improved without a transplant, shocking doctors.

Finding Joy and Purpose

Fully committed to a new path, Spiezio rebuilt his life by reconnecting with his faith and community. His newfound joy came from helping others, working with his church, and running a baseball facility. He actively shares his story, warning of the dangers of substance abuse and promoting hope.

Now, Spiezio prioritizes mending relationships, especially with his children. No longer driven by wealth or fame, he finds true satisfaction in the positive impact he can have on others’ lives.

In his documentary “Spiezio” and memoir “The Hardest Comeback,” he shares this recovery journey, emphasizing to audiences that no matter how deep the struggle, transformation is possible. “As long as you got a breath, you got a pen to write a great ending,” Spiezio says. He dedicates himself to reminding others that it’s never too late to find redemption.