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Book SynopsisIn Playing Through the Pain: Ken Caminiti and the Steroids Confession That Changed Baseball Forever, journalist Dan Good seeks to make sense of MLB MVP Ken Caminiti’s fascinating, troubled life.“As compelling as it is heartbreaking.” —All-Star Pitcher Bob Tewksbury Beginning research and interviews for his biography on Ken Caminiti in 2012 and 2013, Dan Good has since interviewed nearly 400 people, providing him with an exclusive and exhaustive view into Caminiti’s addictions, use of steroids, baseball successes, and inner turmoil. Decades later, the full truth about Major League Baseball’s steroids era remains elusive, and the story of Caminiti, the player who opened the lid on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, has never been properly told. A gritty third baseman known for his diving stops, cannon arm, and switch-hit power, Caminiti voluntarily admitted in a 2002
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Trade Review“Drawing from almost a decade of interviews with Caminiti’s teammates and coaches, Good’s narrative is decidedly unsparing, but it offers crucial context to the ‘steroids era’ … This is a must-read for baseball fans.” * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
“This is an incredibly interesting book about a flawed star and his impact on the game. I couldn’t put it down.” * Peter Golenbock, author of The Bronx Zoo, Bums, Wrigleyville, and Valentine’s Way *
“Like Ken Caminiti so many times with the San Diego Padres, Dan Good has gone deep with this exhaustive biography of the 1990s slugger. Playing Through the Pain builds anticipation well in detailing Caminiti’s rise and tragic fall, threading in four hundred interviews with everyone from childhood friends to steroid dealers. Caminiti’s story is one of the secrets—childhood sexual abuse, drug abuse—that undid a generous spirit and preternaturally talented ballplayer. Good ends up with an effective portrayal of a man whose courageous willingness to blow the whistle on steroids helped clean up the game.” * Brad Balukjian, author of The Wax Pack *
“As compelling as it is heartbreaking, Dan Good’s Playing Through the Pain provides an in-depth look into Ken Caminiti’s life, both on and off the field. As his teammate during his 1996 MVP season, I witnessed Cammy’s toughness and talent firsthand. It wasn’t until I read this book that I really got to know Ken and his battles.” * Bob Tewksbury, All-Star pitcher, mental skills coach, and author of Ninety Percent Mental *
