Roberto Alomar

"""Complicated"" is the operative word for Robbie Alomar, arguably the best second baseman in the history of baseball, yet whose professional and personal lives have been embroiled in controversy.... The author fearlessly wades into Alomar's 1996 confrontation (and subsequent reconciliation) with umpire John Hirschbeck over a called third strike--Alomar spat in Hirschbeck's face, alleging the ump used a slur against him--along with later charges of domestic violence, charges that he had exposed lovers to undisclosed HIV, and a sexual harassment issue that prompted Major League Baseball to drop its affiliation with Alomar, save for his Hall of Fame membership. -- ""Booklist"" At 28, Roberto Alomar had already established himself as one of baseball's very best players when one big mistake changed him from hero to villain. That one mistake stayed with him even as he played his way into the Hall of Fame. Hero or villain--which was Roberto Alomar? David Ostrowsky's strong reporting and clear, crisp writing gives you everything you need to make up your own mind about one of baseball's most intriguing players. --Jon Pessah, founding editor of ESPN the Magazine, Pulitzer Prize nominee, and bestselling author of Yogi: A Life Behind the Mask David Ostrowsky's crisp and conversational prose tells Roberto Alomar's story as effortlessly as the 10-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman fielded his position. The thorough research that helped make Ostrowsky's first book, Pro Sports in 1993, a page turner does so again in his capable hands, presenting the dual sides of the enigmatic Alomar whose dazzling accomplishments when he chose to give 100% concealed a dark side off the field, leaving behind a deeply tarnished legacy. --Mark Sommer, author of Rocky Colavito: Cleveland's Iconic Slugger I remember writing a story about Roberto Alomar Jr. and other Padres prospects taking an English class during spring training in Yuma. Little did I know what awaited him in his career and life, and I'm thrilled David Ostrowsky captured it all in this wonderful book that provides the hard truth in vivid detail. --John Shea, co-author with Willie Mays of the New York Times bestseller 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid and national baseball writer at the San Francisco Chronicle Roberto Alomar is one of the most talented ballplayers of all-time, the greatest second baseman since Joe Morgan, and part of a family that was truly baseball royalty. Fortunately, we have author David Ostrowsky to share Alomar's story. --Erik Sherman, New York Times best-selling author of eight books, including Daybreak At Chavez Ravine: Fernandomania and the Remaking of the Los Angeles Dodgers"