Challenges Faced by Scott Spiezio: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2026

Life is full of challenges, and Scott Spiezio faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Scott Spiezio is a former MLB infielder best known for his clutch performance with the Anaheim Angels during the 2002 World Series. His pivotal three-run home run in Game Six helped the Angels rally and ultimately win the championship. He also played for the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals. Notably, he's the son of former major league player Ed Spiezio, carrying on a family legacy in baseball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2002: Huge Party

In 2022, Scott Spiezio revealed in an interview with The Athletic that after 2002 series, his friends threw him a huge party.

2004: Back Injury

During the 2004 spring training, Scott Spiezio tripped over a mound, resulting in a debilitating back injury that threatened his career.

2004: Downward Spiral

In 2022, Scott Spiezio revealed in an interview with The Athletic that the 2004 spring training injury led him to begin drinking heavily.

2005: No Contact with parents

In 2022, Scott Spiezio revealed in an interview with The Athletic that from 2005 to 2007 his parents did not speak to him at all.

2006: Alienated Friends

In 2022, Scott Spiezio revealed in an interview with The Athletic that as early as 2006, he had alienated so many of his friends in his hometown that no one joined him to celebrate the 2006 World Series win.

August 7, 2007: Medical Incident

On August 7, 2007, Scott Spiezio received IV fluids but left the stadium rather than accept medical treatment, being described as irritable and anxious.

August 9, 2007: Placed on Restricted List

On August 9, 2007, the Cardinals placed Scott Spiezio on the restricted list for seeking treatment for an unspecified substance abuse problem.

December 30, 2007: Car Crash Incident

On December 30, 2007, Scott Spiezio crashed his BMW into a fence in Irvine, California, and fled the scene while intoxicated, leading to legal charges.

2007: Sporadic Contact with parents

In 2022, Scott Spiezio revealed in an interview with The Athletic that from 2007 to 2011 his parents had only sporadic contact with him.

February 27, 2008: Release from Cardinals

On February 27, 2008, the Cardinals released Scott Spiezio after police in Irvine, California, issued a warrant for his arrest due to a car crash on December 30, 2007.

2011: Sporadic Contact with parents

In 2022, Scott Spiezio revealed in an interview with The Athletic that from 2007 to 2011 his parents had only sporadic contact with him.

April 7, 2015: Arrest in Ottawa, Illinois

On April 7, 2015, Scott Spiezio was arrested in Ottawa, Illinois, after allegedly punching out a window at his girlfriend's apartment and fleeing from police.

2018: Severe Jaundice

In 2022, Scott Spiezio revealed in an interview with The Athletic that he finally bottomed out in 2018, when he went to the hospital with severe jaundice from a badly damaged liver.

2022: Interview with The Athletic

In 2022, in an interview with The Athletic, Scott Spiezio revealed that he had battled substance abuse for 13 years, tracing his spiral to a 2004 injury, and discussed his struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction, rehab stints, arrests, and strained family relationships. He revealed he has been sober since 2018.