MLB Fan Cave

By: Shaun Kippins; @SkippinsYNN

Today I had the opportunity to sit down with New York Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey here at the MLB Fan Cave. We chatted about his new book: Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball.

Shaun Kippins: At what moment did you know you wanted to write and publish Wherever I Wind Up?

R.A. Dickey: Back in 2008, when I was a member of the Tacoma Rainiers up in Washington, I felt like it was the right time. I wanted to get my story out there.

SK: You reveal a lot of personal things in your book. What made you want to put your story out there?

R.A. Dickey: I just felt like it was the right time to write it. I felt like it was a story that was relatable and something that I wanted to get out there. I was comfortable enough with myself to finally put it out there. I would write a little bit and show it to my wife, and she'd let me know what she thought and that helped a lot.

SK: After all you went through growing up and into your young adulthood, what was it that allowed you to hold it all together and persevere through it?

R.A. Dickey: Mainly my faith. My faith is something that has always carried me though tough times. Also, my wife and my family have always been there for me. It's been a combination of faith and family that have given me the strength and helped be along the way.

SK: Was there any hesitation from putting so much of your life out there?

R.A. Dickey: Absolutely. In the beginning, back in 2008 when I first thought I was ready to write it, I had to stop. I wanted to write all of the toughest stuff first and it was hard. I had to put it down for a year and a half to find the right vocabulary to reach the right audience. Finally in 2010, after I found the right way to put it into words, I picked it back up and was able to finish it.

SK: What do you think someone can take away from reading the book?

R.A. Dickey: You never want to try to tell the reader what they should think. But when I wrote it, I saw it as a story of redemption and hope. And of course in order for that to happen you have to travel down some dark roads, which I did, but in the end it came back around. That's the feeling I would like to leave the reader with.

SK: It was a pleasure speaking with R.A. Dickey about his book. It takes quite a bit of courage to put your life out there for all to see and he does just that in this book. Thank you, R.A.. You're a class act. Best of luck this season.