Piazza Signs with S&S

By Lynn Andriani -- Publishers Weekly, 11/11/2008 8:28:00 AM

Mike Piazza, a 12-time All Star for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets, has signed a deal to write his autobiography for Simon & Schuster. V-p and senior editor Bob Bender acquired world rights from David Black, CEO of Black Inc., and Dan Lozano, Piazza’s sports agent. Publication is slated for 2010. 

In the book, Piazza, who retired just before the 2008 season, will discuss controversies of his career, including the 2000 World Series incident when Roger Clemens threw a shattered bat at him, and the press conference he held to deny rumors that he was gay. The autobiography will also cover Piazza’s tumultuous relationships with the Dodgers, their front office and Tommy Lasorda; as well as his former teammates Bobby Valentine, Pedro Martinez, Rickey Henderson and others.