Scott Spiezio, the former Major League Baseball infielder best known for his role in the Anaheim Angels' 2002 World Series triumph and a further title with the St Louis Cardinals in 2006, has spoken about how alcohol and drug addiction nearly killed him. In a recent interview, the ex-player described how years of heavy drinking led to liver failure, bringing him close to death, and reflected on how his faith helped him through the ordeal.

The crisis came to light in 2018, when Spiezio, then 47, underwent a routine MRI scan for back pain. He emerged from the scan visibly jaundiced, a sign that his liver was failing after prolonged alcohol abuse, and doctors gave him only a 20% chance of survival. Spiezio has since spoken publicly about his recovery journey and the part his relationship with God played in helping him overcome addiction.