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The Story
- R.A. Dickey is not your prototypical All Star. First and foremost throwing a surprisingly fast knuckleball is not the most common pitcher on earth, but neither is having a dream season as one of the breakout stars in baseball at the age of 37. Dickey doesn't get into the glamour of professional baseball, and is best known by Mets beat writers for always having a stack of books in his locker to satiate his voracious appetite for reading. While R.A. may be a different character, he's very stable in his personal life off the field, being lucky enough to have one constant stabilizing factor in his crazy first half - meet R.A. Dickey's wife Anne Dickey.
R.A. Dickey and wife Anne met when she was in 7th grade. She was the sister of R.A.'s friend, Bo, and comes from a beautiful pedigree as the daughter of a Miss America runner-up. In Dickey's memoir, "Wherever I Wind Up," he recalls the first time he met Anne,"On the couch, curled up with her homework, is Bo's younger sister Anne. She has thick, blonde hair, with curls and waves, something approaching a lion's mane. She has a green sweater on over a white collared shirt. She has green eyes, and she is beautiful."
Dickey's memoir is not about his quick ascension to the Major Leagues (he toiled in the minors and brief stints in the bigs until almost 35 years old), or all positive recollections of the more important moments of his life. He also details being the victim of sexual abuse at the age of 8 years old to his older female babysitter, and later again that same year to a teenage male who overpowered him. He also discusses in depth the reasons why he'll never touch a drop of alcohol, based on his grandfather's problems with the bottle. To be clear despite some heavy tones at times, Dickey certainly does discuss the positive outcome of his years of hard work and details some of his fondest memories in the Mets rotation.
We'll end on an awesome note. Dickey recently signed a $7.8MM contract with the Mets, which was certainly a blessing for a man coming from humble beginnings and years on the AAA charter. Instead of splurging on an extravagant car, gift or vacation, he and his wife walked into a dealership with their four kids on their mind. They walked out with a Toyota Sienna, which Dickey has now dubbed The Millennium Falcon.
7.17.2012
Wow, I just finished reading RA's book and I am so impressed with him - and with you! Thank you for being such a constant in his life. I can't imagine how he survived everything, both personally and professionally, and is still a decent, loving person. I have my fingers crossed that this will be THE YEAR for Mr. Dickey and my NY Mets!
9.7.2012
Anne,
I so enjoyed reading about your faith and strength in RA's book. I knew your mother in Kingsport, Tn. She was a friend of my sister- Sue Ellenburg Hight. I clearly remember watching the Miss America pagnet when I just knew your Mom would win.
I am also Alberta Fitzerald's aunt and spend quality time with David, Alberta, and the girls at Blue Ridge every summer. David is so proud of RA and we all are rooting for him to win the Cy Young award!!
10.3.2012
In a time of low moral standards and compromised ethics, comes this inspiration.
R.A. Dickey is a treasure and a hero. Proof that dreams come true and miracles happen!
10.31.2012
The book
Is
Phenomenal!! I really enjoyed Reading not
Only about baseball, but also your incredible
Journey that you and RA have travelled . Thank you for sharing this inspiring book with the world
11.15.2012
Anne,
I knew RA as a kid. We played baseball together. He pitched (of course) and I was a catcher. We would reunite each summer and had a pretty good friendship. Being a father now, I look back to the young man he was and can see what a special kid he was. I am so glad that God has blessed you and your family. I know RA deserves it. Please, you and RA never lose faith and never forget from where you came. I wish you, RA, and your children continued blessings and success. Please tell him I said hello and God bless.
Mike Mullen
12.19.2012
My wife was sexually aboused by her brother over the course of a number of years starting at age 7. She completely imploded and had a nine monthe affair with an older man. Therapy all points to a definative link to her abuse and holding her secret for so many years. No one knew. How do I see past it. I understand the abuse and how horriffic it is. But I struggle with the phycical nature of it all. Unfortunately I read countless Emails shared between them. I have seen a Psycho Therapist but still fall back into thinking about it.
How did you do it. What can i learn from you.
Thank You
12.27.2012
I received this book for Christmas and I have already finished it. It is a wonderful read! I felt as though I was right there with him going thru each trial and tribulation. The spirit lift was cry jerking. I will recommend to many and in fact to several I already have. God bless your wonderful family!
4.18.2013
Anne, We saw your story and R.A. on 60 Minutes and want to support your efforts in India. Please contact me. I have been traveling to India for the past 7 years and go usually more than once in a year.