Gary Hendler
Gary Hendler
EPISODE 080125
EPISODE 080125
EPISODE 080125
Saturday 2nd August 2025
Join Randy Lerch on Clean and Sober Radio as he shares his MLB journey, battle with addiction, and road to recovery.
56 minutes
informative
inspirational
challenging
hopeful
reflective
About this podcast
Author:
Gary Hendler
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Financial Health in Recovery
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
77 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Randy Lerch: From MLB Pitches to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Randy Lerch shares insights from his MLB career.
- Discusses his battle with addiction and cirrhosis.
- Cocaine smuggling's impact on Florida's beaches.
- Randy's transformation into a motivational speaker.
- Encourages hope and recovery for those struggling.
Having my little Maria sitting in my lap, thinking that I had just been given a death sentence after being called by my doctor, was the turning point for me.
In this compelling episode of Clean and Sober Radio, hosts Gary Hendler and Mark Sigmund welcome Randy Lerch, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, to the show. Randy Lerch, known for his successful career with teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, speaks candidly about his struggles with addiction, a personal battle that nearly cost him his life.
He recounts how his diagnosis with cirrhosis of the liver, due to years of substance abuse, became a turning point for him. Now in long-term recovery, Randy has dedicated his life to helping others navigate their own paths to sobriety. Randy shares anecdotes from his MLB days, including the pressures and challenges faced by professional athletes, which often lead to substance abuse.
He highlights the culture of drug use in sports during his time, sharing stories about how readily available drugs were and how they were used to enhance performance. Despite these dark times, Randy's story is one of resilience and hope. He has authored a book titled 'God in the Bullpen' where he chronicles his journey from a star pitcher to a man on the brink of self-destruction, and finally, to a beacon of hope and recovery.
The discussion also touches on recent news about cocaine smuggling in Florida, an issue that has seen large quantities of the drug washing up on beaches and affecting local wildlife, including sharks. This broader conversation about drug trafficking provides context to Randy's personal stories, emphasizing the pervasive impact of drugs beyond individual lives. Randy's story is a testament to the power of redemption and the importance of seeking help.
He encourages listeners who may be struggling with addiction to reach out for assistance and reassures them that change is possible. Gary and Mark wrap up the episode by thanking Randy for his transparency and courage, reminding listeners of the resources available for those battling addiction. The episode serves as both an informative and inspirational message, shedding light on the realities of addiction and the hope of recovery.