Fast & Hard: From Addictions to Redemption
By (Author) Matthew Tyner Sr.
By (author) Anita L. Helm
By (author) Michael Melnik
BookBaby
BookBaby
12th August 2025
United States
Paperback
364
Width 152mm, Height 228mm
In Fast and Hard, you'll follow Matt Tyner on a roller-coaster ride from his early days in a severely dysfunctional family, to one of America's biggest party schools where he perfected his skills in baseball, drugging, and drinking. Following college, and deep into his addictions, Matt was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, married, had kids and affairs, suffered several injuries, and experienced numerous tragedies.
This tell-all offers an up-close and personal view of a two-part journey; the first filled with sadness, anger, and fear, and the second with sobriety and redemption. Throughout this page-turner, Matt shows how a person can hit bottom, be deep in the clutches of addiction, and with the support of friends, family, AA, and God, find sobriety, spirituality, and a second chance at life.
Get ready for an up close and personal look into the life of an addict who used (and abused) sex, drugs, alcohol, and people on his journey from self-destruction to redemption. Matt Tyner chronicles his tumultuous and lonely journey to the bottom through the eyes of a professional baseball player and coach. Matt also shares the long and difficult spiritual awakening that ultimately saved his life and restored his family.
Every aspect of Matt's life was ruled by his addictions and brokenness; and in painful detail, he shares how his dysfunctional behaviors impacted his family, his friends, and ultimately his career. FAST & HARD leaves no doubt about the power of addiction. It also shows, in great honesty, how one can move from the darkness into the light of God's love to enrich their family, friends, and community.
Matt is currently an NCAA Division I Head Baseball Coach for Towson University. He also owns MLT Sports Investments, LLC, Managing Partner of Collegiate Academic Golf Showcases (CAGS), LLC, and is a professional motivational speaker for Tyner Effect. His educational background includes undergraduate studies at the University of Miami and his bachelor's degree in Business Communications from Concordia University, Indianapolis, IN Campus. He also carries a PhD in Common Sense!
"This is a powerful read. Matt's authentic honesty comes through from beginning to end. He does not sugar coat or make excuses for his mistakes or his past. His honesty is real, raw, and powerful. I absolutely love that. Christ came for all people and we are all sinners. He opens up the window to his soul. Highly recommend this book. People can and do change....praise God!
Charlie Fisher, Retired NCAA Head Football Coach
Author of Fishfood
"It was a true honor to be asked to read the manuscript and learn more about Matt's journey. It was inspiring and I know will bless many!
Michael P. Stock
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
"This book will serve a variety of audiences. Those trying to breakthrough into the professional sports arena, individuals with substance abuse addiction, and those walking through life without faith in a higher power. Matt provides insight into what each of those look like. In turn, what life looks like when one is trying to 'go it alone' without a higher power."
Jeanie Burtschi
Laura Tyner's Lifelong Friend
"Wow! What a powerful, raw story of the depths we go to when we are not reborn, and the ways God lovingly reminds us there is a better path. Matt is brutally honest and I think that helps the mission of the book. Ephesians 4:17-24 is a good reminder that we ALL have that same battle, whether it's something external like drugs or something totally hidden and internal."
Gordon Voit
Former Sports Anchor
Matthew (Matt) Tyner, Sr. is the author of Fast and Hard: From Addictions to Redemption. He is a man who has reinvented himself and has invested his second chance at life in building positive relationships with all those around him. Fast and Hard will crush the myth that people can't change. This pivotal read will show how he changed.
Matt is best known for his work as a college baseball coach and baseball player. Many know him as the walk-on baseball player from the prestigious University of Miami Baseball program who made three consecutive College World Series appearances and went on to be the 9th-round pick in the 1980 draft by the Baltimore Orioles.
When all the world looked bright for Matt, it was his own demons who sabotaged all of his professional and personal opportunities. Matt speaks about reaching the ill-fated rock bottom. His words share the journey of how he finally hit the "Rock" that ultimately became the foundation of rebuilding his shady life. Fast and Hard is a dark story that ends with a man accepting the embrace of his spiritual awakening, the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the forgiveness from his family and friends.
For those longing for the life of a professional athlete, Matt shares the reality of the pitfalls and detours of a professional Minor League player. He is long past his days of playing for the franchises of the Baltimore Orioles, but his recall of those days is incredible. That life could never compare to the present life of being clean and sober for over two decades. In his addiction-free life, he has dedicated his life to serving others and providing leadership through coaching and public speaking to thousands of men and women of all ages.
Matt is currently an NCAA Division I Head Baseball Coach for Towson University. He also owns MLT Sports Investments, LLC, Managing Partner of Collegiate Academic Golf Showcases (CAGS), LLC, and a professional motivational speaker for Tyner Effect (www.Tynereffect.com). His educational background includes undergraduate studies at the University of Miami and his bachelor's degree in Business Communications from Concordia University, Indianapolis, IN Campus. He also carries a PHD in Common Sense!
Anita L. Helm is an author and transformational presenter. As the owner of 4 Des Productions, LLC a company offering professional speaking, training, and personal development, Anita is a leader and influencer. Anita's recent book A Leap of Faith: A Life Filled With Questionable Choices joins her blogs, podcasts, and inspirational presentations to reach international audiences. Her 5-star rated podcast Milkshake Mondays is available on platforms. Her thought leadership is demonstrated across every walk of life from business leaders, academia, clergy, and community activists. As a lifelong learner, Anita allows life to be her classroom. Her authenticity shines through her words, both spoken and written. She holds a master's in administration and a bachelor's degree in psychology and speech. She has two daughters and a son-in-law who all reside in Northern Virginia. Not to be forgotten is his beloved dog, Yoshi.
Michael Melnik MS, OT is an occupational therapist with a master's degree in exercise physiology. He is owner of The Energized Approach in Rochester, MN where he lives with his wife, step-son and two dogs. Michael is a nationally recognized speaker and injury prevention specialist who has presented to more than 750,000 participants around the world. He is also the author and talent in several award-winning videos that are used by thousands of companies. Michael has played an instrumental role in the national injury prevention programs at The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Coca Cola, Delta Airlines, Best Buy and many more. For more than 30 years Michael's passion has been to help organizations make their safety programs more fun, more personal, and more effective.