College baseball is a special place and if you have ever been a part of it, the term “family” is often used to describe the team. It’s absolutely true that the relationships you develop in college baseball can last a lifetime- a second family if you will. I have many lifelong friends from my college playing days, and baseball is to thank for that. In my previous blog, I talked about how once I was done with this portion of my life, I felt empty inside. This is the case for many college baseball players and I feel as if there can be things that can be done to help the transition into the real world. I had this idea and I recently just went ahead with it; I brought my wife in to talk to the guys about life after college. The idea is different and I’m thankful for Coach Helton for allowing me to go ahead with the idea. 

My wife and I have quite a story to tell and she is the reason that I get to be with this group in the first place. I often say, as do others, that my wife is the better half of me. People give me a hard time with that comment but, she really is. I tend to be an introvert at times and I would be twice the introvert I am now without her. So, if I say that she is the better half of me then it’s important to me that my team knows her. As a quick background, my wife is very successful in her marketing career and is currently in the works of starting her own business. She cheered at the division 1 level all throughout college while excelling in the classroom, which is another reason I knew that she could relate to my players and inspire them to pursue their passions. Once I got the job at Maryville College and saw the family atmosphere here, my mind began racing with this idea. I want my players to feel like they can come to me with anything at any time and if they only know of half the person I am, will they ever come to me with their problems? I truthfully don’t think so. I see myself as being successful in the baseball industry, but my wife has a lot of real world experience to share with my players. My plan was to explain our path to how we met, dated throughout college, got married and how our professional lives have shaped. This is another aspect of coaching that I see is lacking in other places. I had no clue how to get to the place where I am now. It is my hope that laying out our life journey so far that it can give my players information on how to go on with life after their playing careers are over. After the short explanation, I would open up the floor to an open conversation. Open conversations are a huge culture building process because it lets players know that it is ok to speak their minds. I had times where I was scared to talk to a coach and I never want that to be the case with my players.

The talk was optional and this was so that I can focus on the players that wanted to listen and who had questions. About 10 players were there and I felt as if this was a great starting point- so that we could give more individualized attention. The talk went very well and the players had some great responses to what we had to say. We were on the topic of how huge of a role that connections play and how you should state what you want your first job to be. One of our players said he wanted to be a financial advisor and that he wanted to look in the area of Atlanta. It so happens that my wife and I actually have a friend in Atlanta that is a financial advisor. This is the kind of stuff that I’m hoping will come from these talks in the future. Once we got this out in the open, another one of our players told us that he had a goal that would sound ridiculous. Before he could even say exactly what he wanted to be, we stopped him and let him know that no dream is ridiculous and that if you want to go after something you have to just do it. This is the basis of me becoming a coach and behind anyone who has a happy life. I hope that after this talk,this player has a new drive and outlook for his passion. 

 My wife and I have a lot to offer people growing up in today’s athletic college experience, because of the circumstances that we have already been through. How many people can say they were high school sweethearts while being raised by their grandparents? It’s not easy growing up knowing that you have a shorter amount of time with those that raised you and having someone who understands this is such a blessing. Taylor has always been there for me at every turn and I know how lucky I am to have had this type of love from high school. Not everyone has this and I want to be that person for my players. Life will throw anything at you at any time and if you don’t have someone you can run to then the results can be ugly. This talk was fantastic and I cannot wait till we have the next one.