Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
ABOUT ME
46 and 1291.
Two numbers that have fueled my journey from the very beginning. I was drafted in the 46th round—1291 players were selected before me. Not many drafted that late make it to the big leagues, but I used those numbers as motivation.
Then there’s 16,789... the number I represent out of more than 20,000 players who have ever played Major League Baseball. On September 3rd, 1995, all the years of hard work paid off when the Atlanta Braves called me up to the show.
I wasn’t a top pick. I didn’t sign for a big bonus. But I still lived my dream of playing in the big leagues because I worked harder at every part of the game. I let others’ doubts fuel my drive, stayed disciplined, and never lost sight of what I believed I could achieve.
I played professional baseball for 16 years, starting with the Braves and continuing with eight other organizations before eventually retiring in Austin, Texas. I was fortunate to be part of a World Series-winning Braves team, and later won a Japan Series title with the Yomiuri Giants. I was named Minor League Pitcher of the Year twice with Atlanta, Pitcher of the Year in MLB with the Kansas City Royals, and was a Japan All-Star.
Throughout my career, I had the privilege of being coached by legends like Bobby Cox, Leo Mazzone, Joe Maddon, Joe Torre, Bruce Bochy, and Jerry Weinstein. I also had the honor of playing alongside and learning from Hall of Famers like Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz.
After retiring, I completed MLB Scouting School and have spent my post-playing years mentoring the next generation of athletes. Today, I serve as VP of Player Development at a sports agency and coach select baseball.
When I’m not spending time with my family, I enjoy staying active by running marathons for charity, cycling throughout Austin (and sometimes the Pacific Northwest), and competing in triathlons. I feel fortunate and blessed to have played my entire career without any major injuries, which has allowed me to live a full, healthy life today.
