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In the latest episode of And That’s the Game podcast, hosted by Wayne Mazzoni and presented by ProBatter Sports, Wayne Mazzoni sat down with George Brown, pitching coach at St. John’s University. Brown shared his journey from being a standout pitcher to transitioning into coaching, offering insights on the value of multi-sport development, the recruitment process, and lessons learned from his baseball career.

George Brown’s Early Athletic Journey

George Brown wasn’t always just a pitcher. Growing up, Brown was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in not only baseball but also basketball and cross-country running. “Baseball was by far my best sport,” Brown shared, “but I was a true two-way player in high school—center fielder and pitcher.” His experience in different sports shaped his competitive mindset and athleticism, attributes that remain essential in his coaching philosophy today.

Brown reflected on the importance of playing multiple sports during his developmental years. He emphasized that specializing too early in a single sport can be detrimental to overall growth. “If you’re a 10th grader playing basketball and football, don’t feel pressured to give them up for baseball full-time,” Brown said. “Playing different sports keeps you sharp and develops athleticism.”

For Brown, the transition from multi-sport athlete to full-time baseball player wasn’t a forced one. It happened naturally as his talent for pitching outshined the rest. But he made it clear that today’s athletes shouldn’t rush into specialization unless they feel it’s absolutely necessary for their development.

College Recruitment and Life Lessons

When it came time for Brown’s college recruitment, it wasn’t all about being the best athlete—it was about finding the right fit. Brown reminisced about his recruitment process, ultimately choosing St. John’s over other schools like George Washington and Boston College. He explained that while his future in baseball was always clear as a pitcher, finding the perfect environment was key to his success.

“St. John’s just clicked,” Brown said. “I loved the coaching staff, the campus, the atmosphere—it was the best decision for me.” Brown highlighted how finding a program that aligns with an athlete’s personal goals and values is just as important as their athletic prowess.

He shared a funny, yet poignant story about being recruited by Boston College after striking out 10 of 11 hitters in a showcase event. Brown was sure he’d end up at BC, but financial constraints led him to St. John’s instead, a move he now considers a blessing. “Things worked out just fine,” Brown said. “You end up where you’re supposed to be.”

Balancing Athletics and Life Off the Field

As Brown moved through his college career, he dealt with the inevitable struggles of balancing athletics with academics. His experience at St. John’s was enriched by playing summer ball in leagues across the country, including Alaska, where he pitched for the Matsu Miners. The experience not only improved his pitching but also taught him about the importance of embracing new and challenging opportunities, a lesson that continues to resonate in his coaching.

“I didn’t want to go to Alaska at first,” Brown admitted. “But my dad convinced me, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.”

Brown encourages today’s athletes to embrace uncertainty and take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way, whether that means playing summer ball in unfamiliar places or taking on new roles within their team.

Transitioning from Player to Coach

Like many athletes, Brown’s transition from player to coach was not linear. Initially, he pursued accounting, completing an internship before realizing that the corporate world wasn’t for him. “Three hours into my internship, I knew I couldn’t sit at a desk for 50 years,” Brown said with a laugh.

It wasn’t long before Brown found his calling in coaching, starting as a pitching coach for the Riverhead Tomcats in the Hamptons League. The journey, while unexpected, taught him valuable lessons about persistence, self-awareness, and growth. “I realized I was meant to be a coach,” he said. “It’s a labor of love, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Teaching the Next Generation

Now, as the pitching coach at St. John’s, Brown has become an advocate for athletes who embrace growth, failure, and resilience. His coaching philosophy centers around self-evaluation, a crucial skill he believes young players must develop. “You have to be an exceptional self-evaluator,” Brown emphasized. “If you can’t be honest with yourself, you’ll never grow.”

For Brown, teaching athletes to own their mistakes and learn from them is just as important as teaching them mechanics. He also encourages players to embrace competition, stating, “I don’t want to teach you how to compete—that’s something you need to bring with you.”

Conclusion: Finding the Right Path

George Brown’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, flexibility, and staying true to oneself. His journey from multi-sport athlete to college pitcher and, eventually, coach at St. John’s University is filled with valuable lessons for today’s aspiring athletes. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of recruitment or trying to decide between sports, Brown’s advice is clear: embrace the journey, be open to change, and always be honest with yourself.

For more stories like this and insights into athlete development, check out And That’s the Game podcast, presented by ProBatter Sports.