Coaching Isn’t Just Baseball, It’s Life – Joshua Parrow on ‘And That’s The Game’ with Wayne Mazzoni
What if the most important baseball stories aren’t happening on national TV, but on dusty practice fields no one’s watching?
On And That’s The Game with Wayne Mazzoni, Joshua Parrow didn’t show up to trade war stories.
This one cut deeper. Real talk about JUCO life. What it takes. What it gives. And why community college ball is one of the most slept-on opportunities in the game. It wasn’t a trip down memory lane, it was a look behind the curtain.
A Path Less Publicized
Junior college baseball often flies under the radar. Most high school athletes and their families are fixated on the dream: a four-year D1 offer, full ride, maybe even a pro look. But the truth? That route isn’t the only one. And for many, it’s not even the right one.
As Coach Parrow explained, there are plenty of reasons why a student-athlete might choose the junior college route:
- Academics: A chance to get grades back on track.
- Development: Some kids need time to grow, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- Finances: Community college offers huge savings, often under $10K a year for tuition.
- Flexibility: For kids who want to start careers fast (think HVAC, criminal justice, electrical tech), JUCOs offer real, marketable degrees.
It’s Not a Step Down
There’s a perception that JUCO baseball is a backup plan. Wrong. Very wrong. Coach Parrow shared that many junior college teams are stacked, not with kids who “couldn’t cut it” but with players who are hungry, determined, and often overlooked.
At programs like Hudson Valley, Niagara, or Monroe, you’ll find players throwing mid-90s, hitters with D1 power, and coaches who’ve built serious careers out of developing raw talent.
Let’s not forget: MLB stars have come from the JUCO route. And they didn’t get there by accident.
Coaching That Actually Coaches
Perhaps the most powerful part of the episode wasn’t about recruiting stats or pitch velocity. It was the heart behind Coach Parrow’s words. His coaching philosophy isn’t rooted in ego, but in calling.
He’s not there just to win games. He’s there to grow people.
Whether it’s helping a player navigate the transfer process, get a job after graduation, or just figure out what kind of adult they want to be, that’s where he shows up.
“You’ve got to think bigger than yourself,” he said. And he means it.
His players volunteer in the community. They work with kids. They visit cancer fundraisers and mental health awareness events. Baseball is just the classroom, the real lessons are about character, grit, and purpose.
When Nobody Cares
One phrase that stuck out: Nobody cares.
That’s what hits most players when they arrive on campus. Your high school stats? Irrelevant. Your travel ball clout? Doesn’t matter. What counts is how you show up. Every day. In the gym. In the dugout. In the community.
For Coach Parrow, that’s what JUCO baseball teaches best. Accountability. Resilience. Maturity.
Conclusion
If you’re a player, a parent, or a coach, take another look. Junior college isn’t a detour. It’s a launchpad. Whether your path leads to a D1 program, a vocational career, or just the next chapter of your life, it’s a place where real growth happens.
And if you’re lucky enough to play for someone like Coach Parrow, you’ll walk away not just as a better athlete, but a better human being.
Want to hear the full conversation? Check out And That’s the Game by ProBatter Sports and learn why more athletes are starting their journeys at places like Hudson Valley.
