Welcome to the first ever issue of this newsletter. If you’ve followed me on social, you know I’ve been documenting a whole lot over the last few years—everything from swing breakdowns and All-Star moments to dad life and content creation. But I wanted to create something deeper here, something more consistent, more intimate, and more valuable.
I’m calling this series a space for strategy, storytelling, and the mindset it takes to transition from what was to what’s next. Whether you’re an athlete, creator, entrepreneur, coach, or just figuring out what the next season of life looks like—I hope this speaks directly to you.
⚾️ All-Star Moments and Full-Circle Moments
This past week was a dream that I wouldn’t even know how to dream back in 2020.
I was part of ESPN’s Baseball Tonight coverage at the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. I hosted the celebrity softball game, sat on the desk before the Home Run Derby, and interviewed players before the game even started. But the moment that really hit me? Bringing Ken Griffey Jr. on the set.
I got so many messages after posting the video: “Bro, you’re chopping it up with Griffey AND Chipper Jones?”
Yeah. Surreal. Because I was that kid in the backyard imitating Griffey’s swing. And now I’m on set having real conversations with him about hitting, legacy, and the next generation.
As much as I wanted to fanboy, I also knew: this was part of the job now. But I didn’t let that stop me from pulling value from the conversation. Because you probably saw clips of me posting breakdowns from that moment sharing what Chipper told me about switch hitting or what Griffey sees in the modern game. There’s always something to learn, and always someone who can benefit.
🧠 How This All Started
When I stepped off the field in 2020, it wasn’t on my terms. There was no “retirement tour.” Just… COVID, shutdowns, and uncertainty. ESPN started airing Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) games because MLB was paused. My wife kept telling me: “You should be on there. You played in Korea. You can do this.”
Eventually, I got a shot to jump on air for 10 minutes—and I felt new life. I chased it. That same year I launched my podcast Xtraordinary Athletes (later bought out by MLB), started doing guest appearances on MLB Network Radio, and began creating content from scratch. I was playing the long game and building while no one was watching.
I didn’t know it then, but that hustle and curiosity laid the foundation for everything I’m doing now.
💡 A Brand That Doesn’t Retire
This is why I started Xtraordinary Athletes—to help players build a voice, create their brand, and transition with purpose. (Instagram Link)
This work has opened doors and income streams I never imagined. Like flying straight from the All-Star Game to Turks and Caicos with my wife—celebrating, resting, and still documenting along the way.
Because I want athletes to see: your brand never retires.
If you do the work, tell the truth, and stay consistent your name can keep opening doors. I’m proof of that. And I want this newsletter to show you the steps I’ve taken, the strategies I use, and the behind-the-scenes moves that make the difference.
Thanks for reading this far. If this helped or inspired you, forward it to a friend. Better yet—hit subscribe and join me weekly as we build something meaningful together.
