Baseball Outside The Box

Jim Rushford a Chicago native went to San Diego State University, played outfield and pitched. Tries 1st to get to play in Independent ball with no luck, then sees Ron Kittle MLB Player, Manager of the Schaumburg Flyers on WGN TV talking about a new franchise in the Northern League in Chicago and a tryout. Jim had no money, needs to fly from California to Chicago and is not in great baseball shape, he is delivering Pizza's, he asks his mom for flight money, stays with some one he knows in Chicago. Attends an open tryout as a pitcher, makes it to the next round which is for about 30 pro players, makes it again into the final spring training roster. During his time with the tryouts he tells Coach and Director BB Operations Peter Caliendo that he can hit, can he get a chance, there was not a lot of time during the work outs to give extra at bats, especially to a pitcher, but Caliendo lets him, he just starts hitting so well that they take him as an outfielder. During his time with the flyers he ran into the centerfield wall and dislocated his shoulder but told trainer John Sarna and Tony Garafolo while laying on the field that he needs to play, he had a goal and was dedicated to doing anything it takes to get to the big leagues. He becomes the Northern League rookie of the year, makes Team USA pro Indy team and competes in Panama, make all tournament team, then Milwaukee signs him on the urging of Pitching Coach RC Lichtenstein, by 2002 Jim is called up to the big leagues with Milwaukee at Wrigley field. Jim as a high school coach in TX also talks about coaching his son, hitting, coaching kids, what it takes to get to one of the highest levels of anything, incredible story of perseverance, dedication, mental toughness and more. Will help coaches players and parents in understanding what it takes to be the best you can. Its a movie story. www.baseballoutsidethebox.com Twitter @baseballout Jim Rushford Twitter Jim_Rushford <<…>>