How has former professional baseball player AJ Murray used persistence to achieve success on and off the field?
Even the most decorated athletes can struggle when transitioning upward to higher levels of sport. Often, an athlete that is a “big fish in a small pond” in high school can become one of many when arriving at the collegiate or professional level.
My guest on this episode, AJ Murray, was the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year in New Jersey in 2011. His accomplishments at Westfield High School helped him earn a scholarship to Georgia Tech. However, as a freshman, AJ managed to secure only 12 at-bats in what was a very difficult transition to the next level.
In Episode 20, AJ discusses his challenges as a freshman and why he decided to remain at Georgia Tech despite having opportunities to transfer after his freshman year. AJ went on to a successful college career and was ultimately drafted in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins.
AJ talks about the persistence required to become a successful college athlete and how those lessons have translated into his current career as a business executive.
My suggestion to high school student-athletes would be to focus on the process of self-improvement rather than comparing yourself to others. Further, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side as the saying goes. Persistence through difficulties can pay big dividends long-term.
I want to thank AJ for his kind generosity and the wisdom he shared with The Freshman Foundation Community.
You can follow AJ on Instagram @aj__murray.
You can learn more about The Freshman Foundation on our website at freshmanfoundation.com.
Thank you for listening. We’ll see you back soon for Episode 21!