Adam Warchal "Reach Out for Advice"

Adam Warchal • Logistics Prosthetic Purchaser • Alps South Corporation, St. Petersburg, FL • Penn State University, '03
 

Once Coach Ditch extended the offer to compose one of the IUP baseball’s Reach Out For Advice articles, the wheels began turning.  Dealing with failure, setting priorities and goals, work ethic, integrity, sportsmanship, etc.

As a baseball player this far along in your career, you undoubtedly understand how to handle failures, (especially on the diamond) whether it be a strikeout, error, or hard fought one-run loss.  As a successful student-athlete, you are also successful in arranging your priorities and goals whether or not you are aware of it.  You would not be in the situation you find yourself in if you were unable to juggle the demands of baseball while taking care of your classroom work.  Without a solid work ethic, you probably have already discovered that you will be left in the rearview mirror of harder working players on the field, as well as students in your classes.  As for integrity and sportsmanship, the best advice I have for you is that you keep a watchful eye on your head coach and follow his lead.  While all of these are worthwhile, here’s what I settled upon.  I hope you enjoy and can find the read valuable.

Two days ago, I was returning home from a wedding.  The groom was a former teammate during my days long ago at Penn State.  This is nothing new.  Quite a few of my old teammates have been tying the knot over the years since we wore the same uniform.  As I book flights without hesitation to places all over the country, each time I find myself left with the same thought running through my mind; baseball is the common thread responsible for nearly all of my strongest friendships.  Most people are lucky to have one or two friends that last an entire lifetime. I have an entire lineup of these friendships, including a full pitching staff.  As I grow older and older and the memories continue to fade, I continue to become even more appreciative of the game of baseball and all it has provided me during my life.  I have been blessed to have baseball play such a key role in forging so many lasting bonds that will remain strong until I breathe my last breath and I can only hope that you will be so blessed.

You too have been placed in a similar situation as I was a few years ago.  You are part of something bigger than yourself, bigger than the home runs you will hit, bigger than the wins and losses, and certainly bigger than any records you may set.  You are part of friendships that grow stronger and stronger as time passes, all with baseball as the cornerstone.  The message I have is simple.  Appreciate baseball for more than just a game.  Appreciate baseball for all the doors it has opened and will continue to open, bonding friendships it has provided, and will continue to provide.  Enjoy your time at IUP!

*Adam Warchal was an IUP assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator, 2005-06.