Shining on the Big Stage: Griff McGarry
Ever since I started playing baseball, my dream was to get drafted and make it to the MLB. As a child, I had so much fun hitting, fielding, and throwing. I always wanted to be around the field, even when I was too young to play. I would go to all my brother’s games and try to tag along at practices too.
I immediately fell in love with UVA when I first visited. Everything about it just seemed perfect. It had a top tier baseball program, great academics, and an amazing college town feel. It truly felt like a place where I could be happy living the following 4 years in all aspects of my life.
Coming into the 2021 season, I wanted our team to go to the College World Series in Omaha. We had a lot of the key pieces from the successful 2020 team returning to Charlottesville, and just felt like we would be able to do it right from the start of the fall.
It was definitely a challenging time in my career. After a few solid starts, I began to significantly struggle. I just couldn’t seem to put together what I had built up in the years prior. When I had the conversation with my coaches that I would be removed from the starting rotation, it was tough to hear; however, I understood. I felt like everything I had worked so hard for was just out of reach, and I could not figure out a way around it.
During this time while not playing, I really had to recenter myself and go to work during our midweek practice scrimmages. Although pitching live in an empty stadium at the end of practice isn’t necessarily glamorous, it allowed me to get my work in and gain traction. Behind it all were my teammates, coaches, and close ones instilling confidence in me. They made the situation feel temporary, and reminded me everyday that things would work out if I continued to work hard.
Playing in the postseason is a different animal. The emotions run higher and the intensity of the game becomes more pressuring. Although it had been a while since I had started a game, I felt ready. I was excited to pitch in a big situation, and wanted to get the job done for my team. Pitching in Omaha was a dream come true. Being in that stadium with 20,000+ fans was one of the coolest experiences of my life. Everything about TD Ameritrade Park was amazing, and I could not have been more happy to wear the Virginia print across my chest on that field.
This year's team was as close of a team that I have ever been a part of. It just felt like a truly complete group of guys, that all had the same drive and goal in mind. It was my favorite team that I have played for, and I am so lucky to have shared this past year with each and every one of them.
It meant the world to me to be selected by the Phillies. I am so excited to be a part of such an incredible organization, and I am beyond thrilled to continue this journey now in my professional career.
My goals remain the same, I hope to play in the MLB and have a long career. If there is anything I have learned in my baseball journey, it would be to never let up. When you are working towards a life goal, you are bound to face obstacles. Being resilient and not giving up on yourself is what will allow you to push forward and achieve your goals.
