Baseball To Business With Will Startup

This is the first write up feature I am calling Baseball To Business where I connect with former professional baseball players and ask them questions on what they are doing after baseball. I am honored for my first write up to feature Will Startup, a former pitcher for the Georgia Bulldogs, who played for four MLB Organizations (ATL, SD, BAL, DET), and is an outstanding man of christ who is following his passion into product design and development.

I first met Will back in 2011 where he was still pitching in the minor leagues and we connected through a mutual friend to talk about product and design. Being in product design and development myself, Will picked apart my thoughts and experiences trying to figure out if this was a potential path for him after his playing career. One thing that stood out about Will was his passion. He genuinely loved design and footwear. They always say, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Will showed me his sketchbook and it was filled with talented sketches of art and experience. So let's see what Will's doing now.

 

First of all, why do you love baseball and what got you into playing the game? 

Will Startup: Baseball has been fun for me since I was 4 years old. My older brother started playing when he was 7 and I was the bat boy
for his team. Watching him play inspired me to give it a try. I always loved the potential for a big hit when I was on offense and the
amazing play when I was on defense. 
 
 

What is the highest level of the sport did you play at?

Will Startup: The highest level I played at was triple A in the minor leagues. I was fortunate to play in big league spring training games and also in the College World Series in 2004. 

 

What is your most memorable baseball moment that you are known for or proud of?

Will Startup: My most memorable moment was pitching for the University of Georgia and striking out the last batter in the regionals in a come from behind, extra inning win to advance us to the super regionals to play against our biggest rival, Georgia Tech. 

 

What was the biggest influence during your playing career? Who was a great leader that you looked up to or learned from?

Will Startup: The turning point for me was my sophomore year in high school. We had a great team but we were eliminated from the second round of playoffs in a classless fashion. I remember how upset I was with the other team's actions and promising myself I wouldn't let that happen again. Besides my older brother, there was another player named Nathan who not only played hard, but practiced hard as well. Seeing him practice gave me the blueprint for how I needed to carry myself. 

 

What are you doing now and what product or service do you or your company provide?

Will Startup: Currently I am in a research and design internship at Mizuno. Mizuno is a global athletic company that specializes in sports performance products and apparel across many sports. 

 

What do you enjoy about what you are doing and how did you get into it? 

Will Startup: I have always wanted to design footwear since I was young. I completed my undergrad degree and started my masters. This internship has provided me with a great opportunity to design baseball and golf products. I get to be creative everyday and blend my background in baseball with my design skills to dream up new equipment and apparel for the athletes of today and tomorrow. 

 

What has playing baseball in a team setting taught you about business?

Will Startup: Playing baseball on a team has taught me that wherever you are, whatever role you play, everything is important. I have been an everyday position player. I have been a starting pitcher. I have even been on mop-up duty as a relief pitcher. How I carry myself effects the team's success and is a direct reflection of my character. Whether I am doing something monotonous or exciting at work, giving excellence is what I am called to do to help the team. 

Any advice to anyone getting into the sports business?

Will Startup: I am still a rookie in the sports business world but I would encourage anyone joining a new team to be a great listener. Early on, being seen and not heard gives you more opportunity to learn. I made that mistake when I was promoted to triple A as a 21 year old. I was quiet for about a week and then I started joining in on all the conversations. I was comfortable at that point but I quickly learned that not everybody had warmed up to me yet. Now, I try to observe and speak when the timing is right. Sometimes not saying anything makes you look smarter. 

 

What question do you want to ask the next individual?

Will Startup: My question would be "What is your dream job?" I would want people to find ways to pursue that. The upfront sacrifices you have to make are worth it in the long run.