The World Series championship ring is one of the single most coveted awards in the world of baseball. It symbolizes a culmination of dedication and backbreaking hard work and its owners can boast in the fact that they are indeed some of the world’s greatest.
But what happens once your major league career comes to an end? The spotlight often dims on retired players instead bringing to the forefront a new batch of young athletes and many players go on to live a life of relative obscurity. For one former major leaguer- this is anything but the truth.
Matt Whisenant made his major league debut on July 4 1997- as a pitcher for the Florida Marlins against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Later that year Whisenant’s team made their very first appearance in the World Series as a wildcard team that upset the Cleveland Indians in extra innings of the 7th game.
Now Whisenant spends the majority of his days in a cramped office above a high school gymnasium in Sun Valley California. He serves as the head baseball coach at Village Christian High School where he is able to put his major league experience to work on a daily basis.
In addition he is a self-proclaimed family man and time spent off the field is dedicated solely to his wife and kids. He cherishes every moment he is able to spend with his two sons and in a few months the family will welcome their newest addition.
And although he loves the path his life has taken Whisenant would return to the majors in a heartbeat simply for the comradery that comes from playing on a team. But if that day never comes he is content to serve his community and savor every moment with his young family.