University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Voices: Why I Came Back
01/28/2019 | Baseball, Spider Voices
By: Layne Looney, Senior, Baseball
In June 2018, I was able to achieve a dream I had been working toward for my entire life and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. Having the opportunity to play professional baseball was surreal, and at that moment, I believed that was exactly where I was headed. After many long days thinking about it and discussing with my family, it seemed that maybe I shouldn't be so quick to commit.
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I was playing summer ball in Wisconsin with the Lakeshore Chinooks when I was drafted. I was staying with a wonderful host family and was really enjoying my time there. I received the call during a game, and we were leading 4-3 while I was warming up to close it out (which I did – my first save of the season with the Chinooks).
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Once the game finished, the first person I called was my Mom. After that, I was able to sit down with my Dad and talk about the next steps, and together with my Mom and Dad, we listed the pros and cons. Most notably, if I were to graduate as planned with a UR business degree, I would eliminate any concerns about having to finish college during or after professional baseball.Â
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I also had to consider my teammates and coaches who have been remarkable during my time at school and were just as important in my decision. I can't thank them enough for sticking with me when I worked through injury my freshman year. They continue to give unwavering support, showing how special the relationships and camaraderie are with the UR baseball team.
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After very careful consideration, the answer for me became clear – while the opportunity to play professional baseball is incredible and still what I am working hard to achieve, finishing school first was the best choice for me at this point in my life. I will finish my degree this spring, and my teammates and I are looking to go back to the A-10 tournament and maybe, just maybe, make a NCAA regional. We have the pieces to make it happen, and I can't wait to play ball with them for another season.
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In June 2018, I was able to achieve a dream I had been working toward for my entire life and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. Having the opportunity to play professional baseball was surreal, and at that moment, I believed that was exactly where I was headed. After many long days thinking about it and discussing with my family, it seemed that maybe I shouldn't be so quick to commit.
Â
I was playing summer ball in Wisconsin with the Lakeshore Chinooks when I was drafted. I was staying with a wonderful host family and was really enjoying my time there. I received the call during a game, and we were leading 4-3 while I was warming up to close it out (which I did – my first save of the season with the Chinooks).
Â
Once the game finished, the first person I called was my Mom. After that, I was able to sit down with my Dad and talk about the next steps, and together with my Mom and Dad, we listed the pros and cons. Most notably, if I were to graduate as planned with a UR business degree, I would eliminate any concerns about having to finish college during or after professional baseball.Â
Â
I also had to consider my teammates and coaches who have been remarkable during my time at school and were just as important in my decision. I can't thank them enough for sticking with me when I worked through injury my freshman year. They continue to give unwavering support, showing how special the relationships and camaraderie are with the UR baseball team.
Â
After very careful consideration, the answer for me became clear – while the opportunity to play professional baseball is incredible and still what I am working hard to achieve, finishing school first was the best choice for me at this point in my life. I will finish my degree this spring, and my teammates and I are looking to go back to the A-10 tournament and maybe, just maybe, make a NCAA regional. We have the pieces to make it happen, and I can't wait to play ball with them for another season.
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