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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Players Mentioned
RHP
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