Piece of Grit 17. CARRYING ON A LEGACY GROWING THE FAMILY BRAND | Gordie Gronkowski & Ben Fleischer
This video narrates the relentless pursuit of a spot in a college baseball program. Despite facing rejections from various Division II and I schools and using a highlight video showcasing dunking skills from high school basketball as a promotional tool, determination never wavered.
The narrative shifts when visiting Jacksonville University, a then-unknown Division I institution, led to a pivotal meeting with Coach Fletcher. This meeting sparked interest due to displayed athleticism, leading to further consideration after exchanging highlight videos.
The search continued across multiple institutions, with limited offers received, until the possibility of joining St. Bonaventure as a walk-on emerged.
The allure of focused personal attention and an impressive stadium cemented this decision. Supported by a family agreement to share tuition responsibilities contingent on maintaining a 3.0 GPA, commitment to the program was made.
This dedication extended beyond the field, with significant academic and physical improvement efforts highlighted by a 30-pound weight gain during the first year. This story serves as inspiration for those facing obstacles in achieving their athletic dreams. It emphasizes perseverance, discipline, and the importance of seizing opportunities.