From Pro Baseball to Building Hope | Trey Barham

From The People Who Make Virginia · 46:09

Show by Gray Broughton Injury Law

Trey Barham's years in professional baseball formed the foundation of the work he does today, whether it's resilience, perseverance, or community involvement.A native of Norfolk, Trey spent 8 years as a pitcher in the Oakland A's farm system, and our conversation today starts with a behind-the-scenes look at the process of being scouted, recruited, drafted and then moving from level to level through the minors, playing with and against stars like Mike Trout, Manny Ramirez, Josh Hamilton and more.Playing so many games per year, changing teams, meeting new teammates and saying goodbye to old ones, even moving countries: there's nothing quite like the reality of pro ball. Trey's career in fact started by playing college ball at the Virginia Military Institute, studying biology, a degree that would set him up well for his current work. VMI was an unexpected turn, but it shaped the character, leadership and decision-making skills that have been so valuable since.As his playing career came to an end, Trey transitioned from baseball to nonprofit work, focusing on community impact. Trey is now Director of Partnerships for Roc Solid Foundation, a charity that builds hope for kids fighting cancer nationwide.Roc Solid distribute Ready Bags to families just after they hear the devastating news that their child has cancer, and also provide backyard playsets to kids in treatment. Since public, general-access playgrounds tend to be pretty heavy with germs, kids who are immunocompromised simply cannot risk playing there. Roc Solid coordinates the fundraising, distribution and assembly of safe playsets so kids can do what they do best: play.Trey will be the first to tell you the joy and healing that play brings to these children, and the various ways individuals and organizations can get involved to support this cause."It's such a fun moment when you have this little kid that's gone through so much, and then all of a sudden just bright smiles and happy. But to be the connector, to get the email or the phone call back that says, 'Oh my gosh, this was the most fun team building experience we've ever had. This was the most impactful moment we've ever had as a team together,' it's honestly the most cup-filling part of it." - Trey BarhamLearn more about Trey Barham and Roc Solid Foundation:rocsolidfoundation.org/trey-barhamChapters00:00 Baseball Career and Experiences08:49 Parenting and Encouraging Sports in Children12:57 Life Lessons from Sports and Professional Experiences22:43 The Standout Players in Baseball and Sports26:30 The Mission of Roc Solid Foundation30:01 National Reach and Community Impact36:22 The Importance of Play in Healing41:55 Upcoming Events and Opportunities to HelpIf we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

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