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The Campanis family has built a remarkable legacy in baseball, spanning three generations and nearly 85 years. In this conversation, we take a closer look at the life and baseball career of Jim Campanis Jr, son of Jim Sr. and grandson of Al.

Al Campanis started his baseball career in 1940 as a shortstop for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although his playing career was brief, it was his management roles that truly defined his legacy. He became a key player in the Dodgers organization, serving as the director of player development and later as general manager. Al was known for spotting talent, he was integral in the signing and development of Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, and Fernando Valenzuela. However, a controversial statement during a television interview led to backlash and his resignation in 1987.

Following in his father's footsteps, Jim Campanis has lived a life baseball. He played professionally for twelve seasons, reaching the Majors in seven, and later became a respected member of the Dodgers' front office and the Los Angeles baseball community.

Born into baseball, Jim Campanis Jr. stands as the most recent torchbearer of the Campanis legacy in baseball. Drawing on the strong foundation established by his father and grandfather, he forged his own path in the sport. Jim was a star at the University of Southern California. He's second to Mark McGwire on USC's single-season home run list and still holds the school record for RBI in a season. Following his junior season in 1988, Jim was selected to represent his country on Team USA, but was also selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the MLB draft.

The Mariners talked Jim Jr. out of representing his country at the Olympics in favor of beginning his pro career. He would play five-injury plagued seasons in the Mariners' minor league system before finishing off his career in 1994 with one season in the Angels' organization. Jim would later post stories of his childhood emersed in the game of baseball, as well as stories from his own playing days, on his social media accounts. For years, commenters told him he should write a book. In 2016, he would finally publish Born into Baseball.

Born into Baseball is available here: https://amzn.to/4kfJNU8

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.


Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Jim Campanis Jr. shares his unique journey through the world of baseball, growing up in a family deeply rooted in the sport. From his early experiences at his father's and grandfather's games to his own professional career, Jim reflects on the challenges and triumphs he faced, including the pressures of rebuilding his family's legacy. He discusses his time at USC, the struggles of professional baseball, and the importance of mental performance techniques like visualization and managing anxiety.

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"I always tell people I had two careers. Had my first part of my career from 03 to 07. I don't really talk about 7 to 10 because that was 'The Grind Years,'" Jerome Williams says, " The second part of my career was from 11 to 16. You rarely get a second chance. I got that second chance."

To begin the first phase, Williams was the 39th pick of the San Francisco Giants of the 1999 MLB Draft. He garnered a lot of praise and attention during his ascent to the big leagues. He was named the Giants' number 1 prospect prior to the 2000 and 2001 seasons. He was also named to the USA team for the 2001 Futures Game. Jerome made his Major League Debut on April 26 2003 at the young age of 21 years old. On June 27th of his rookie season he became the youngest Giant to throw a shutout since 1975. During those initial years, he showcased promise as a right-handed starter.

2007 begins what Jerome Williams refers to as "The Grind Years." He usually choses to leave this era out when recalling his career. During this phase of his career, Jerome spent time bouncing between AA, AAA, two different independent leagues and Taiwan. "The Grind Years" ended when he was signed of the Atlantic League by the Los Angeles Angels in June of 2011.

From 2011 to 2013, Jerome was, again, able to find success and comfort at the big league level. He appeared in 79 games with the Angels, 46 of which were starts. He would finish his Major League career with St. Louis Cardinals in 2016. Williams turned to coaching in 2019. As he reflects on his journey, Williams embodies important lessons about resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He continues to inspire aspiring players, reaffirming that with hard work and perseverance, they can achieve their goals.

In this conversation, Jerome Williams shares his journey from growing up in Hawaii and being drafted at a young age, to navigating the ups and downs of his professional career. He discusses the challenges he faced, including injuries and the grind of independent leagues, before transitioning into coaching. Jerome reflects on the importance of family, the lessons learned from his mother, and his current role as a pitching coach in the Pioneer League, emphasizing the significance of teaching baseball IQ to young players.

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In this conversation, Alex Liddi shares his journey from growing up in Sanremo, Italy, to making it to the Major Leagues with the Seattle Mariners. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of his baseball career, including the decline of baseball in Italy, his experiences in the U.S. leagues, and his time playing in Mexico and other international leagues. Liddi reflects on his retirement from professional baseball and his plans for the future, including a focus on community involvement and helping other athletes navigate their post-career lives.

Alex Liddi made history as the first Italian-born and developed player to reach Major League Baseball. His story transcends personal success; it embodies the cultural significance of representing Italy on the global baseball stage. Born in Sanremo, Italy, Liddi's passion for baseball sparked in his early years. Growing up in a family that cherished the sport, he caught the attention of scouts with his talent and ambition. By the age of 17, he signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2005.

Liddi impressed the team all the way to the top of the professional ladder. He made his Major League debut on September t, 2011, with the Seattle Mariners against the Los Angeles Angels. Although he faced a learning curve during his debut, it was a glimpse into his potential as a player and a representative of Italian baseball. Throughout his professional career, Liddi primarily played as a third baseman. He spent most of his time with the Mariners, where he became known for his robust hitting and sharp defensive skills.

Liddi's contributions extended beyond MLB. He represented Italy's national team in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic. His participation not only elevated Italy's visibility, it inspired a fresh wave of talent for future competitions. For instance, during the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Italy reached the second round for the first time, a feat that undoubtedly energized the baseball community at home.

After parting ways with the Mariners, he became a fan with various minor league teams and international leagues, including stints in Taiwan, Mexico, and even the United Arab Emirates . His ability to adapt and his relentless desire to hone his skills demonstrated a remarkable resilience.

Throughout his travels, his work ethic remained evident. He frequently spent hours in training and maintained a fierce competitive spirit, often pushing himself to improve. Today, Alex Liddi is celebrated not just for his on-field achievements but also for his cultural influence. As the first Italian-born player in modern MLB history, he has cleared the way for countless young athletes across Europe. Liddi's story continues to inspire, as he remains a respected figure in the baseball community worldwide.