by Russ Ortiz, retired MLB All-Star Pitcher
Anytime I am asked about life after baseball, I always talk about being prepared before retirement.
I believe its vitally important to talk with your spouse if you are married and discuss your expectations once you retire. You may be surprised that you have these grand plans to play golf every day or hunt every chance you get, and your spouse may be thinking about all of the time they will have to be with you once you retire. I highly doubt any of these expectations are met at all.
I would speak with trusted friends who have been athletes and have retired well. In the end, isn’t that what we all want, to retire well?
When I talk about preparation before retirement, what I mean is figure out what you are passionate about outside of your family and the game. You will need to find something to occupy your time and call it your own. Like your baseball career, even though you share it with your family, it is ultimately your thing. Think about what brings you excitement, or what you are passionate about. Talking about your ideas with your family before you retire can help in your transition.
When you leave the game there is a good chance you will have an identity crisis. You may feel you won’t know what to do with yourself without a uniform.
I took time off right after retirement to just be home all the time. The idea for a golf apparel company came up before I retired. In the two years I took off after retirement I did some research on what I would need to start a business.
Well before I started the business, I knew I was passionate about golf and giving back. So, when I laid the groundwork for my golf apparel company, I made sure giving back was at the center of it all.
I made enough money playing baseball and we saved very well throughout my career; so, I was able to start my golf apparel company and use the proceeds to help others. I realize not everyone will be in the same position…and that is okay.
Part of the preparation towards retirement comes down to how well you save your money. It boils down to how well you hold off on the vacations, buying cars or houses.
It’s easy to get caught up in the temptations of looking like a big timer, especially if you are a pro athlete, and you see all your friends are going on vacation, driving nice cars – and you don’t want to be left out…I get it. I’m here to tell you all that can wait. Trust me.
You have to remember you will be retired longer than you are an active pro athlete. So, while you are an active player, figure out your passions, save your money, so you can prepare yourself to retire well.
Russ played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, and is the Owner of 2nd Guy Golf. He donates 100 percent of the proceeds to charity.
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