In this weeks episode of the podcast, Josh Boyd (co-host of the Fantasy Football Injury Report) and I interview one of our high school baseball opponents, Rob Kral. Rob was a standout baseball and hockey player at Randolph High School before heading to The College of Charleston to continue his baseball career. Rob was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 10th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. After turning pro, Rob was named first team All-Southern Conference in 2010 and 2011. He led the Southern Conference in on-base percentage (.482) and walks (58) in 2010. After reaching AAA ball with the Padres, Rob came home to play for the independent Somerset Patriots before retiring from baseball after the 2016 season. The focus of our conversation surrounds adjusting to life after playing baseball for 20 years, the ups and downs that come with being a pro baseball player and of course overcoming the injuries along the way. Below you will find other topics of discussion from our conversation.

"Baseball doesn't define you as a person."

The experience gained from helping out with his family's business (Allen Paper Supply) in the off-season.
Redefining his identity outside of baseball.
Filling the void of baseball after retirement.
Why Rob is not interested in coaching at this point in time.
Translatable skills learned in baseball that help him today in sales.
Why Rob misses the competition but not the monotony of a long baseball season.
Favorite restaurants Primanti Brothers (Josh), Hansel 'n Griddle (Kevin) , buffet (Rob).
How Rob dealt with the disappointment of getting so close to the major leagues.

How Rob lost his confidence after an all-star season with the Padres organization.
- Why confidence is irrelevant.
Rob takes us through his labrum surgery in college and how it affected his game afterward.
The offense-defense dynamic in baseball and how the ability to hit pushes players to play injured.
Discussion on concussion and catchers article.
Comparing old school vs new school catcher masks.
Why baseball players can be critical people.
The lack of career development opportunities while striving to be a major league baseball player.
How Rob took care of his body during the season.
The difference between Rob's appetite during his playing days and now.
Ways to have success on the field even with a glaring hole in your game.
Why its important to be great at your strengths and to focus on what you are good at.
- Similar idea to Dr. Jarrod Spencer in episode 50.
How Aaron Judge was a great example of toughness last year.