Greg Reynolds: From Top Draft Pick to First Responder
Tue Nov 25 2025
Former MLB and Stanford pitcher and number two pick in the 2006 draft, Greg Reynolds, joins Nick on the podcast today. Having pitched for the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds, Greg left baseball after suffering a career ending injury, only to start a new career in public service as a firefighter in Marin County, California. In his conversation with Nick, he details this transition from professional sports to the fire service and so much more.
Together, they discuss the high pressure of the Major Leagues, and Greg describes his shift from a star athlete to a rookie firefighter. He also shares stories about playing in Japan and the injury that ended his baseball career. The two go on to compare the camaraderie of a sports locker room with life in a fire station, concluding that humility and hard work define success more than past achievements.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Greg Reynolds and His Major League Background
01:42 – Discovering Talent and Staying Grounded Through Family
03:48 – Stanford Development and Growing Through High Standards
05:46 – Being Humbled Early and Adapting to Higher Competition
09:40 – Transition to Professional Baseball and Business Realities
12:48 – Setbacks, Injuries, and Building Mental Resilience
17:48 – Reaching the Majors and Handling Pressure and Expectations
21:49 – Playing in Japan and Expanding Life Perspective
25:47 – Career-Altering Home Invasion and Forced Transition
32:47 – Family, Parenting, and Redefining Life Purpose
36:14 – Becoming a Firefighter and Rediscovering Camaraderie
40:58 – Leadership, Learning, and Passing Knowledge Forward
42:37 – Family Motivation and Pursuing Purpose in Midlife
Key Takeaways:
"Helping others is a duty. Whether as a firefighter or a person, impart wisdom and lessons learned."
"In professional sports, belief in yourself is key. Success comes when you truly feel you belong."
"College sports taught me time management and adaptability. Both are crucial for growth."
"In the minors, it's not about winning but developing skills. Repetition is the key to success."
"In professional sports, it's a business. Everyone's fighting for their job, and you must produce."
"Injuries taught me resilience. No time to feel sorry, just focus on recovery and moving forward."
"Family is my ultimate motivation. Being a good role model and providing for them is paramount."
"In firefighting, it's about camaraderie and helping others. It's like being on a team again."
"Financial literacy is crucial. Trustworthy mentors can guide you in managing wealth wisely."
"Humility and vulnerability go hand in hand. Learn from mistakes and keep pushing forward."
Links:
Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/
Greg Reynolds: https://www.mlb.com/player/greg-reynolds-453353
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Former MLB and Stanford pitcher and number two pick in the 2006 draft, Greg Reynolds, joins Nick on the podcast today. Having pitched for the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds, Greg left baseball after suffering a career ending injury, only to start a new career in public service as a firefighter in Marin County, California. In his conversation with Nick, he details this transition from professional sports to the fire service and so much more. Together, they discuss the high pressure of the Major Leagues, and Greg describes his shift from a star athlete to a rookie firefighter. He also shares stories about playing in Japan and the injury that ended his baseball career. The two go on to compare the camaraderie of a sports locker room with life in a fire station, concluding that humility and hard work define success more than past achievements. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Greg Reynolds and His Major League Background 01:42 – Discovering Talent and Staying Grounded Through Family 03:48 – Stanford Development and Growing Through High Standards 05:46 – Being Humbled Early and Adapting to Higher Competition 09:40 – Transition to Professional Baseball and Business Realities 12:48 – Setbacks, Injuries, and Building Mental Resilience 17:48 – Reaching the Majors and Handling Pressure and Expectations 21:49 – Playing in Japan and Expanding Life Perspective 25:47 – Career-Altering Home Invasion and Forced Transition 32:47 – Family, Parenting, and Redefining Life Purpose 36:14 – Becoming a Firefighter and Rediscovering Camaraderie 40:58 – Leadership, Learning, and Passing Knowledge Forward 42:37 – Family Motivation and Pursuing Purpose in Midlife Key Takeaways: "Helping others is a duty. Whether as a firefighter or a person, impart wisdom and lessons learned." "In professional sports, belief in yourself is key. Success comes when you truly feel you belong." "College sports taught me time management and adaptability. Both are crucial for growth." "In the minors, it's not about winning but developing skills. Repetition is the key to success." "In professional sports, it's a business. Everyone's fighting for their job, and you must produce." "Injuries taught me resilience. No time to feel sorry, just focus on recovery and moving forward." "Family is my ultimate motivation. Being a good role model and providing for them is paramount." "In firefighting, it's about camaraderie and helping others. It's like being on a team again." "Financial literacy is crucial. Trustworthy mentors can guide you in managing wealth wisely." "Humility and vulnerability go hand in hand. Learn from mistakes and keep pushing forward." Links: Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/ Greg Reynolds: https://www.mlb.com/player/greg-reynolds-453353