6.15.24
Episode 12
Former MLB All-Star Elvis Andrus Goes Beyond The Diamond With Baseball United
In this episode of the Baseball United Podcast, host Liam Skiffington welcomes Baseball United Co-Owner Elvis Andrus. With 15 years of MLB experience, Elvis offers a unique perspective on the game and his new role in ownership.
Elvis shares how he was inspired by his older brothers and fellow Venezuelan shortstop Omar Vizquel. He talks about achieving his dream of making it to the majors at just 20 years old and the incredible experience of playing in back-to-back World Series. Elvis provides insights into managing the pressures of a Game 7 at such a young age and reflects on his relationship with longtime teammate and fellow Baseball United Co-Owner, Adrian Beltre.
Elvis delves into his motivations for joining Baseball United and his vision for the league's future. He reflects on last year's All-Star showcase in Dubai and how he left with a newfound appreciation for the behind the scenes work of putting on such a major event.
He passionately discusses the importance of developing native baseball players in the Middle East and South Asia, and why he believes this initiative will help the league thrive.
What We Discuss
- 1:36 Growing up in Venezuela
- 6:50 Signing with the Atlanta Braves at 15 years old
- 8:55 Adjusting from life in Venezuela to being a professional baseball player in the U.S.
- 12:17 Reflecting on his first MLB game
- 17:49 Remembering the 2010 World Series run
- 21:09 Handling increased expectations during the 2011 World Series
- 23:05 Dealing with the pressure of elimination games as a young player
- 26:48 Elvis’s relationship with Adrian Beltre
- 28:51 When Adrian Beltre introduced Elvis to Baseball United
- 30:00 Elvis’s appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort in organizing last year's All-Star Showcase
- 32:12 Diversity within the Baseball United organization
- 33:34 Praise for the leadership group of Baseball United and their vision
- 35:04 Elvis’s role as a mentor to young players
- 37:28 Interest from other players and coaches in joining Baseball United
- 38:33 Reasons why Elvis sees Baseball United as a great investment
- 39:13 Elvis’s belief in how Baseball United will promote the game globally
- 40:52 Elvis’s message to fans in the Middle East
- 43:49 Elvis’s desire to continue playing baseball
