Mitch Harris: From Naval Academy to Professional Baseball - Bettis Musgrove S2 E10

Join us for an incredible conversation with Mitch Harris, whose remarkable journey took him from the U.S. Naval Academy to the pitcher's mound at Busch Stadium. In this in-depth interview, Mitch opens up about serving his country, chasing his baseball dreams, and the personal battles that shaped him into the man he is today.ABOUT MITCH HARRIS:Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 2008Former MLB pitcher for the St. Louis CardinalsOnly the second Naval Academy graduate to reach Major League BaseballServed five years as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer with three deploymentsAuthor of "My Private War"Currently works in financial management in AlpharettaHIS INCREDIBLE STORY:- Drafted by the Atlanta Braves as a junior but chose to stay and graduate from the Naval Academy- Later drafted by the Cardinals in 2008 but had to fulfill his five-year military commitment first- Served on three deployments, including missions in the Persian Gulf, Russia, and South America- Kept his pitching skills sharp by throwing baseballs on Navy ship flight decks- Made his MLB debut in Milwaukee at age 30 after completing military service- Overcame significant arm surgery and personal challenges throughout his careerWHAT WE DISCUSS:- The unique path from high school baseball to the Naval Academy- Life as a plebe and the demanding academy experience- Balancing military service with professional baseball aspirations- Stories from deployments and serving aboard USS Ponce and USS Carr- The emotional call-up to the major leagues and facing Miguel Cabrera- His Tommy John surgery experience and comeback attempts- The difficult transition periods and personal struggles he faced- His marriage, divorce, and journey through depression and faith- Finding purpose in financial management and helping fellow athletes- Writing "My Private War" and the importance of vulnerabilityBOOK DISCUSSION:Mitch details his motivation for writing "My Private War," sharing how he wanted to tell the complete story including his lowest moments. He discusses the tattoo that represents his journey from rock bottom to the summit, the quote "It takes courage to face the mountain and strength to climb. When we reach the summit and see the valley you realize who you become," and how his book aims to inspire others facing their own battles.This conversation goes far beyond baseball statistics and military service records. It's a raw, honest discussion about identity, failure, perseverance, and finding purpose through faith and service to others.CONNECT WITH MITCH:Visit mitchharris.com for his book "My Private War" and speaking opportunitiesConnect with Bettis Musgrove:Website: https://www.bettismusgrove.com/Social: @BettisMusgrove on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTokIf you or someone you know has been hurt in an accident, give them a call**#Baseball #NavalAcademy #MLB #StLouisCardinals #Military #Veterans #Leadership #Faith #MitchHarris #BettisMusgrove #MyPrivateWar #Inspiration #Perseverance #TommyJohn #ProfsionalBaseball