Kyle Schwarber has a lot of people to thank for already having a World Series championship ring on his resume. Schwarber grew up in Ohio rooting and wanting to play for the Cincinnati Reds before a fateful meeting with Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod when he was at Indiana University,
"“I was a Cincinnati Reds fan growing up, but once I had a meeting with Theo (Epstein), Jed (Hoyer) and Jason McLeod I told my agent that I wanted to be a Cub.”"
Going back to those early years, Schwarber played both baseball and football in high school and credits his high school football coach Jason Krause for impacting him both on and off the field,
"“He pushed me to be better when I was in high school. It all starts at such a young age learning character, leadership and just how to be a good quality person. Jason did that for me.”"
Schwarber always wanted to be a baseball player, but Krause had other ideas,
"“Jason wanted me to play football. I was thinking about playing both sports at one point in college. He wanted me too. But, my heart was with baseball.”"
Schwarber also gave a ton of credit to his parents,
"“My dad was a policeman. My mom was a nurse, two grinder jobs. We would still go practice nearly everyday. They wanted me to have the best possible chance to succeed. My Dad would take me to the football field and pitch to me. My Mom would be out there shagging flies with the dog.”"
Schwarber’s advice to young athletes trying to find their way is what you would expect it to be from someone who is all about the team,
"“Have fun, make sure you practice a lot. Be as good a teammates as possible. If you play hard and make an aggressive mistake no one is going to get mad at you."
Schwarber is working with Sheraton on their “Go Beyond” campaign along with Shane Victorino, Andrew McCutchen and Dave Winfield. The players are looking back at who helped them reach their lofty dreams.
Schwarber’s dreams this season are that the Cubs do exactly what they did last season in whatever way possible,
"“Im focused on how we want to get back to our ultimate goal which is to be the last team standing at the end of the season.”"
To learn more about Schwarber’s work with MLB and Sheraton check out his video: http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/21107498/v1320165983/schwarber-reunites-with-an-influential-person-to-him