Our first edition features Billy Grant '20, who was a walk-on member of the baseball team before becoming a manager in his senior season. Billy recently donated to the baseball program to name the home bullpen at Tucker Field at Barcroft Park.
Brotherhood, camaraderie and indebtedness are three words that immediately come to mind when asked why I decided to donate to GW Baseball. The first two words - while synonymous - have a different meaning in my mind. While the program as a whole is an immense brotherhood full of support, my closest friends and teammates at GW spent our time at "The Tuck" with utter camaraderie, that is a deep connection where we would do absolutely anything for one another without a question asked, and we connected through a sense of telepathy together.
But this was not the main reason for the gift from me and my family. When Coach Ritchie called me one night to talk about the "state of the union" of the program and the new Barmakian Family Videoboard, I told him I would think about a gift, and ultimately decided to give something back. Many people were shocked, I'm sure, because I was not a big-name player or the first guy expected to play in every game. I gave because it felt like the right thing to do for the opportunity that Ritch, GW Athletics, and the rest of the staff blessed upon me.
I walked-on my freshmen year not knowing a soul in Foggy Bottom and four years later have left with friendships and connections that will transcend both time and distance. I gave because the memories and connections I made at GW are indescribable, and I wanted to help incentivize more people to trust Coach Ritchie and the GW baseball program to mold them into men greater than just baseball players, but rather men of the utmost moral character. That is why I gave. I cannot wait to continue to see GW baseball grow to become the powerhouse it can become, because as the "most powerful city in the world," D.C. can have one of the most successful baseball programs in the country. Thank you Coach Ritchie and company, as It was my distinct privilege and pleasure to give back to this program.
Raise High!
Billy Grant, Jr. #44
From Coach Gregg Ritchie -
More impactful than all the "Ws" that we recorded together on the field are the winning relationships and the lasting bonds — the family each of our players and every one of our coaches became part of. When one of my former players gets in touch with me; shares his stories; updates me on his life after college; kindly and generously gives in support of the program and to his Buff & Blue brothers, these become the most sacred "Ws".
Billy Grant is a sacred "W" in my life and to all of his teammates. When Billy shared that he was going to give to help his GW Baseball team, I found myself smiling and crying at the same time. Smiling because of the man I was speaking to and crying because of the reasons Billy shared about why he was donating this gift. He touched my entire family that day and his GW brothers forever.
Personally, Billy has given me a gift that has absolutely nothing to do with a dollar amount. It is a gift of love and life and the reminder that the Buff & Blue brothers will always have each other's backs.
I am so honored and grateful to have coached a person such as Billy. I am so very proud of him. It's easy to see he is ingrained in my precious memories and resides in my heart as well. Not only does he reside there, but he lives in our bullpen too, now that we've named our bullpen after Billy Grant. You'd better believe I smile each time I walk down to our bullpen and see his name up on that fence.
Billy is a shining example of an elite person and winner. He's a true GW Baseball Player!
Thank you Billy, #44!!!
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June 04, 2021 at 03:14AM
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Why I Give - Billy Grant - George Washington University - Official Athletic Site
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