The grits girl has decided to get out into the community to explore what makes us tick, who inspires us, and what’s going on around here. This new blog series will be called “Why I love Grits.” Does it really have to do with grits? The grits girl replies: Doesn’t everything? But truly, it’s just fun to meet people and find out what they like and what they spend their time doing. We hope you’ll agree.

Recently she had the pleasure to meet with Mr. Bruce Baldwin, president of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos AA baseball team to learn more about him, what he thinks about baseball, Pensacola, and, of course, grits.

Bruce Baldwin when he was Gwinnett Braves general manager - Courtesy of accessnorthga.com

GG: Who do you consider to be the best player in major league baseball today?

BB:  That’s a tough one. There are a lot of great players out there.

GG: That’s fair. What is your best memory from your twenty-five years with the Braves?

BB:   My favorite part of the job is watching talent develop. A great thrill for me, when I was with the Braves, was watching players like Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and many others, begin their careers and watch their talents mature as they came up through the Braves system.

GG: So, for example, our championship team from UWF, the Argonauts, are young players full of potential and talent. Will they move through the process that you are speaking about?

BB:  Yes — I mean some will. Tens of thousands of kids want to play pro ball.  Only a small percentage is fortunate enough to have that opportunity. There’s a complex and deliberate process to professional baseball. There are steps that players go through that help them hone their skills and develop. That’s on purpose, as it’s a difficult process.  It takes more than natural talent, hard work, and determination.  Sometimes it’s as simple as being in the right place.  However, when they do make it — to be able to watch them grow — it’s incredible. That’s what I enjoy about the business side of baseball.