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Finding A Diamond in the Rough at HBCU Baseball Showcase
“Chip” Lawrence, National Cross-Checker for the San Diego Padres, hung up his baseball cleats 20 years ago after a career in minor league baseball and began scouting professionally. Like any red-blooded American baseball player, he knew he wanted to stay in the game beyond his playing days and help other youngsters find success in college and possibly a career in baseball.
“There are so many jobs in baseball other than on the field,” Lawrence said, taking a break from the HBCU/All College Baseball Showcase he brings to Atlanta each year to introduce Black baseball players to college coaches from the nation’s HBCUs.
“I want these kids to know there is life after baseball, but it starts with a good education, so I bring college baseball coaches and high school players together each year,” Lawrence explained.
“If you have a passion for baseball, there are many jobs off the field. If you know about them, the main thing is knowing that those jobs exist. We try to make them aware of the many opportunities in baseball in the front office,” Lawrence offered.
