Owen Reid ’09 grew up in the dugout.


And even though he’s travelled the world and currently resides in Singapore with his wife and twins, you could say he’s never strayed too far from the dugout. The former Eagles pitcher played for teams in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and coached throughout the Asia Pacif- ic region, before starting his own business, Reid Baseball, in 2016.


‘Fell in love with the game early’ Reid’s earliest memories of baseball center around spending time with his baseball-coaching father, serving as bat boy at practices…and falling asleep to baseball broadcasts on the radio. Living in Moberly, Missouri, provided plenty of chances to watch games and then transition into playing.


“I always went along to his team’s practices. I watched, listened and probably got in the way at times, too,” Reid laughed. “I fell in love with the game very early and never lost my appetite for it. My father was certainly my biggest influence when it came to baseball, and right alongside him were my grandfather and my uncle [on my dad’s side]. They put in literally thousands of hours working with me to hone my craft as a ballplayer.”


While playing at a summer league in Wisconsin, a teammate began talking about Winthrop’s base- ball program. Reid, looking to transfer, decided to tour the university and Rock Hill. He found a beautiful campus and the Winthrop Ballpark Complex and accompanying resources– “a ball- player’s dream!”


The Department of Mass Communication also sealed the deal, particularly interactions with faculty members Guy Reel, Mark Nortz and the late Haney Howell.


“Winthrop had a renowned mass communication program and had visions of introducing some unique courses that really excited me…and made Winthrop and mass communication a great fit for me,” he explained. “It became clear to me that I was not just going to be a number at Winthrop; I would be a valued member of a close-knit team.


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That team eventually became like a family.”


‘A far greater impact’ Through his business, Reid travels the world coaching players, coaches and parents while sharing his passion for baseball, leadership and character development. Although he’ll be the first to assure you how much he loves playing base- ball, coaching may bring even more joy.


“I feel that the impact I can make as a coach leading others is far greater than the impact I ever made as a ballplayer,” he said. “As a coach, leader, mentor and role model, living and leading through this lens has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Having the oppor- tunity to support individuals on their journeys is something for which I am very grateful.”


Reid employs a coaching style he refers to as ‘Beyond the Ballplayer,’ in which he prioritizes the person before the athlete: getting to know the individual first, and then using baseball to teach valuable life lessons, build character and instill self-confidence. He acknowledges that this role comes with a lot of responsibility.


“It’s such a unique and incredible opportunity to be able to be a positive influence on anyone’s journey, but especially individuals who are at a formative stage of their personal and athletic development, and are seeking guidance for self and athletic improvement,” he explained. “To be in a position where I can positively support this desire for growth and development is extremely rewarding.”


‘The most important hats’ The Reid family recently returned from visiting family and traveling through six countries and four U.S. states. As he prepares for his next ros- ter of players, Reid embraces living in the present and enjoying every moment.


“I have worn a lot of hats throughout my life, both literally and figuratively, but the hats I wear as a husband and as a father are the most important hats I will ever put on,” he said.


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