From Kings Park to Omaha

By Bobby Haney

About a young boy growing up in a small town in New York, Bobby has always had a tremendous passion for the game of baseball. In love with playing ball, he never really knew anything about college sports or even which teams were in which conferences. But with a strong will, hard work, commitment and perseverance, he did know he had a good chance to be a winner and go on to win a National Championship and become a professional baseball player in the same season. 

This is the true story about the journey and the mindset of a winner. Bobby Haney completely pulls back the curtain and shares what the sport of baseball looks like behind the scenes. He candidly shares important life lessons on will power, respect for self and others, the competitive edge, commitment, the importance of faith and belief, being present, acting like a pro before you get there, knowing what to look for in opportunities, having the winning mindset, flexibility and having a willingness to continuously improve and grow. He shares his journey in a way that's sure to inspire and empower all aspiring future athletes. 

Bobby Haney has played Minor League ball with the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Augusta GreenJackets, The Arizona League Giants, the Quebec Capitales and the San Jose Giants.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Distinct Press
• Release date: Aug 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536528404

Bobby Haney

Bobby Haney is a professional baseball player, speaker and author. His book "From Kings Park to Omaha", inspires kids to think and act like leaders. The book describes Bobby's own journey to becoming a pro baseball player. From setting his goals high and working hard to reach them, to winning the national championship and going pro the very same year, he offers life changing lessons for youngsters who want to achieve their dreams in any arena. His book, From Kings Park to Omaha, shares his ups and downs and provides many lessons along the way. It offers behind-the-scenes information that most people don't know about becoming a professional in baseball and what it really takes to make it.  Bobby Haney has played Minor League ball with the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Augusta GreenJackets, The Arizona League Giants, the Quebec Capitales and the San Jose Giants. Bobby is available for corporations, associations, and organizations for motivational speaking engagements, personal appearances, endorsements and autograph and photo sessions. Learn more about Bobby at www.BobbyHaneyOfficial.com

Book preview

From Kings Park to Omaha

––––––––

Bobby Haney

First Published 2011

eBook Edition Published 2016

Copyright © 2011 by Bobby Haney. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Edited by Erika Watts, Cover Layouts by Craig M., Cover Photography by Juan Blas/TheBigSpur.com, Back Cover Photography by Jeff Haney

Other Photo Credits: Juan Blas/TheBigSpur.com, Richard Valeo, Huntington, New York, Gaines DuVall Sports Portraits, Andy Gregory, Lauren Romano, Alana Buckley, Danielle Ragosta, MaryEllen Gambardella, Brandon Haney, Bill Haney and Jeff Haney.

Digital eBook Edition by Distinct Press

Bobby Haney Official website design also by Distinct Press.

CWS, College World Series, NCAA logos, logotype, trademarks and service marks are property of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

South Carolina University’s logo and logotype, the Gamecock logo, the Block C with Gamecock logo, are property of the University of South Carolina.

Additional Colleges and Universities mentioned are protected names

and property of said institutions.

Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, World Series, National League, American League and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.

Minor League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are the property of Minor League Baseball.

In all instances, the right to use has been given in writing and retained on file.

Any product, equipment or magazine name mentioned with ‘register mark’ or ‘trademark’ are property of said company. The following logos/names appearing in photos are registered trademarks: Under Armour, Nike, Mizuno, Easton, Rawlings and Reebok.

ESPN is a registered trademark of ESPN.

Gatorade is a registered trademark of Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.

Rosenblatt Stadium is a registered trademark of Omaha Royals Limited Partnership.

Learn more about Bobby Haney at his website:

www.BobbyHaneyOfficial.com

––––––––

FROM BOBBY HANEY

This is the story of my life. The information in this book is true to the best of my knowledge. Many people, both in baseball and in the stands have assisted me on my journey...sorry if I have left anyone out.

I thank God for my abilities and for the people I have met in my life.

––––––––

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my parents, MaryAnne and Jeff Haney. None of this would be possible without my mother and father. They are always there for me, no matter what happens in my life. They made all the right decisions for me and still guide me on the right path today. I thank you, Mom and Dad.

––––––––

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Donn Haber.

A wonderful family man,

a true sports fan,

and a great friend of the Haney family.

One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in a while, you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something.

– Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame Pitcher

––––––––

From the first time I saw Bobby run out to shortstop as an eighth grader, his body language screamed ‘baseball player’ to me. The way he carried himself and the passion and respect he had for the game showed every time he took the field.

– Denis Durland, Legendary Kings Park High School Coach

––––––––

Bobby’s passion for baseball went well with his fun loving personality. He was a perfect fit for our baseball program.  Bobby was a great teammate and one of the best defensive shortstops in school history.

– Coach Tim Hill, Sr., Greatest Baseball Coach in Junior College History

––––––––

It was obvious that the physical gifts were there and above everyone else. He has solid gifts. He is a great person and has the makeup.  He is an awesome leader and loves to compete.  The thing that’s best about Bobby is how humble he is.  He is someone you enjoy being around.

– John Musmacker, Philosopher and Summer League Baseball Coach

––––––––

The quick-witted Bobby Haney is also quick with his hands, arm and feet. The shortstop defense that Bobby played in our 2010 National Championship run will go down in history as one of the best in program history.

– Coach Ray Tanner, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

Two-Time NCAA National Champion

––––––––

A book you won’t put down and leave you wanting to know more about Bobby’s career in professional baseball. As of March 2014, he is in Scottsdale Arizona at the San Francisco Giants Minor League Baseball Spring Training. Bobby’s story exemplifies the path of passion, opportunity, talent and hard work, making priorities, choices and sacrifices to pursue the dream. One thing about Bobby, this story is just the beginning.

– Stryker K Allan, Book Review

––––––––

A MUST read by every parent who has a child playing this sport!! A very honest account from SF Giant Bobby Haney, about his passion in life ... baseball. This young man gives every little league player an inside view of the hard work, persistence and the sacrifices to be the athlete he is today. Bobby is a real life example of the saying If you WANT something you WILL find a way".

– V. Morris, Book Review

––––––––

What a great book for all young athletes - true story of hard work and determination and the payback you can receive. We have shared this book with many and everyone tells us the same thing—what an inspiration—Of course we treasure the signed copy we have—thanks for sharing your story and helping to make others achieve their dreams!

– Lisa Rockhill, Book Review

––––––––

A book you won't put down and leave you wanting to know more about Bobby's career in professional baseball. As of March 2014, he is in Scottsdale Arizona at the San Francisco Giants Minor League Baseball Spring Training. Bobby's story exemplifies the path of passion, opportunity, talent and hard work, making priorities, choices and sacrifices to pursue the dream. One thing about Bobby, this story is just the beginning.

– Michael Williamsen, Book Review

––––––––

I am an avid SC Gamecock fan. I loved reading the behind the scenes of SC baseball and the players. You can tell that Bobby has LOVED the game his entire life. My 15-year-old (has played baseball since he was 5) actually read this book cover to cover without prompting. His response, he's pretty cool, mom". That speaks volumes. Great read!

– Travis R. Ward, Book Review

––––––––

A MUST read by every parent who has a child playing this sport!! A very honest account from SF Giant Bobby Haney, about his passion in life ... baseball. This young man gives every little league player an inside view of the hard work, persistence and the sacrifices to be the athlete he is today. Bobby is a real life example of the saying If you WANT something you WILL find a way".

– V. Morris, Book Review

––––––––

Terrific book that has a great message, that with hard work, passion and determination anything can happen. I gave this book to my 13-year-old son who aspires to play baseball at the college level and beyond to reinforce what it takes to get where Bobby is. I highly recommend this to any athlete that wants to reach their goals in any sport.

– Humberto A. Suarez, Book Review

––––––––

Bobby Haney goes to show that if you put your mind to it and give your best effort, anything is possible. This is a good read at any age, but is especially great for young athletes.

–R.E. Watts, Book Review

––––––––

This book is an easy read with a great story behind it. Everyone should read this book. The story inspired my two friends who love to play sports. Bobby Haney's story is great and fulfilled me with greatness.

–D.M. Ragosta, Book Review

––––––––

This book was enjoyed by all members of our family! Whether or not you are a baseball fan, this is an inspiring and motivational story. It is a wonderful message to kids of all ages that if you are determined and willing to work hard, you really can attain your dreams!! We wish Bobby all the best!

– M.G., Book Review

Contents

Foreword

Chapter One: The Will To Keep Winning

Chapter Two: The KP Days

Chapter Three: Getting Competitive

Chapter Four: The Choices and Opportunities

Chapter Five: The Cloudy First Year in the Sunshine State

Chapter Six: You Never Know Who’s Watching

Chapter Seven: First Year as a Gamecock

Chapter Eight: The National Championship

Chapter Nine: I’m Not in College Anymore

Photo Album

Epilogue

Why I Wrote This Book

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Like all kids who play baseball, Bobby Haney had a dream, and that dream was to be part of a national championship winning team, and more importantly, to spend his life playing baseball.  With the support of his family, friends and hometown, Bobby made it from high school to college, where he would become a part of college baseball history.

In 2010, all 290-plus division I college baseball teams knew that they had one last chance to make it to Omaha, Nebraska and play in historical Rosenblatt Stadium before the College World Series was moved to a new stadium, TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha.  Only eight teams would go on to make it to Omaha, including the team Bobby played shortstop for, the South Carolina Gamecocks.  Prior to 2010, the Gamecocks never managed to win a national title in any major sport, so not only did the 2010 baseball team have a chance to make CWS history, they had the opportunity to make school history as well.

The South Carolina Gamecocks take their nickname from Thomas Sumter, a notable figure and war hero in South Carolina history.  Sumter was given the nickname for his fighting techniques and tendency to never back down.  Bobby Haney and the 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team epitomized that nickname.  When they found themselves with a loss in their first game in Omaha and one loss away from being sent home, they went on to win six straight games, securing their spot in college baseball history. 

Today, Bobby is still playing the game he fell in love with as a kid, and is proof that with enough heart and determination, a childhood dream can be turned into reality. 

By Erika Watts, Editor

Chapter One

The Will To Keep Winning

Planning a trip to the home of the College World Series in Omaha does not happen in the blink of an eye—it takes extremely hard work and leadership from the heart. As a team, we always felt it was possible to arrive at the famous Rosenblatt Stadium every year because we were the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and we could do anything.  The Gamecocks always field a strong team, but there was something a little different about the 2010 season. We had our entire starting pitching staff back from the year before and most of our starting lineup.  The most important thing that we had—which people don’t often consider—was