The Value of Sports Ryan Baty

I started a company that has grown into the largest mattress retailer in the region.

I work with multiple non-profit organizations that focus on issues concerning foster care and public schools. I worked in pastoral ministry for nearly 12 years at a west Wichita church. Now, I’m asking voters to elect me this November so that I can represent our community as a Sedgwick County Commissioner.

I can look back with such pride at my accomplishments on the field. Labeled as All City, All State, All Conference and even an All American, was quite an honor. Yet, the labels I earned pale in comparison to the value of the lessons I learned in sport. Through sports, I was taught authority. I understand the role of a coach, how to receive criticism and how to perform under pressure.

I grew to understand the importance of discipline. Success comes with a high cost and it taught me work ethic, repetition, preparation and how to properly train my body and mind for success.

Sports showed me what it’s like to be a good teammate. I know how to build relationships, lead others, and foster a healthy culture in an organization.

Ultimately, sports taught me how to win and even how to lose. There are incredible lessons learned in both victory, and defeat, and I’ve tasted both through sports.

Parents, be encouraged, the sacrifices you are making to ensure your child plays sports will one day be realized when they are adults. Will your child play in college or professionally? Some will; most won’t. Yet, I’m an example that the real value is found in who they become through sports. My life is the example.

What shaped and prepared me for these things? Sports. My life bears witness to the benefit of sports and the lessons I learned through competition.

Like many kids, my dream was to be a professional baseball player. My track was not unlike other area boys – youth baseball in Park City and West Urban – then high school baseball in the glory days of the Wichita City League. I received a scholarship to play at the University of Kansas and had a terrific career as a Jayhawk. From there, I signed a professional contract and played in the Tampa Bay Rays organization before an injury ended my career in 2005.