"I love baseball. During my career I was fortunate to be coached by some of the greatest of all time. Their lasting influence about how to develop talent and create winning teams is a major reason I have returned to the game to tell my story: What Really Matters."
It is said by major athletes in all major sports that hitting a baseball is the most difficult of all sports.
Statistically, only a few out of thousands make it to professional baseball; and most that make it only last three to five years. Rance Mulliniks played in the major league for 15 years. No wonder he is respected, called a mentor, achieved record setting numbers, played on two World Series teams and is often called, "the consummate professional baseball player."
From youth, Rance was an intense competitor. He was endowed with physical abilities that enabled him to excel in both baseball and basketball. His father, a former minor league player and serious student of the game, devoted countless hours of instruction, practice and preparation to help develop his physical baseball skills as well as his mental and emotional mindset to perform at the highest level.
Outstanding coaches are a major influence in his life. In addition to his father, his high school basketball coach had a profound influence in his development. Few professional baseball players have experienced playing for some of the best coaches of all time: Cito Gaston, Bobby Cox and Jimmy Williams. Each one was instrumental in developing him as a player, a teammate and as a winning team.
On this page are testimonials and stories from sports writers and players. Each describes the unique influence and contributions Rance made to his teammates, his team and to the game of baseball.
Today, Rance is dedicated to explaining to all audiences his knowledge, his experiences, his stories, his observations and his opinions. The heart and soul of his message is all about "What Really Matters."
Rance has added Motivational Speaker to his outstanding resume as a professional baseball player. Each presentation is filled with insights, instructions, humorous stories, honest assessments and useful takeaways.
When Rance is asked what really matters, he responds with his trademark 5 C's: Commitment, Coaches, Concentration, Challenges and Change. Told with passion and precision, each person in the audience; parents, coaches, players, fans, sports writers, business person are inspired and influenced by his approach to baseball and life.
"The fact is there are no short cuts. The internet is possibly doing more harm than good. Damaging a young players' emotional well being takes a long time to remedy. Change is critical, necessary but very difficult in reality. Always be a student."
"I came out of retirement because I believe there is still something important that I can contribute to the game of baseball. And more importantly, something I can contribute to help others in the game of life." Rance Mulliniks
