Chicago Cubs: Getting to know Tennessee Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie

Chicago Cubs: A life’s dream or a discovered passion?

For some, they blindly fall into the game in one form or another. For others, though, this relationship seems almost pre-destined, as was the case with Gillispie.

"When I was in elementary school Mr. Thompson, the principal, called me in his office for being disruptive in third grade class. He asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I told him a Major League Baseball player. He said something about that being a pipe dream and so I said if that doesn’t work, I’ll be the team’s broadcaster."

Down the road, Gillispie was faced with a choice in life – and, once again, he wound up with a chance to have a role in the game he loved.

"But seriously, it’s been a tough road. I almost went to law school after I graduated from college. While working a summer internship in D.C there I realized that following my heart was important. I went back to graduate school for communication. Then, got an opportunity calling baseball games for the university radio station. It was excellent on-air experience."

This resonated with me on many levels as my dream growing up was also sports broadcasting. At a certain point it became difficult for me to quantify as if felt as though you could only land something as a former athlete. Clearly, this is not the case and hearing Gillispie talk about the journey is a testament to what being resilient can provide to someone with a similar dream.