Baseball | 12/3/2020 9:55:53 AM
Joe Gross returns for his fourth season with the Houghton College baseball team in 2020-21. He was off to a strong start in 2020, batting .323 with a .447 on-base percentage, while starting all 10 games and playing both second and third base for the Highlanders before the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A native of Hancock, NY, Gross has appeared in 57 games over his first three seasons with the Highlanders and has 31 hits, 23 runs scored, 24 walks, 19 runs batted in and a .353 on-base percentage in his collegiate career. A business administration major, Gross is working on his master's degree and will serve as a team captain for the Highlanders in 2021.
Joe Gross - Why I Play
Institution: Houghton College
Sport/Position: Baseball/Shortstop
Academic Major: Business Adminisration
GPA: 3.5
Class Year: Graduate Student
Academic Honors/Clubs/Community Service Roles?
Graduate Assistant, team Captain, SAAC Member.
What Have You Done During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Stay Active and What Are Some Positive Effects of the Pandemic You Have Experienced?
Working in real estate has kept me busy while working out a ton. I spent a lot of time just working on myself in various ways, and I saw a huge improvement in every area, including my mindset and outlook on life.
What Role has Baseball Played in your Personal Development?
Baseball has been a huge factor in learning how to deal with failure in a positive and productive way. In a game where you’re exceptionally good if you fail seven times out of ten, it’s easy to become discouraged. Using failure as a learning experience ultimately separates the good from the great in both baseball and in life.
At what age did you start playing Baseball and what made you stay with it?
Having my dad as my coach at five years old was awesome, and baseball was basically the first game I fell in love with. Thankfully I haven’t lost that love.
Any Superstitions When It Comes to Pregame Rituals/Training?
I think superstitions are a waste of time, however routines are super important to me. Having a go-to routine that consistently helps put me in a state of confidence is a huge help, whether it includes breathing or having a focal point, whatever it may be. Routines are a great way to stay calm and confident on the field.
Why Did You Decide to Attend Houghton?
Ultimately, it was the connection I had with the guys on the team, and I felt called to the mission and purpose of the program that Coach Reitnour laid out for me.
How has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College?
I’m a firm believer that college athletics are the best way to prepare anyone for life after college. The best part about it, especially at the Division III level, is the emphasis on individual responsibility. If you want to improve, it’s ultimately up to you to do that with some quality guidance.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College: Hitting a late-inning go-ahead home run, the first of my collegiate career against SUNY Canton in 2019.
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees
Favorite Movie: War Dogs
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: The Office
Favorite Food: Steak Burrito from Chipotle
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Panda Paws
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You: I’m a licensed real estate agent
Advice to Younger Student-Athletes on Why You Chose to Play a Collegiate Sport and Why Playing A Sport is So Beneficial?
Playing a collegiate sport gives you the chance to improve yourself as a person exponentially. Take advantage of your first one or two years to improve, and go all in.
The Empire 8 Conference's “Why I Play” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions who discusses devotion to its respective sport.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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