On this episode of the Intangible Podcast, Chris Spencer sits down with former MLB outfielder Tyson Gillies — a man whose story goes far beyond the stat sheet.
Drafted by the Seattle Mariners and later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, Tyson also represented Team Canada on the world stage. But what makes his journey truly powerful isn’t just professional baseball — it’s perseverance.
Tyson grew up losing over 70% of his hearing and had to fight through bullying, misunderstanding, and being labeled early in life. Instead of shrinking, he leaned into sport. From hockey rinks in British Columbia to spring training locker rooms with his childhood hero Ken Griffey Jr., Tyson turned adversity into fuel.
In this conversation, we unpack the intangibles that helped him survive and thrive:
Work ethic. Emotional regulation. Accountability. Pushing pace. Playing the long game.
For young athletes, parents, and coaches — this episode is a masterclass in resilience and mental performance. Tyson shares how running your own race, building the right circle, and trusting the process can carry you from overlooked to unstoppable.
👉 Follow the Intangible Podcast for more stories of grit, resilience, and peak performance:
Instagram: @Intangible_Podcast
YouTube: Intangible Pod