Former Major League Baseball relief pitcher Dave Riske joins us to share his incredible journey from the fields near Seattle to the bright lights of professional baseball. Without the advantage of early specialized training and facing skepticism from his own father, Dave's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and multifaceted athleticism. Against the odds, he turned disbelief into determination, reaching the major leagues at just 22. We explore how his upbringing and diverse sporting background shaped not only his career but also his approach to parenting two Division 1 athletes today.

Listeners will find themselves on the edge of their seats as Dave recounts an unexpected encounter with the mob while working at Hooters, highlighting life's unpredictability and the necessity of staying calm under pressure. His narrative doesn't stop at thrilling tales; it extends into the often-overlooked financial side of a sports career. Dave shares candid insights into the challenges of navigating newfound wealth and the importance of wise financial management, offering lessons that go beyond the baseball diamond.

As a father and coach, Dave offers invaluable advice on raising young athletes in today's competitive sports environment. He advocates for the benefits of playing multiple sports and emphasizes the importance of letting children enjoy their athletic journey at their own pace. From the intricacies of club sports and scholarship opportunities to the pressures of college selection, this episode covers a breadth of topics essential for aspiring athletes and their parents. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, humor, and life lessons that resonate far beyond the world of sports.

CHAPTERS 

(00:00) - Junior College Pitcher to Major Leaguer

(10:00) - Road to the Majors

(20:03) - Mafia Encounter and Baseball Stories

(27:43) - Learning Financial Responsibility in Professional Sports

(34:30) - Parenting Athletes

(42:28) - Navigating Club Sports and Scholarships

(50:19) - Teaching Kids Resilience and Financial Responsibility

(54:30) - College Selection and Athletic Scholarships

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💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space.

➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company.

➡️ Streamline Home Loans - An independent mortgage bank with more than 100 loan officers. The Simply Group, A national expansion vehicle partnering with large brokers across the country to vertically integrate their real estate brokerages.

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Facebook ▶️ / gafford2

🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here:

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