On Nathan Foreman’s East Texas Real Estate Podcast, Nathan and Harold interview Tyler-based commercial real estate broker Philip Humber, an East Texas native (born in Nacogdoches, raised in Carthage) and former MLB pitcher. Humber recounts learning baseball through Dixie League, mentorship from coach Robert Ellis, playing at Rice under Wayne Graham, winning the College World Series, and being drafted third overall in 2004. He describes early professional overconfidence, a UCL injury and Tommy John surgery, years of setbacks and trades, and finally establishing himself with the White Sox, where he threw a perfect game in Seattle in 2012. Humber explains his transition into commercial real estate at Burns Commercial Properties, emphasizing autonomy, honesty, and serving clients.
00:00 Cold Open Intro
00:43 Meet Philip Umbert
02:09 From Carthage to Rice
06:25 Perfect Game Reveal
07:13 Early Baseball Roots
11:28 Dixie League to Travel Ball
13:59 High School Run and Rice Glory
19:21 Youth Sports Today
29:51 Perfect Game Rarity
31:20 Draft Hype and Reality Check
36:17 Tommy John and Rehab
41:36 Back Up and Traded
44:27 Faith and Confidence
45:11 Reality Check in Minors
46:51 Money and Minor Leagues
48:07 Royals to White Sox Breakthrough
50:00 Perfect Game Meaning
52:28 Inside the Perfect Game
57:06 Pressure and Prayer
01:02:18 Career Decline and Retirement
01:06:29 Baseball Rule Changes
01:09:48 Hall of Fame Reflections
01:14:20 Life After Baseball
01:22:05 Real Estate Values and Integrity
01:23:57 Wrap Up and Where to Find Him