FROM LITTLE LEAGUE TO LIFE LESSONS

In this Q&A, my son Greyson and I take turns stepping up to the plate – asking questions, swapping stories, and equally returning the pitch with honesty, humor, and some behind-the-scenes banter (our specialty). Together, we get real, get vulnerable, and explore what it means to grow up on and off the field. This isn’t just a story about baseball; it’s a story about family, hard work, sacrifice, dreams, and the bond that makes every inning worth it.

First Pitch: Meet the Team

Greyson: Let’s start with you. Introduce yourself – your name, what you do, and one thing you’re passionate about – other than being a phenomenal mom.

Geo: LOL. I swear I didn’t write these questions. Okay, so my name is Geolyn Nicole Gonzalez, I am 48 years young and I’m the head of Sales & Marketing at our family business. My biggest passion? My family. My husband and marriage first, then of course our kids. There’s nothing better than seeing them thrive. So yeah, I’m super passionate about being a phenomenal mom. Periodt.

Geo: Okay, your turn!

Greyson: My name is Greyson King Gonzalez, I’m 17 years old and a junior at St. John Bosco. I play center field/outfield. I also grew up pitching, but that’s kind of phasing out. What excites me the most about playing baseball is the journey – seeing how far hard work can take me.

Greyson: Mom, how would you describe me to someone who’s never met me?

Geo: Hmm…I might say you’re a really good kid. Great personality, good sense of humor, an infectious smile, and you feel things very deeply. You can also be very charming and engaging, when you want to be, LOL. You got all the best parts of me and your dad. And yeah, you’re pretty good lookin’ too. Yaaay you. 

Geo: How would you describe me?

Greyson: Hmm…you keep it real. You don’t sugar coat. You’re very sweet, genuine, and your intentions are always pure.

(Cue the tears) “Awww. Would you also say I’m beautiful??”

“No,” he says with a mischievous smile.

LOL. Typical.

Open Field: Early Life & First Impressions

Geo: Looking back at your little league days, can you think of any moments that helped shape your personality back then to now? Was it always about winning?

Greyson: I just remember back in the days, when I would have a bad game and dad was always mad. LOL. It was always a looong car ride home – even if it was only 20 min away, it felt like an hour. So, I guess because of that, I learned how to suck it up and take constructive criticism. And yeah, winning is great, but it’s not everything. It’s really about getting better and to keep on progressing.

Greyson: Mom, what was your first thought when I picked up a baseball bat? And how is it watching me discover my passion?

Geo: You loved basketball so much and were so good at it, so you never really wanted to play baseball. Before you could even walk, you were shooting farrrr buckets from your baby walker. And even dribbling a soccer ball while running in your walker. So, knowing how naturally athletic you were, I made you try baseball because your dad loves it so much. We knew you were naturally athletic and could probably play anything and be good at it – especially being a lefty.  

And of course, I love watching you discover your love and passion for baseball. I know it’s not always easy, but I enjoy seeing you work hard and the fruits of your labor come to life.

Both: What’s the funniest memory we have from my beginner days, before all the serious training started?

Greyson: Oh, I know mine. We were playing catch in the backyard with a softball. I threw it really hard and you completely missed it. You got a black eye, but you were a trooper and it’s a great core memory. LOL.

Geo: Yeah, that’s why I don’t play catch with you anymore. I remember we took you to the Gamers tryout when you were 8 or 9. It was a big workout with all the teams – ages 8-12 I think. There were about 40-50 kids and 5-6 coaches. The first part was just warmups and stretches and dude, you were crying so hard. You were still participating, but literally doing arm circles with crocodile tears running down your face. We even saw one of the coaches ask you if you were okay and you just kept crying. Dad and I pretended like we didn’t know whose kid that was. Good times!    

The Pitch: Achievements & Perspectives

Geo: After 10 years of baseball, what’s been the most unexpected part of this journey?

Greyson: This past year has been an insane ride with my high school baseball team. We beat Corona High School, the #1 team in the country – the team no one thought we would beat. They called them the Avengers. They had 4 MLB draft picks and a pitcher throwing 100 mph in the playoff game we won! We won Trinity league, CIF Southern section, and CIF State. We made history by winning all three in one year – and now, we’re #1 in the nation. Then also, the Dodgers honored us with a ceremony on the field before they played the Cardinals. It was so exciting, unexpected, and an experience I’ll never ever forget. 

Greyson: What’s been the hardest and most rewarding part of watching me play at such a high level?

Geo: The sacrifices we’ve all had to make. The time, effort, energy, and small fortune we’ve invested. But don’t get me wrong – it’s all 100% worth it. Watching you overcome challenges and prove people wrong has been the best part. You’ve shown that drive, consistency, and character matter more than size or stats. I’m proud of your work ethic and humility. Dad and I are your biggest fans. And while I may not know all the baseball terms, I know heart when I see it. I hope that hunger and drive in you never goes away. I can confidently say that all the challenges, diversity, and competition you’ve faced over the years, have made you a better player and all-around person.

Greyson: Speaking of achievements, what’s one of your own professional accomplishments that you’re proud of? And what did that teach you about yourself?

Geo: One of my biggest professional accomplishments was going back to the family biz and building the marketing department from scratch.  Growing a team with my marketing partner-in-crime, Ayin, launching our SILVEX brand, rebranding Be Smart Get Prepared, and creating our Every Kit Cares giving initiative. It taught me that I love collaborations, I can do hard things, lead with creativity, and bring big visions to life with the right people beside me.

Geo: We talk about stats or your performance on the field. What’s one stat about yourself, not related to baseball, that you’re most proud of?

Greyson: Hmmm. Everyone says I’m pretty funny. Most of my friends tell me I’m the funniest friend they have, so yeah. They say I’m always smiling and outgoing too. When I wanna be.  

Geo: Key words: “When you wanna be. Because when you don’t wanna be, Lord help us all.” LOLL

Both: If we could fast-forward ten years, what’s one big dream or aspiration you hope I have achieved?

Greyson: I hope you get rich, and you get the beautiful house in a good location that we always pray for.

Geo: I would love nothing more than to see you achieve your dreams of playing college ball, going D1, and then going pro – if that’s where God leads you. This is why dad and I support you in everything you do – because we want to see you make your dreams come true. And in 10 years, you’ll be 27 – whoa. Outside of baseball, I would just love to see you be an amazing human being. Find a career – within baseball/sports – if that’s where the Lord leads you. Surround yourself with good people, have great friends, a girlfriend or wife, and make good money for yourself. I just want to see you be fulfilled, living in your purpose, with a beautiful and abundantly blessed life.

The Dugout: Life Lessons & Support Systems

Geo: Beyond the wins and losses, what’s the biggest life lesson baseball has taught you?

Greyson: When I’m facing a tough moment, on or off the field, what’s the best advice you’ve ever given me?

Geo: Man. We have so many great heart-to-heart conversations and my words of wisdom are always so profound. LOLL (insert Greyson’s eyeroll.) So, I hope you’re not only listening, but taking notes, and memorizing my lil’nuggets of information. Most recently, I think the best advice I’ve given you is: “Be so good, you’re undeniable.” And whether or not you choose to engrain that in your heart and soul…we shall see.  

Geo: If you had to describe our relationship in a baseball analogy, what would it be?

Greyson: I’d say, probably a great catcher-pitcher relationship.

OMG I was gonna say that toooo! Wait, why do you say that? I’m curious.

Well, we’re always together – I’m always with you, whether I like it or not. LOL.

Yeah, because our relationship goes through all the things – joy, laughter, anger, frustration, witty rapport – and even if we have a bad day or like a bad bullpen, we’re still always together. Cather-pitcher have to have a good working relationship, right? They go through ups, downs, good games, bad games. So even if we have an off day, we eventually put our ish aside, come together, and lock in when it matters the most. Great, love this for us. *High five*

Both: What’s one thing I do that consistently makes you laugh? Even when you’re mad or trying to be serious. And why do you appreciate that particular quirk?

Geo: Dude. I die inside every time you act like a big airhead when you don’t wanna do something. “Umm, what button do I press?” When there’s literally only one button. You’re wiiiild when you act like that and I’m just like, BRO. SMH.

Greyson: Probably when I’m at your office or actually anywhere with you and I hear your cackle from across the world.

So, when you hear me laugh it makes you laugh?

Yeah, because it’s so ugly. Haha.

Ugh, you’re ugly. LOLLL. So even when you ‘re mad, why do you appreciate that quirk?

Umm, I don’t really know if I appreciate that quirk…. LOLL. Actually, scratch that – I take it back. I like it when you take my lingo and try to use it.

Oh, you mean your BRO lingo? Like Chef BRO-ardee, BRO-tein shake, or BRO-ssant. LOLLL. But, why do you like that?

Because it means you’re finally starting to get it.

What you mean, dawg? I BEEN getting it. I invented it. I’m cooler than all y’all, let’s be 100.

Yeah, a boomer would say that.

Beyond the Stadium Lights: Future & Personal Growth

Greyson: As I get closer to being an adult, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were 17?

Geo: I wish someone would’ve told me to think big, to dream big. I mean, I always did anyways, but I never really got that outside encouragement or advice from anyone. I guess a little validation would have gone a long way.

Geo: What’s one personal goal you have for yourself in the next year that has absolutely nothing to do with baseball or college scouts?

Greyson: Making my own money.

Ooh, nice. Okaaay, independence! Love that for you.

Both: If we were to write a book about our mother-son journey, what would the title be?

Greyson: (without hesitation) DUMB & DUMBER. *insert cackling* or actually DOOF & DOOFENSHMIRTZ. *more cackling*

LOLLL, I don’t get that reference, but I’ll take it.

Phineas & Ferb, BOOMER.

Oh, now you’re a standup BRO-median. *insert eyeroll*

It’s clear that baseball (and life) has taught us both a lot over the last 17 years. Patience, teamwork, and remembering that the best victories usually come after a few misses or strikeouts.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the game he loves (and the game I had to grow to love). It’s about the heart behind every swing, catch, run, and the unbreakable bond that keeps us showing up. Greyson is chasing baseball dreams, while I’m over here chasing moments and memories. The car rides, the laughs, the tears, and the eye rolls that make it all worth it. Because one day, the games will end, but the love and lessons will last forever. Until then, I’ll keep cheering loud, laughing louder, living for every inning, and soaking it all in. To me, that’s the greatest win.