Next Hack Podcast: Ga'von Wray | From SEC Baseball to Banana Ball & Playing for the Fans
Next Hack Podcast: Ga’von Wray | From SEC Baseball to Banana Ball & Playing for the Fans
Welcome to the Next Hack Podcast with Chan Hicks, sponsored by Bluebook Sports and CorVive.
In this episode, Chan sits down with Ga’von Wray, pitcher for the Savannah Bananas organization (Firefighters) and former SEC athlete. From committing to Tennessee as a two-way player to playing in sold-out MLB stadiums with Banana Ball, Ga’von shares a powerful journey about staying open, adapting, and finding a new path in the game.
This episode dives into mindset, identity, and what happens when the game becomes bigger than just performance.
Key Highlights:
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From Traditional Baseball to Banana Ball
Ga’von walks through his path from Tennessee to Georgia Southern, into pro ball, and eventually getting a DM that changed everything—leading him to Banana Ball.
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The Adjustment: It’s Bigger Than You
Moving from a results-driven mindset to a fan-first approach where energy, engagement, and presence matter just as much as performance.
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Let It Go – Fast
In Banana Ball, there’s no time to dwell. Cameras are always on, fans are always engaged—you have to move on immediately and stay present.
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A Perspective Shift Through the Fans
After a tough outing, kids still asked for autographs and called him their favorite player, proving impact goes beyond stats.
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Unexpected Opportunities
Playing in iconic stadiums like Yankee Stadium and Fenway—moments he never imagined just a year earlier.
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The Power of Keeping an Open Mind
A decision he almost didn’t make turned into one of the best opportunities of his career.
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The Reality of Banana Ball
High-level competition combined with entertainment—elite baseball with added pressure.
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Next Hack Mentality
When COVID cut his freshman season short at Tennessee, Ga’von had to pivot. That decision led to development, growth, and ultimately this path.
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Family First Moment
Traveling across the country to support his mom’s retirement, then making it back in time to pitch—everything coming full circle.
Closing Thought:
There’s no straight line in this game.
Ga’von Ray’s journey proves that staying open and embracing change can lead to opportunities bigger than you ever expected.
Your last rep doesn’t define you.
Your next one does.
Call to Action:
Download the Bluebook Sports app today to connect with players, coaches, and opportunities across the game.
Visit corvive.com and use code BLUEBOOK for 30% off your first order.
