Why Character Matters More Than Fame

Before the Rings and the Fame: The Character of David Rossy.

Before he was known as “Grandpa Rossy,” before the World Series rings or national TV appearances, David Ross was a kid from Tallahassee—playing catcher on local all-star teams, leading with grit and humility.

Brannon Snead—now General Manager of Peter Boulware Toyota—revisits those early days, playing alongside Ross in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, and what made Ross stand out long before the MLB spotlight.

“David was my catcher growing up,” Brannon recalled. “We played together for years, and he was always the same—down to earth, humble, and focused. He came from an amazing family. His parents were wonderful people who instilled those values early.”
Ross didn’t need attention to lead. He led by example—how he treated teammates, respected coaches, and handled pressure as a kid.
He was competitive—but never arrogant. Confident—but always grounded.
That’s what made him different, even back then.

Who’s the most grounded teammate or coach you ever played with—and what made them stand out?
💬 Share your thoughts in the YouTube comments. We’d love to hear your story.

From the Practice Field to the Real World
Coach Leo Young ties Ross’s story directly into athlete development:
“David Ross didn’t grow into good character. He carried it with him from the start.
That’s the kind of leadership we want to develop—because talent opens doors, but character keeps them open.”
Even as adults, Brannon and I worked alongside Ross at baseball clinics and camps. Nothing changed. His humility, leadership, and work ethic never wavered—not on the field, not in public, not even when the cameras were rolling.

Key Takeaways
✅ Character is a greater predictor of success than talent – The best athletes lead from within.
✅ Family values and coaching culture shape long-term behavior – What you model early matters.
✅ Consistency, humility, and leadership habits start young – Those who stay grounded go farther.
✅ Great athletes lead before anyone is watching – Quiet leadership beats loud hype every time.

At Sore to Soaring, we build programs that help young athletes develop skills for life—on and off the field.
We teach discipline, leadership, and mindset—not just to win games, but to win in life.
👉 Support our mission at: www.SoreToSoaring.org

Disclaimer:
The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.

To learn more about Brannon Snead’s work, visit:
🌐 www.peterboulwaretoyota.com

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