Stevie Rasmussen, the wife of Ray's pitcher Drew Rasmussen, has a unique story to share of their experiencing true adversity in the big leagues.
Everyone at some capacity knows that there will be hard times for families in the minor leagues. Still, few families are prepared and equipped with the tools to handle the complex circumstances that families will experience.
Drew was drafted in the first round after his junior year - only to have this opportunity taken away due to a failed medical exam. Stevie shares how they have handled and persevered through many a trying time in baseball.
Stevie shares their vulnerable story of how they went from being overnight millionaires to having to return to Oregon State for Drew's senior season - and having to take out student loan debt to fund his senior season.
Stevie's simple yet profound advice to other baseball spouses going through similar circumstances - adversity in the game of baseball is inevitable. How you respond to that adversity and support your family is what truly matters.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
- 2:44 - Stevie discusses how she didn't want to be dating an athlete while at Oregon State, but Drew changed her mind
- 4:18 - Sophomore year of college - Drew received his first Tommy John Surgery. Stevie discusses how Drew felt isolated and not part of the team
- 5:09 - Stevie talks about how prior to the surgery, she saw that her identity was built around Drew and baseball, and the surgery grew their relationship
- 6:12 - After rehab Drew returned to pitch in the College World Series and subsequently get drafted in the first round of the MLB draft
- 6:33 - Drew flew to Tampa Bay to be announced as the Rays first-rounder, only to find out that his elbow was blown out again, and Drew received Tommy John surgery #2.
- 8:45 - Stevie discusses the feelings she experienced during Drew's surgery
- 10:01 - Stevie goes deeper regarding how easy it is to have her identity wrapped up in Drew - even going so far as to introduce herself as "Drew's wife"
- 11:39 - Stevie discusses her feelings of Drew's second surgery - where they went from receiving a $2.1m signing bonus to working landscaping in Corvallis OR being in student loan debt
- 15:55 - Stevie shares the 2 different draft experiences - with the second time being drafted by the Brewers
- 18:40 - Drew's debut was in COVID of 2020 - Stevie, unfortunately, watched the debut in the hotel across the street.
- 21:20 - In 2021, Drew was traded to the Rays, and Stevie shares how this was her roughest part of baseball
- 22:30 - The wives' community is strong - and showed up when Stevie needed them most. Brooke Burnes, wife of Cy Young award winner Corbin Burnes, showed up and helped Stevie pack her entire apartment.
- 27:55 - The Power of the Baseball Wives
- 28:40 - Money does not fix our problems - money is just a tool to be taken care of for what's important.
- 31:50 - Stevie discusses how fortunate they are, and how they optimize their resources for their family, their community, and giving back.
- 35:26 - Stevie discusses the powerful perspective of families navigating the questions of 'can you' afford something vs. 'should you'
- 37:53 - Stevie's advice - adversity is inevitable. Lean on the community and ask for help.
