#18: Ian Kendall

Going Pro Out Of High School, Finding Authenticity, and More

Welcome to another episode of Sauce Talk, a podcast about sports, meditation, mental life, and living well in general. Today’s podcast is an interview with Ian Kendall.

Ian grew up in Ashland, Oregon, and played baseball and basketball in high school. He was a perennial all state baseball player, and was named co-pitcher of the year as a senior. He was offered a scholarship to both pitch and hit at Oregon State, but decided to go pro after being drafted in the 5th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. In Ian’s third season in the minor leagues he posted a career best 2.48 ERA, and was named to the midwest league all-star game before an injury cut his season short. Ian is now pursuing a career in modelling and acting in LA.

We discuss Ian’s baseball journey, getting drafted out of high school, choosing to bypass college to go pro, life in the minor leagues, dealing with injuries and confidence issues, getting cut, developing a new identity, our relationships to drugs and alcohol, Ian’s journey into acting and modelling, the practice of journaling, Ian’s philosophy on diet and health, and other topics.

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PodcastBilly Hansen