Jim Fullan is sometimes mistaken as a baseball coach or the father of one of the team’s players. But Fullan is one of the players. At 56, he plays for Montgomery County College. Here’s Fullan’s story
Growing up, Jim Fullan dreamed of playing organized baseball, and he prepared by practicing with his father for hours on end. Unfortunately, that dream turned into disappointment when he failed to make his high school baseball team. After graduating, Fullan married started a family, and joined the Army.
With a family to support, playing organized baseball was not at the top of Fullan’s list. But he did play recreationally as a player in an adult baseball league. That experience rekindled Fullan’s passion for the game, and his daughter urged him to consider enrolling at a community college and earning a two-year degree.
Of course, Fullan hoped to combine academics with athletics by playing baseball. Still, inquiries came up dry until he started conversing with Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia. Fullan started attending games and talking with the coaches about trying out for the team. They welcomed the idea.
So, Jim enrolled at the school and tried out for the Mustangs as an outfielder. It was a nerve-wracking experience, not only because of his age but also because seven more students tried out than there were spots on the team. Head coach Mike Fitzgerald had decisions to make, and one decision was to include Jim Fullan on the roster.
After all the years and disappointments in between, Fullan’s dream finally became a reality. The lesson here is obvious: You’re never too old to give up on your dream.
