One of the most common conventional wisdoms out there extends to a journalist’s ability to stay cool under pressure.
This especially applies to the realm of interviewing a subject for a story, and how a journalist should keep his or her emotions in check and project an air of confidence.
None of that took place when I was face-to-face with Augie Garrido at TD Ameritrade Park one night in June 2014 after his Texas Longhorns won a game at the College World Series.
From the moment I walked up to Garrido and extended my recording device with a shaky hand, I knew I was in trouble.
There in front of me was the man who would become the all-time winningest collegiate baseball coach in the game’s history. Garrido was also a guy who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, especially to reporters, and call out poorly crafted queries.
He was also someone I grew up admiring while living in the Austin area during my high school years. Watching his teams notch win after win, especially that 25-inning marathon over Boston College my dad and I got to see in 2009, was gratifying.
So perhaps it was normal for me to lock up like a deer in the headlights when Garrido began to speak.
But those ensuing eight minutes Garrido spent talking to me and other reporters felt as good as gold.
My mind hung on every word that came out of his mouth, no matter how small the detail.
And, by God, could that man wax wisdom. Garrido, known for his intellect and knowledge of life and the game, expressed his zen-like viewpoints to the crowd of senior journalists and a wobbly-kneed rookie.
That wisdom was put on full display a few days later when Garrido faced a room full of reporters after Texas lost to eventual national champion Vanderbilt on an RBI infield single.
Most coaches would have hemmed and hawed a season-ending loss. Instead, Garrido chose to approach it from a big-picture standpoint, understanding that the moment encapsulated the larger scheme of life and its disappointments, and to look on the bright side of things.
Perhaps that’s what I’ll miss from Garrido, who sadly passed away earlier this week due to complications from a stroke at the age of 79.
No doubt did Garrido play a vital role in the success of multiple programs over his career. But he also made an impact on those he coached and talked to as well.
The local connection to Garrido also can’t be forgotten. Garrido guided Dripping Springs Tiger alumnus and current professional baseball player Parker French to a whirlwind of success.
In a statement on his Twitter page, French thanked Garrido for “teaching us that doing what’s right is paramount.”
“Thank you for showing us that the team always comes first. Thank you for demanding us to win at every aspect of life,” French said in his statement. “These lessons are many more the real reason why you are the greatest of all time. It was an honor to play for you and be a small part of your incredible legacy.”
Perhaps we in the local community should also thank Garrido for what he has done for the game, for his students and for his community.
Thank you, coach. For everything.
