MLB Will Soon Have Another Black College Graduate On The Diamond | Josiah Gray Will Walk In Le Moyne College Ceremony

Josiah Gray is off to a dominating start to the 2023 season on the bump, but along with preparing for his starts, he also has homework to get done.

 

The 25-year-old’s education at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., stalled when he was drafted in 2018 by the Cincinnati Reds. But he never stopped his journey of learning. Through his contract signing, the Reds contributed toward his continued education.

 

“When I went to school, I obviously wanted to play professional baseball — but I did go there to get my degree,” Gray told MLB.com. “I didn’t want to stray from that goal of achieving that.”

 

After his junior season with the Dolphins and being selected by the Reds, the MLBbro had completed the majority of the core curriculum for a Bachelor’s Degree in business management and leadership with mostly electives remaining. After a theater class this spring, followed by a psychology class — his third on the subject — this summer, the Nationals’ ace is set to graduate in the winter of 2023. 

 

“From 2018 on to now 2023, I’ve taken one or two classes a year to continue getting my degree,” Gray told MLB.com. “I’m taking a class here in May — a two-or three-week course — and then a class in July … both electives. After that, I’ll be completed and hopefully walk in December.”

 

Gray balances his routine between starts and preparation with his schoolwork through a meticulous schedule of online courses that are aimed for the student to complete at their own pace. This allows the right-hander to get his coursework completed without interfering with his focus for his next time on the mound. 

 

 

But there have been times where the schedules conflicted, like during one game in 2021 when he was in Oklahoma City with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate. Thankfully, Gray wasn’t on the mound when he had an assignment due at 10 p.m. while at the field.

 

“Mid-game, I’m like completing a paper,” Gray told MLB.com. “I was in the clubhouse and I was typing this paper. It was crazy, but I ended up completing it. … I had to get the work done.”  

 

Although Gray plans to play baseball as long as he can, getting his degree will be a momentous occasion as he intends to walk at graduation on Le Moyne College’s campus. The MLB will have another Black college graduate on the diamond. As a Nationals Youth Baseball Academy player ambassador, Gray is an inspiration to the young athletes pursuing their dreams of making it to the pros and securing an education. 

 

 

“I want to complete [my degree] because that was my original plan,” he said. “I think I’d appreciate it. My family would appreciate it.”