A coach's legacy, from Lynn University to the majors

Lynn University Head Baseball Coach Rudy Garbalosa has had the honor of helping numerous Fighting Knights graduate from Lynn's baseball field to professional positions on and off the field with Major League Baseball (MLB).

It's an honor he's earned. Garbalosa's former players will tell you "Garb" has always been more than a coach.

"He's incredibly kind, humble and has the utmost respect for everyone," said Donovan O'Dowd '05, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast area scout for the Baltimore Orioles. "I consider him one of my best friends. He's helped graduate so many students who nearly didn't. He fiercely believes in his players and instills that confidence in each of them."

Garbalosa began his career with Lynn baseball in 1998 as an assistant to former Head Coach Gregg Kilby. During the 2000 season, Garbalosa was promoted to interim coach and, in 2001, took on the mantle he's proudly held for over two decades as head coach of Lynn's baseball team.

While Garbalosa witnessed numerous changes on campus over the years, one variable has remained the same in his mind since day one: Lynn has always been about the people.

"I think that's why Lynn was meant for me. I'm all about people and relationships," said Garbalosa. "We haven't always had the same caliber of amenities as other campuses, but we make up for it with our personal connection—the human touch. I truly believe that's why more quality players come to Lynn and stay with us, even after graduation."

Fostering relationships is vital to Garbalosa's strategy and who he is at heart. Years ago, he and his team began an annual alumni tradition in which former players return to play ball with current players. Since its inception, the reunion has nurtured frequent gatherings, including socials on Friday nights at The Duck Tavern in Boca Raton. The alumni game typically takes place on the second Saturday in January, consisting of six to nine innings of play and batting practice.

"It was really important to me to connect our current program with those who were at Lynn before," said Garbalosa.

Several alumni who attended the annual game also invested time in improving the baseball facility over the years. They've planted trees in the outfield, built dugouts, and redone the outfield fence and backstop, among other things.

"Our alumni players continue paying it forward by visiting current players at practices and even stopping by to work out with them in preparation for spring training," said Garbalosa. "Whether they are locals or out of state, it speaks to the bond they've created with the university."

Just last year, Lynn baseball alumni held various positions on MLB teams, ranging from pitchers to hitting coaches and umpires.

Among Garbalosa's former players who currently work within MLB are O'Dowd; Greg Brown '03, special assistant to the president and general manager and hitting coordinator for the Chicago Cubs; Tommy Kahnle '11, pitcher for the New York Yankees; Jesse Kapellusch '01, national scouting supervisor for the Seattle Mariners; and Andrew Fabian '11, southeast area scout for the Cincinnati Reds, among others.

According to Garbalosa, alumni play a major role in helping Lynn baseball players think about their post-graduation goals and preparing them for potential recruitment to the big leagues.

"We bring in experienced alumni who can tell the players what it's like firsthand," said Garbalosa. "We can repeat the same thing to our players every day, but when they hear it from someone who has walked the walk, it hits home and makes a stronger impression," said Garbalosa.

O'Dowd, who spent ten years coaching at Lynn with Garbalosa after graduating as a catcher in 2005, visited the team over the summer to share his experience as a scout for the Baltimore Orioles, where he's worked for the past seven years. To this day, O'Dowd echoes Garbalosa's point that Lynn baseball has always been about the people.

"Baseball is a grind—you have about 60 games in the spring, early fall mornings in the weight room and late nights on the field—but Rudy created an environment where you truly enjoyed going to practice every day. It gave us a safe space to grow together as players and men," said O'Dowd. "The coaches were like big brothers and father figures … it's what made me want to coach in the first place, which ultimately led me to become a scout."

Among O'Dowd's favorite memories coaching the Fighting Knights with Garbalosa occurred when the team won the national championship in 2009—a highlight for Tommy Kahnle, who also played on the team that year.

"Winning that championship was one of the top three highlights of my life. All the guys I played with were incredible. None of us will ever forget it," said Kahnle.

Kahnle recalls his "rough" first year at Lynn, admitting he let his grades slip, which made him ineligible to play. Naturally, Garbalosa found a way to turn that into a lesson.

"He never took it easy on me, but he was always there for me. He kept me in check, which I really appreciated," said Kahnle. "That first year, he put me in charge of the team's laundry and had me work at the snack stand. It taught me discipline. He helped me tremendously when it came to reaching the next level. I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't have him in my life."

Not only did Kahnle's grades improve each semester, but his velocity as a pitcher increased in practice. He reunited with the team during his sophomore season and celebrated the championship win.

Kahnle visited Lynn during alumni weekend a year after graduation and hopes to attend a Lynn baseball game in 2024. Brown also visited the team last year and highlighted the discipline and consistency required to become a successful baseball player.

"To this day, when I need advice, I call Garb. I can never repay him for his mentorship and am honored to still call him 'Coach'," said Brown. "He impacted me as a player, scout, rival coach in the SSC, and as an MLB coach. His experience as a National Champion in 2009 was something I heavily leaned on when my team at Nova Southeastern University embarked on a National Championship win in 2016. The impact Garb has had on Lynn, and all those fortunate to play for him, cannot be measured. He is the reason we all keep coming back to pay it forward for the next generation of Fighting Knights!"

When it comes to expanding Lynn's recruiting network, Garbalosa credits his alumni who work in MLB, calling them the program's "best salesmen."

"The reputation these guys have built for us is invaluable. It has helped other people realize the legitimacy of our baseball program," said Garbalosa. "People in the industry recognize that we have a great track record when it comes to working in pro baseball, whether on the field or in the back-office in recruitment positions. They see that Lynn is a great university to consider when it's time to recruit and hire."

As for the future of Lynn baseball, Garbalosa hopes to see a continuation of camaraderie and participation at the annual alumni event, as well as expanded support for the team and its players.

His players—both past and present—are grateful to have Garb in the dugout.

Baseball season is back! Check out Lynn's 2024 schedule and stop by to cheer for Garb and the team.