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Brandon Puffer had it all. He had a family, he had a World Series ring, and even though he was back in the minor leagues he was being groomed to become a coach.
One night, though, he threw it all away. After having given up alcohol completely for years, he started dabbling again. So when some of the younger players finally convinced him to spend a night out on the town, he went all in.
What happened that night is easily the most stupid decision of his life, and it led to over three years in prison, a broken marriage, and a lot of life lessons.
Today, though, Brandon is a different man. He now coaches kids, both in baseball and life. He’s written a book about his experience (buy it here) and he’s talking to us about his career, his decision that fateful night, and the climb back to redemption.
In Episode 12 of “That Was Stupid,” Brandon joins to talk about:
Winning a World Series
His past experience with alcohol and addiction, including being sober for five years before drinking again
The night his life changed forever
His experience in prison
His book, “From the Bullpen to the State Pen”
How his children dealt with his absence
How he found redemption
And more!
If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available to paid supporters here or by clicking the image at the bottom. Let me know what you think! And if you have any guest suggestions, throw them in the comments.
By the way, have you noticed how the quality of the podcast has increased this season? Both the audio, video, and clips are great, right? That’s because I got more serious and teamed up with an old friend over at The Podcast Upload. If you’re at all interested in creating your own podcast, these guys have made it super easy and have even created a resource for That Was Stupid listeners. And it’s completely free! If you’d like to check it out, just click the button below.
Brandon’s bio:
Brandon Puffer is an American former professional baseball player. A relief pitcher, Puffer played in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants.
In 2007, Brandon signed with the Texas Rangers, playing for their Double A affiliate, the Frisco RoughRiders. After a playoff game, Brandon joined his teammates for a celebratory night out which led to a night of drinking and poor choices. As a result, he was arrested for the intent of a crime and sentenced to 5 years in prison.
After three and a half years, he was eligible for parole and was free to start his new life.
Today, Brandon Puffer is the co-founder of GPS Legends where he serves as a coach and mentor to 17-year-old players. GPS Legends began around 2018 and is driven with the mission to create a competitive baseball environment by instilling character, developing leaders and building confidence one player at a time.
Through the sport of baseball, GPS Legends seeks to build self-confidence, self-esteem, humility and respect for the community through the foundation of faith.
Brandon Puffer has lived a life of fame, adventure, pursuit, passion, faith, humility, perseverance and redemption. It’s his story of redemption that he shares with the hope of helping others navigate through the challenges of life and how to fill that “God-shaped hole” that has us seeking true fulfillment and satisfaction.
Brandon is the author of his book, “From the Bullpen to the State Pen,” which sold over 400 copies in one month. You can find Brandon at www.BrandonPuffer.com and on Twitter and Instagram where he shares encouraging quotes and messages.
Video version
Click on the image/button below to watch the video version that’s available exclusively to paying supporters.
The one where the World Series winner becomes a prisoner (Episode 12)