Astros MiLB Alumni: OF Justin Gominsky

[This is the second in an ongoing series in which we will check in on former Astros farmhands in order to hear about their lives after minor league baseball.]

Justin Gominsky, an outfielder drafted in the 11th round in 2011 out of the University of Minnesota, hasn't exactly been idle since asking for his release from the Astros earlier this season. Gominsky is a spokesperson for a health company, part owner and coach of the Minnesota Icemen, a club baseball team, and in his spare time, he plans to finish his degree. (There's a reason his nickname is GoGo!) But it is his recent involvement in a new charity called Assist2Play that has him really excited. Assist2Play raises money to help families in need so their children can participate in sports when their financial situation might not otherwise allow their participation. The children are asked to volunteer for a charity of their choice in exchange for the gift. Justin expressed how awful it must feel for a parent to say no to their talented athlete due to money troubles. If a child makes an elite team of any sport, Assist2Play will help fund his/her participation. Of his endeavors, Gominsky said, "I'm really excited to be able to give back the information and experience I have learned over the years of playing baseball, as well as to develop kids into the best student, person and athlete they can be."

Justin Gominsky - April 2012

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Justin's time with the Astros is a time he will never forget. "My most memorable moment as an Astro had to come my rookie ball year playing with the Tri-City ValleyCats. We had a good squad. I made and started in the All-Star Game that season. Playing in the All-Star game, as well as meeting all my teammates (some who are now in the big leagues) was one of my best baseball moments I have ever had." He is excited to now be able to help other players have those opportunities, and hopes to develop a template for success that will last them a lifetime.

Gominsky knows that a professional baseball career is an experience that only a select few are able to accomplish, and he truly appreciates the relationships that he established in his time in the minor leagues. He keeps in touch with many of the teammates he's had over the years and feels a brother-like bond with them. Justin said, "When you’re with a group of guys for six months every day you become family. I always loved being able to interact and talk to the fans as well. When I was a kid I always wanted to be able to talk to a 'real' baseball player, so when I was in the position of being a 'real' baseball player, I wanted to give back to the fans and community. I feel blessed that I was given a chance to play this great sport for as long as I did and the relationships I have made will definitely impact my life forever."

While Gominsky now is focused on the new relationships formed with the Minnesota Icemen and Assist2Play.org, he remains interested in maintaining the relationships he made with the Astros. "I would like to say to my friends and fans that I am so thankful for all of your support. I feel the Astros organization and players are so blessed to be able to have the fans that we do. I genuinely believe we have the best fans in baseball. One of the hardest decisions I have ever made was to walk away from baseball this year and start a new endeavor. As most of my fans and family know, I played the game with all my heart and I was always happy to be on the field. I personally want to thank all my fans and friends out there who have come into my life. Y'ALL ARE THE BEST. Please stay in touch with me because I care about each and every one of you. Thanks for the memories and keep helping guys like myself endure the rigors of professional baseball."

If you would like to know more about Justin’s baseball program or if you would like to contribute to Assist2Play, the links for those websites are:

www.minnesotaicemen.com

www.assist2play.org

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

Thanks for checking in with us, Justin. It's wonderful to see you giving back in order to help others' dreams come true. And I would be remiss if I didn't wish you a Happy Birthday, although I am a day late. Hope it was a great one!