Jim Fullan Embracing New Challenge as 56 Year Old Freshman
(Reading, PA) - At every home game, the R-Phils honor a veteran before each contest. On the night of June 14, Jim Fullan was the veteran honored and his story may be one of the more unique ones. After his time in the Army, Fullan went on to work as
(Reading, PA) - At every home game, the R-Phils honor a veteran before each contest. On the night of June 14, Jim Fullan was the veteran honored and his story may be one of the more unique ones.
After his time in the Army, Fullan went on to work as a postmaster. But, it's what he is doing after his career that is drawing the attention of many. Fullan just completed his first season as a player on the baseball team at Montgomery County Community College. This past year, he was a college freshman, at 56-years old.
Baseball has always been a passion for Fullan. The desire to play collegiately was always there, but when he was cut from his high school baseball team, he figured that dream was over.
“I’ve always wanted to play collegiate baseball," Fullan said. "I actually got cut from our high school baseball team. When I was 16 and stopped playing I figured, that’s it.”
So, after high school Fullan went to serve in the Army. He spent some time in Germany while serving. Following his time in the military, Fullan got a job at the post office, got married and had kids. During his 20s, he did get back into baseball. Fullan played a couple more years in adult leagues, but as his kids started to grow up he stopped playing and watched as his children played baseball.
Fullan did return to the diamond briefly years later. His son joined a league while in college and Fullan played briefly with his son. But, ultimately it didn't last long.
“I just didn’t have the time to play anymore," Fullan said.
The years went on for Fullan. He continued to work, raise a family, and eventually his kids went on to have kids of their own. Eventually that itch to play came back.
“As I was nearing retirement last year, I was seeing my grandkids play and that got the juices going again," Fullan said. "So, I decided to get back into it."
He began to play again, but the leagues he was in were not enough for him. Fullan wanted to play for more. He wanted to represent a school. But, in his mid-50s, would any school take a chance on him?
During the pandemic, Fullan really began to think about returning to school and playing baseball. So, he did his homework. Fullan researched schools and even attended games at area schools to see which one may be the best fit for him. His approach to finding a school and eventually reaching out were as he described it, "shooting from the hip."
“I’m going to show up unannounced, which is not the person I am," Fullan said. "So, I went to Montco unannounced and introduced myself to the coaching staff. I started talking to some players and they thought it was a great idea [for me to join the team].”
He quickly earned support from the players and coaching staff to join the team and play. But, for Fullan, he didn't want to just play. He wanted the full college experience.
“I wanted to use eligibility and play a full schedule," Fullan said. "I also wanted to attend school full time and walk away in two years and never look back again.”
That's what he did. Fullan eventually landed on Montgomery County Community College and began attending classes in the fall of 2022. He enrolled and took two classes last fall. Taking classes for the first time in a long time was certainly an adjustment for Fullan. He described his first week of classes as "being in over my head and ready to pack it in."
But, that is not who Fullan is. He stuck with it last fall and by January Fullan felt ready to go. He was a full-time student last spring semester. He was also getting into good baseball shape and was eagerly excited for the upcoming season.
“I was very comfortable come spring time," Fullan said. "That’s when it took off and I got through the season.”
Fullan completed his first collegiate season this past spring. It was an opportunity unlike any other and an experience he thoroughly enjoyed. One of the best parts was the constant support he had from his teammates. He described it as "refreshing" hearing how supportive his teammates were.
“I think they’re proud of the fact that we all play on the same team together," Fullan said.
Fullan is planning to play his second season this upcoming spring. He said it really didn't take long for him to miss it and he's already eager to get back on the field with his teammates. Fullan is already counting down the days until fall practices begin.
As much of a great experience it has been for Fullan. There was certainly adversity, but it was a challenge he was certainly up for.
“It was uncomfortable and different," Fullan said. "I dealt with so much adversity over 36 years working, so there was no quit from me. I wasn’t going to let anything get in my way. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I knew I’ll adapt, and I did. I actually enjoy it now.”
Now, Fullan is playing in an over-50 league in the Lehigh Valley. He's also taking classes and spending time with his grandkids. Of course, one of the highlights of Fullan's summer is when the R-Phils honored him, as he represented Montgomery County at FirstEnergy Stadium.
“I want to thank the Reading Fightin Phils and the organization for the opportunity," Fullan said. "It was surreal and an honor to be recognized. To stand out there and represent the school is honorable and I’m appreciative and want to say thank you for it.”
The Reading Fightin Phils are home from Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16. Tickets to all games are still available and can be purchases at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.
The 2023 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Everything you need to know for Triple-A Opening Day
First, there was big league Opening Day. Now it's Triple-A's turn to take the spotlight. The Minor League season opens Friday when the Triple-A International League and Pacific Coast League seasons get underway for the first of MiLB’s two Opening Days. And right out of the gates, several of baseball's
Top prospects to watch at Triple-A -- one for each organization
It’s Triple-A’s turn up to bat on Friday. The regular season begins for the Minor Leagues’ highest level one day after the action starts on the Major League side. Fun fact: it’ll be the earliest start to a Minor League season since 1951 (March 27). Double-A, High-A and Single-A will
Here's where every Top 100 prospect is expected to start the season
The 2025 Opening Day prospect roster announcements began last week when the Cubs informed Matt Shaw (MLB No. 19) he was making the trip overseas to compete in the Tokyo Series. Roki Sasaki (No. 1) also received the good news, but his assignment was much less of a surprise. Now
Nationals prospect King joins MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Here are the 2025 All-Spring Breakout Teams
Fifteen games, several jersey swaps and countless highlights later, the second edition of Spring Breakout has officially concluded – and it lived up to its billing. Of the 16 contests sprinkled across four days, only one game (Dodgers vs. Cubs) was rained out. Coincidentally, the Cubs were one of two
Rox young sluggers aim to bring pop back to Coors Field
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coors Field may provide the best run-scoring environment in Major League Baseball, but the Rockies haven’t taken advantage of it in recent years. Even without adjusting for Coors, they have fielded offenses worse than the league average the past three seasons, and they scored the fewest runs
Astros brass sees potential in consistently 'underranked' farm system
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The last time the Astros landed in the top 10 of MLB Pipeline’s farm system rankings was before the 2019 season. Since those rankings expanded to all 30 teams ahead of the 2020 season -- 11 lists in total -- they’ve never ranked higher than
Complete results and highlights from Spring Breakout
The second edition of MLB Spring Breakout is complete, and there was no shortage of highlights from the future stars of Major League Baseball over the four-day showcase. Here's a complete breakdown of the 16-game exhibition:
Southpaw Spring Breakout: White Sox future on display with Schultz, Smith
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all goes as planned for the White Sox, left-handers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz won’t spend much time following each other to the mound in a single game. Schultz, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline, and Smith, who is
In first pro game, Rainer offers pop, promise to Tigers fans
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Bryce Rainer’s pro career consisted of workouts and batting practice until Sunday.
'Me and Brady on the dirt again': House, King reunite at Spring Breakout
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The 2025 Spring Breakout was a flashback for Brady House and Seaver King. Over 10 years ago, the infielders were travel ball teammates in Georgia who shared the dream of making it to the Major Leagues. Now, they are top prospects in the same organization,
Lambert -- 'an adrenaline guy' -- hoping to be next Mets bullpen gem
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ryan Lambert loves throwing hard. He relishes the idea of getting to two strikes and blowing hitters away. “Get me in a game,” Lambert said, “cool things will happen.”
Stewart embraces Spring Breakout: 'What's not to love?'
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect. On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between
Prospect Peña quietly drawing raves in Brewers' farm system
PHOENIX – Jesús Made was at the top of the Brewers’ lineup for Sunday’s 9-7 loss to the Reds in the finale of MLB’s four-day Spring Breakout, a fitting perch when you consider that the 17-year-old infielder is under a bright spotlight as MLB Pipeline’s No. 55 prospect. Made could
Brecht -- in 1st outing since '24 Draft -- wows at Spring Breakout
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht. A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the
Braves prospects show promise in Spring Breakout
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- As Terry Pendleton prepared to serve as the manager of the Braves prospect team that played the Tigers prospect team in a Spring Breakout game on Sunday afternoon, he said fans should be patient with John Gil and Luis Guanipa, a pair of teenagers who have
Yanks' Lagrange flashes triple-digit heat in Spring Breakout
SARASOTA, Fla. -- There was an audible “Ooh” from the crowd at Ed Smith Stadium, and Carlos Lagrange quickly glanced beyond the right-field wall, checking the velocity of the pitch he’d just thrown in Saturday’s 5-4 Spring Breakout loss to the Orioles. It had registered in the triple digits, and
Bradfield dedicates Spring Breakout performance to late friend
SARASOTA, Fla. -- It was about more than playing in the national spotlight. More than the dinner bet placed with an old college teammate earlier in the month. More than a game. As Enrique Bradfield Jr. slid home to score a run during the first inning of Saturday night’s Spring