Alumnus Billy Horn teaches practical lessons on and off the field

When alumnus Billy Horn '01 arrived at Lynn University, he didn't know how much it would change his life. As a baseball player and sports management major, his experience both on and off the field during his time at Lynn evolved into a long and prosperous career in the sport that he loves. Today, he is a coach and manager with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

A foundation built at Lynn

Horn's time on campus was pivotal in shaping his future. "I just wanted to go to school, play baseball and enjoy the warm weather," said Horn. "Little did I know how much the university would actually change my trajectory. Lynn started my life." Horn's academic and athletic experiences at the university gave him the knowledge to lay the groundwork for his career.

Lynn's Head Baseball Coach, Rudy Garbalosa, played a crucial role in Horn's development and success. "Rudy has been one of the most influential people in my life," said Horn. "He has guided me to be a better coach and mentor. One of my favorite things about coaching is being able to shape kids' lives, which is what Rudy did for me." Garbalosa's mentorship was instrumental in developing Horn's approach to coaching and management, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and leadership.

A long career in baseball

Following graduation from Lynn, Horn began his career with T-Mobile in a business-to-business role. However, his passion for baseball never waned. On weekends, he played in a men's league, and his skills as a pitcher began to stand out. This led to an opportunity to pitch professionally in Italy during 2003 and 2004, a significant milestone that broadened his horizons and refined his skillset.

Horn's career trajectory continued to evolve as he ventured into baseball coaching and management. Today, he is part of the Cleburne Railroaders, an American Association of Professional Baseball team based south of Dallas, Texas. In this role, Horn applies the lessons learned from his experiences and education at Lynn, focusing on the importance of relationships and communication. "No matter what business you're in, at the end of the day, you're always in the relationship and communication business," said Horn. "Take care of your players, on and off the field."

Advice for aspiring professionals

Horn's advice to current students and aspiring baseball professionals is both simple and profound: "Play as long as you possibly can. Give it everything you've got. Compete. You're going to meet so many people. Your life is going to change in some way," he said. In addition to his professional work, Horn stays connected with the baseball community through initiatives like "Meet a Prospect," a Facebook group he created to help players connect with opportunities. Horn is happy to support others in their baseball careers, just as he was supported during his own journey.

A foundation built at Lynn can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. Learn more about our B.S. or an MBA degree in sports management.