By Terra Avilla
I owe Mitch Lively the biggest hug in America. Not because he is a wonderful person. Not because he is a kindhearted person or funny or extremely generous. But because he is one of Frank’s all time favorite people and my husband is a happier human being when his bestie is around.
Now, I could write a long-winded essay on the bromance that is Frankie and Mitch, but instead, I will spare you and tell you about why everyone that knows Mr. Lively loves this guy (me included).
I remember meeting Mitch, oddly enough, in Reno at the mall. Frankie and I were walking around the food court when two of the tallest, most attractive looking people walked in holding hands. Frankie yelled “Hey, it’s Mitch!” and introduced me to him and his wonderful wife Kirby. (At the time they had just gotten engaged, and she was his fiancé!).
I remember how kind he was, and he just seemed like a great person. More than ten years later my instincts are right. If you are not familiar with Mitch, he came back after living overseas on and off for several years playing professional baseball. Mitch is a home grown Lassen County Boy, and is very proud to hail from our little town.
No matter how famous he gets, Mitch is always so down to earth and humble. So incredibly humble.
Mitch played professionally for several years but every chance he could, made a point to come back home. His wife and his son are his biggest fans, and speaking to Mitch, it’s evident that nothing is more important to him.
Even when Mitch was away, he still made sure to give back to his hometown. One year for a raffle, he donated a mitt, and let me tell you, people go crazy for a Mitch Lively mitt.
Upon his return from overseas, Mitch has been very busy. Aside from spending time with his family, he opened Lively Performance, where Mitch helps all kinds of athletes be the best version of themselves.
As a parent of a young athlete, I cannot point to a better role model than Mitch.
Additionally, Mitch helps out with Little League, and has undertaken the role of Pitching Coach for the baseball team. (Ahh yes, Frankie’s dream of working with him has come to fruition!)
Mitch has such a positive impact on any athlete! He has a true love of sports and the right temperament to coach. Plus, he is just a big softie for the Avilla girls, which means that he is Pearl and Peach approved. (The fact he never tells them no and gives them snacks doesn’t hurt anything either).
Mitch and his family are an integral part of our sports community, but really of our community overall.
Mitch is so much more than just “baseball” as he settles back into his hometown, I am so excited to see what is next for him because he is one of the reasons I love where we live.
