Son with a gun: Chiles quarterback Garrett Greene using inside knowledge in competition
By Brian Miller, Tennessee Democrat
Chiles senior Garrett Greene never got to see his father play Major League Baseball.
Charlie Greene’s big-league career came to an end in 2000 just before his son was born, but Charlie’s five-year MLB career, while light on hitting, was demonstrably strong as a defensive catcher.
When his playing days were over after 2003 – which included a three minor league seasons after being sent down to AAA – Charlie began his coaching career. And that became the way Garrett Greene came to understand his father’s talents and knowledge of the game.
Charlie is currently the Milwaukee Brewers’ field coordinator and catching instructor. He comes home for a couple weeks and leaves again.
Greene, however, is firmly planted in Tallahassee for the time being. Chiles’ starting quarterback has propelled himself into a national discussion with his commitment to West Virginia and play this summer at two different prestigious recruiting events.
Maintaining a close relationship with his father, Greene is the son with a gun who has learned about producing at the highest level from the lessons of his childhood.
“I grew up in a clubhouse, that’s where I get my competitiveness,” Greene told the Democrat. “I knew what it took to play at the highest level and what it took to win. I see first-hand what it takes to be great. It takes showing up every day with the same mindset, that you’re there to work, it’s your job. It’s not so much fun and games. It’s your livelihood and people depend on you. If you slack off, you’re letting a ton of people down.
“It made me into who I am today. What I learned as a young kid in the locker room is truly special. Not everyone gets that.”
Naturally, baseball became Greene’s sport. Through this past spring’s junior season, Greene has certainly excelled as a catcher for Chiles, earning All-Big Bend honors while playing nearly flawlessly behind the plate. Virtually no one can steal a base because of his arm.
Greene wasn’t allowed to play football until he was in seventh grade. When he did, he was a running back.
Though he watched football with his dad, it wasn’t until ninth grade that Greene began playing quarterback. He began getting tutelage in that arena from David Morris at QB Country in Mobile, Alabama.
“I always had a great arm, but this position is so much more than throwing balls to receivers,” Greene said. “It’s really a way of life. You’re not just a quarterback on the field, you’re a quarterback in all aspects of life.”