Family Is More Important Than Baseball: Coach John Ely’s Story
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A Successful Coaching Career
In the world of sports , personal decisions are often influenced by career and success . However, John Ely , the catching coach of the Birmingham Barons , has proven that family always comes first. John Ely has had an impressive career in baseball coaching. In 2024, he led the Birmingham Barons to the Southern League championship . Prior to becoming a coach, Ely was a player for the White Sox and spent many years working in the organization at various levels.
Deciding to Leave to Put Family First
Despite being at the peak of his career, Ely decided to leave his position after welcoming his first child, Brooks , on October 9, 2024. The decision was not due to any issues with the White Sox , but simply to strengthen family ties . “Everything else went away and that was the only thing that mattered,” Ely said.
The Challenging Journey of Fatherhood
Ely and his wife, Kelly , underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive Brooks. They understood that parenthood brought new challenges, especially the time away from family that could last seven to eight months. “When we got pregnant, it was a huge joy ,” Ely admitted. “I didn’t know if I could go back and leave my family behind.”
Facing Genetic Disease
Another factor in Ely’s decision was the degenerative brain disease Ataxia , which he saw his father suffer from. “I don’t want anyone else to have to deal with that,” Ely said. The decision to undergo IVF was also a way for them to take control of their children’s future , in hopes of avoiding genetic diseases.
A Bright Future
After leaving his coaching role, Ely continued his work as the catching coordinator for Johansen Baseball . He also worked with former agent Matt Colleran to recruit players, providing feedback on their development.
Family First, something everyone cares about
John Ely is not only a talented coach, but also a devoted husband and father. He has proven that in the world of sports , family still comes first. As Matt Zaleski , the White Sox ‘s catching coordinator , said, “We really appreciate John.” Ely’s decision is a testament to a value greater than any trophy in baseball: the love and bond of family .
