Logan Watkins’ Journey: From Homeruns to Homework
Logan Watkins, a former Major League Baseball player for the Chicago Cubs, has successfully transitioned from professional sports to academia, completing his Finance degree at Northeastern University in 2024. His story serves as an inspiration for other athletes considering furthering their education while balancing their careers.
Watkins, who was drafted in 2008 as an infielder and played professionally for 12 years, began his academic journey at Northeastern around 2018, a decade after leaving formal education.
“With the support of advisors and professors I was able to create and manage a routine and realized those same skills I needed to succeed in baseball would help me succeed in my studies.”
The decision to pursue a degree was partly motivated by the college fund included in his draft contract, which had an expiration date. Since 2017, Northeastern has had a unique partnership with the MLB to provide access to education for professional baseball players during and after their athletic careers. Watkins, uncertain about his post-playing career, saw education as a way to prepare for the future.
“I appreciated how the program challenged me to apply myself in areas outside of sports, pushing me out of my comfort zone,” he said. Watkins further noted that he found unexpected parallels between academic group projects and teamwork in baseball.
One of the most valuable lessons Watkins learned was the importance of overcoming self-doubt and fear of being overwhelmed. He encourages other athletes in similar situations to take advantage of educational opportunities, emphasizing that the coursework, while challenging, is manageable with dedication.
While Watkins is currently pursuing coaching opportunities in baseball, his finance degree has opened up new possibilities for his future.
While Watkins is currently pursuing coaching opportunities in baseball, his finance degree has opened up new possibilities for his future.
Watkins is considering the option of a master’s degree but is in no rush to make that decision.
Watkins’ journey from professional baseball to completing his degree at Northeastern University demonstrates that it’s never too late to invest in one’s education. His experience highlights the value of perseverance, the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and the transferable skills that athletes can bring to academic pursuits.
