Joe Walsh, a senior television major, has always dreamed of working behind the scenes in the television and movie industry.  

A Nashville, Tennessee, native, Walsh was in a broadcast journalism program during high school when he discovered his passion for video editing. Walsh helped produce a series of videos his senior year for a county broadcast journalism contest with other local high schools and won first place.

After coming to Columbia, Walsh joined the Renegades baseball team to pick up a sport he played in his youth. He was a starting pitcher and first baseman last fall, but might take the role as a relief pitcher and first baseman this spring. Walsh has enjoyed being a part of the team and said his teammates have become some of his best friends. 

The Chronicle spoke with Walsh about his experiences at Columbia, his favorite memories of being on the Renegades team and his post graduation plans.

 THE CHRONICLE: What prompted you to join the baseball team?

JOE WALSH: I wanted to play baseball in college. I think everybody who grows up playing wants to play baseball in college. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen for me. I don’t have the talent, the size, the speed or any of that kind of stuff. When I learned [Columbia] has a baseball team, I had to join.

What are your favorite parts about playing baseball?

[I love] those intricate details. There are a thousand things going on in that one pitch that the casual fan does not recognize. I really love that it’s a game within a game within a game, times a thousand. 

Do you have a favorite memory with the baseball team last season?

[The Renegades] had not won a game in five years. I started the game and my buddy Scott Wilson came in  the fourth inning and we pitched for the first win in five years. That was amazing to be a part of the team and winning a game. 

Did you get everything you wanted out of your time at Columbia?

I have met some awesome people, some of my best friends. I’ve gotten to learn about all kinds of different people and different cultures, and I think that is really cool coming from where I’m from. My dad was in the military, so I kind of grew up in that same kind of transient lifestyle where your best friends are moving all over the place. That was a great experience for me coming here. I got to play baseball in college, which was pretty cool, and I probably wouldn’t get the chance to do that anywhere else. 

How would you describe yourself?

Observant. I am always trying to learn. I think that comes from growing up and playing baseball. It’s a sport that takes a lot of homework and you have to really observe and learn and try to put things in practice. It’s a game of intricate details. I’d also say confident and goofy.

What are your plans post graduation?

I do plan on staying in Chicago. I would like to go home obviously—family and warmer weather, but I just got a job, and I really think this job is going to be pretty awesome. I should be able to make some money to be able to support myself to live here. 

Who inspired you growing up?

Definitely my parents. My dad was really influential growing up. When I was born, he was in Desert Storm. He retired from the military after 22 years in 2006. I was a freshman in high school and he came at the perfect time in my life. I looked up to him so much and he has been the rock of my family. When my dad was deployed, my mom was at home raising three kids while going to nursing school, so I really looked up to her, too.