Life Lessons:
Claudio Reilsono
*Are you happy at the moment?
Yes I am. I have a wonderful wife (Lynda) that I have been married to for 15 1⁄2 years. Known her for 27. I have a fantastic soon to be 13 year old daughter (Ida) who I could not have scripted a better little girl. I am doing what I’ve always dreamt of doing (working in professional baseball & Head Baseball Coach at Carnegie Mellon University as well as several entrepreneurial ventures). I have good friends and most of all, we are healthy.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
A lot of people say they would “smell the roses” more. Well, I really did! I soaked up those times in high school and as a 16 year old. I liked what I did and how I behaved as a 16 year old..so I guess I would say to my 16 year old Claudio, “Good Job!”
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
That whatever you be it work or planing an event, expect problems. This is not being a pessimist at all. Its being ready and prepared to deal with anything and everything that comes your way. Vary rarely do things go exactly as planned. So you have to be ready to fix things when they don’t. I think its being more like an optimist when you look at things that way.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
Continue to improve as a person. That includes as a Husband, Father, Friend, Coach, Businessman. To impact more people. And to continue to strive to be a good provider for my family.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
I soak moments & life in. I try to “Bloom where I am planted.” I truly am grateful for the people I have had and have in my life. I am grateful for what I do . . . I am just grateful.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Without question, knowing that things could happen/end at any time. And, knowing that things could happen/begin at anytime.
*What’s your biggest regret?
I regret that my wonderful and beautiful mom passed 26 years ago at the age of 48. I would have loved to have seen her reaction to all that I am doing, her reaction to being with my wife, and most of all, her holding my little girl whom we named after her Ida. I regret that my dad, Olindo, didn’t get to spend more time with our daughter. He passed 10 years ago at the age of 75. I also regret giving some bad people . . . especially relatives more chances to be negative and cruel to me. I should have cut the rope a lot sooner than I did.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
A goal without a plan is just a wish. To work hard. Never, ever give up. Love those who deserve your love. Appreciate. Sometimes you have to be tough in life. Have a burning desire to achieve. Soak life in.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I tend to blow things out of proportion sometimes. Magic Johnson once said “ Feelings are usually worse than reality” I would also like to be more patient. And slow down a bit.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
That I was a good son. I am a good friend. And that I reached my parents and my dreams to work in professional baseball. Winning a Collegiate Championship as a Head Coach on my Dad’s birthday and the 2 year anniversary of my Mom’s passing, October 8, 1990.
*When were you happiest?
Besides now, I would say my Senior year in High School . . . 1981/1982. Of course my parents were still here, I enjoyed my high school experiences. Plus I had no bills!! I also enjoyed my younger years. Sports were a huge reason for that..the teams I rooted for. Plus I knew a lot of the coaches and players so I had a personal attachment to those teams. It was magical to say the least.
*What ten words best describe you?
1. Persistent
2. Ambitious
3. Passionate
4. Caring
5. Holds Grudges
6. Faithful
7. Loyal
8. Considerate
9. Respectful
10. Sentimental
Claudio is in his 31st year in baseball and 9th year as the Head Baseball Coach at Carnegie Mellon University and is the All-Time leader in baseball coaching wins at CMU. He is the General Manager/Lead Scout for the Global Scouting Bureau. Claudio has been a Professional Baseball Scout for 14 years and has signed 60 players to professional contracts all over the world. In 1990 at the age of 25, was the Head Coach at Penn State Beaver and led them to a college championship. He also was co host of a TV Boxing show as well as a boxing color analyst and currently co host of Steel City Sports World tv show. He owns “Claudio Reilsono Enterprises” which includes baseball instructional camps, baseball coaching, guest columnist, landscaping business, Motivational speaking and Celebrity event placement and the apparel industry. In 2011 he was given the “Willie Stargell Lifetime achievement award” and was inducted into the CMU baseball Hall of Fame. In 2014 Claudio was inducted to Pittsburgh’s “Steel City Sports Hall of Fame.” His story was included in Vince Papale’s book, “You can be Invincible.” He is married to Lynda (16 years) and they have 1 daughter, Ida (13). Claudio is the son of the late Olindo and Ida Reilsono
