‘Persevering through the bad times’: Former Creighton baseball player details his journey to Kansas City Royals
OMAHA, Neb. —
Isaac Collins spent more than five years in the minor leagues before reaching the majors at age 27, a journey marked by persistence and self-belief.
“That motivation, that internal motivation of always wanting to achieve my dreams and having no regrets in whatever I do,” Collins said.
After being drafted by the Colorado Rockies out of Creighton University in 2019, Collins made his mark in his rookie season by helping the Milwaukee Brewers reach the National League Championship Series and finishing fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
“That I belong. That my game works, and it plays up here,” he said.
Now 28 years old and six months into his time with the Kansas City Royals, Collins has continued to find his place in the league.
“I love it. I feel like I fit right in with the organization, the city. I’m from Minnesota and went to school in Omaha, so I know what the Midwest is like. I just feel comfortable here,” Collins said.
For Collins, the biggest accomplishment wasn’t just making it to the majors. It was proving he belonged there.
“Baseball is hard. It’s not going to be a fun journey at times; it’s going to be difficult. But that’s the beauty of the game, that’s what it’s all about: persevering through the bad times,” Collins said.
Seven years after leaving Omaha, Collins still carries a lesson he learned from longtime Creighton head coach Ed Servais.
“Holding yourself to a high standard. That is sustainable, and that’s what is going to take you to that next level in whatever you do, whether that’s baseball, business, anything,” Collins said.
Reflecting on his journey, Collins shared his perspective on the game and life.
“Baseball is a beautiful game. It can be ruthless at times, but there’s a lot of life lessons. Just moving forward, keep moving forward,” he said.
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