Most people recognize Rob Gronkowski, the former NFL star who won multiple Super Bowls, including one alongside his youngest brother, Glenn, when they achieved the biggest comeback in history against the Atlanta Falcons. Many are also familiar with his other two brothers, Dan and Chris, from their NFL careers or appearances on shows like Shark Tank, Family Feud, and Nickelodeon. However, what’s less known is that one Gronkowski brother chose a different sports path, following a unique journey of his own.
Gordie Gronkowski Jr., the oldest (and tallest) Gronk bro, played professional baseball.
After being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2006 MLB Draft out of Jacksonville University in Florida, he spent three seasons in the Minor Leagues, reaching as high as A-ball. However, a recurring lower back injury eventually led to the final three years of his career in independent professional baseball.
I recently met Gordie at the Arnold Fitness Expo in Columbus, Ohio, where he was representing his family’s company, G&G Fitness Equipment, which he co-owns with his brothers and Dad. Not only is the company one of the largest distributors of fitness equipment in the U.S., but they’ve also launched their own line of fitness gear.
Can you guess what it’s called? That’s right—Gronk Fitness Equipment. The brand offers a wide range of high-quality workout equipment, including Commercial & home fitness equipment, strength training gear, accessories, Cold Plunges, Saunas, etc.
When I mentioned indy ball, Gordie’s eyes instantly lit up. You can always tell when a player truly loves the game and loved his experience. Anyone can love the lavish lifestyle of the NFL, but it takes a whole other type of person to play in the world of independent baseball. There are host family houses instead of mansions and concession stand post game spreads instead of five-star meals.
So sit back, grab your favorite cold beverage in your Ice Shaker (as seen on Shark Tank and founded by the Gronkowski brothers!) and enjoy getting a look into the world of Gordie Gronkowski Jr., the baseball bro.
Football is in your DNA… what was it about baseball that drew you in instead of football?
As the oldest brother, and even though my dad was a four year starter at Syracuse on a full scholarship for football, I just never really had the attitude or the mental toughness at the time. Being born and raised in Buffalo, New York, if you play sports, you’re usually a three sport athlete. I had a passion for baseball, hockey and basketball. With baseball, I went to the Little League World Series twice when I was 12 and 15 years old. Even though I was a good athlete in Buffalo, that didn’t mean anything going against the beasts down in Florida.
I’m assuming as big into fitness as you all are, that home workouts were definitely prominent. Growing up, did you do the same workouts as your brothers even though you played different sports?
Growing up with four younger brothers had a big impact on me. My father taught us the importance of working out and using proper form, guiding us through high-rep, lightweight exercises. At first, I wasn’t particularly motivated to work out, but my brother Dan, who is actually two years younger than me, had a real passion for fitness and the gym. Our high school’s fitness equipment was in terrible shape at the time, so our father built a beautiful gym downstairs in our house. Dan began excelling in all my varsity sports teams, gaining strength, muscle, and weight in such a healthy, positive way. Watching him made me want to catch up to him. Yes, you read that right—I found myself trying to keep up with my younger brother, Dan. Without my younger brothers I most likely wouldn’t have made it where I did with professional sports and possibly college sports.
How did you end up in indy ball after getting released from the minors?
I was seriously considering walking away from baseball after another back injury required me to go through rehab once again. After my third year in the minor leagues, having already undergone one surgery, I was ready to give it up. But then I got a call from John Massarelli, who told me about a new independent baseball team in the Frontier League, with a brand-new stadium being built just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, in Avon. As a northern boy, I had never played close to home, near my childhood friends and family, so this opportunity felt different. I also didn’t want to leave the game of baseball knowing that an injury might be the reason I had to walk away. I worked hard to rehab and earn another chance to play. Even during spring training, I dealt with some tightness, but I kept it to myself, determined to push through and get back on the field to play at the high level I was use to performing at.
I was incredibly fortunate to stay healthy and play an entire season, and that team became the first inaugural team to ever win a championship. The support from the fans was nothing short of amazing, and the turnout at each game was truly inspiring. It was everything I had hoped for when I came back—being healthy, achieving a championship, and sharing the experience with incredible people who understood what I had gone through. But what meant even more to me than winning the championship was being recognized by the entire league for my community service. I was honored to receive the Fran Riordan Citizenship Award. What many people don’t know is that Fran is actually from Buffalo, NY as well, which felt like an incredible connection.
Why did you choose to go that route instead of just getting back to the “real world”?
I knew that baseball wasn’t a sport that paid much, especially when returning to Indy baseball, and I understood I wouldn’t be making much money. While I had other opportunities waiting for me, there was something deep inside me that I couldn’t let go of. I wasn’t satisfied with the way I had to walk away from the game due to an injury, especially after all the effort, time, and countless hours I had dedicated to the sport over the years.
What was your favorite place in indy ball and is there any specific reason(s)?
I truly cherished my time playing for the Lake Erie Crushers and Southern Illinois Miners. The fans were incredibly supportive and engaged, creating such a positive, welcoming atmosphere. I was grateful to play under my coaches, John Massarelli and Mike Pinto, who truly believed in me. The stadiums were brand new, and every day I stepped onto the field, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. But more than anything, it was my teammates who inspired me the most. I didn’t want to let them down, and their support pushed me to be the best version of myself every single day on the field.
What were some of your favorite experiences or stories from indy ball?
There’s always going to be so many stories. You can’t tell them all,
and some probably shouldn’t be told, but a lot of times when the team was back at the hotel when they all left the stadium, we played jokes with their jerseys and pranks on opposing teams etc., I always thought it was hilarious when a rookie would go up to bat and we would change their walk up song. For example “I’m a Barbie Girl”, or “Baby Shark”. It not only made it as awkward as possible for the batter but got the fans laughing and the energy up.
But by far, coming together and winning a championship in Lake Erie as an inaugural team of a bunch of misfits from all over the world was my favorite experience. I know it doesn’t mean a lot to most people, but at the time, it meant the world to me and to the city of Avon, Ohio. I also did say in my first ever Cleveland news article “We would win a championship for the city before Lebron.” Just saying.
Your former manager in Southern Illinois, Mike Pinto, talked about how much fun you were to have in the clubhouse and that you were always so “HYPED.” Former Curshers teammate, Andrew Davis, said you always had so much energy. How did you stay so hyped and dedicated to indy ball when it’s such a grinder lifestyle?
I think the grit and determination I developed growing up with my 4 younger brothers—always striving to be the best and lead by example—became a mindset that was instilled in me. Looking back on how far I’ve come, it really hits home. From being a little kid in Buffalo, NY, playing in front of just 20-30 people a game, to stepping onto the field at Jacksonville University, playing in front of hundreds sometimes thousands, and eventually playing professional baseball across the United States—that’s what I consider making it. It was the journey of a Buffalo kid who walked on to earn a full scholarship, was named freshman player of the year, won the first-ever conference freshman MVP at the conference tournament, and was eventually named team captain in my senior year—things that no one, including myself, probably thought I could achieve. No matter how many people we played in front of, I always knew there was at least one person cheering me on, and that’s all I needed. If I could inspire just one person to be better or help them reach their goals of playing, that’s what baseball truly meant to me
How did you make the decision to hang up the cleats?
After we won the championship in Lake Erie, which was now my 2nd professional championship Ring after the Ring we won for LA Angels Orem Owls in my 2nd year, I truly felt like I had accomplished everything I needed to emotionally and mentally, and I was at peace with moving on from baseball. I had given everything I could to the game, and in return, it had given so much to me. The only reason I kept playing for two more years was the chance to play professional baseball in the City of Boston with the Worcester Tornadoes in the Can-Am League, right next to my brother, Rob, who had been drafted by the New England Patriots at the time. Although it wasn’t the same experience as I had in Lake Erie, and despite leading the team in hitting, they traded me. I went on to play two more years with the Gateway Grizzlies and the Southern Illinois Miners in the Frontier League, but I could tell my body and mind weren’t where they needed to be. That’s when you know it’s time to walk away. But what I’m grateful for is that I was able to leave the game on my own terms… on top! (That’s what she said).
After baseball, you transitioned to working in the fitness world. What role do you play at Gronk Fitness now?
I’m currently a co-owner and a Commercial Account Manager based out of Boston. We design and deliver fitness equipment throughout the northeast.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping others achieve their fitness goals and inspiring them to live healthier, happier lives. That sense of joy and purpose is the same feeling I experienced when I was on the baseball field.
Has your experience in indy ball helped you with Gronk Fitness now? Have you carried over any qualities from that time in proball?
My experience in minor league baseball has helped me tremendously transition into the real world. Baseball taught me how to lead by example. I was never that guy who was going to motivate you by giving you crazy speeches. I was someone who was going to help motivate and guide a team through hard work by communicating and inspiring others to be the best. Baseball is a game of discipline and failure. When you go one for three, you’re a Hall of Famer, which is crazy to think about because in almost any other sport that much failure would get you released or cut.
The mental toughness you have to have in baseball is what has really helped me with work. Whether it was me striking out or making a bad play, you had to have the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive mindset, both of which are absolutely crucial in business as well. Major failures and challenges are all just a part of the journey, and it’s all about how you respond..
Is there anything else you want to tell the world about Gronk Fitness?
At G&G Fitness and Gronk Fitness, we’re more than just a fitness company; we’re a movement. Born from the vision of athletes who truly understand the power of fitness, our mission is to help transform lives. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, our products are designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. With Gronk Fitness, you’re not just investing in equipment—you’re joining a community that values integrity, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of fitness excellence. That’s why it carries the GRONK name.
I just want to personally thank Gordie for taking the time out of his busy schedule both at the Arnold and afterwards to talk indy ball and help me share his story with our readers.
If you are interested in any products that carry the Gronkowski name, you can check out the following links:
Indy Ball Island 