Jim Fullan Embracing New Challenge as 56 Year Old Freshman

(Reading, PA) - At every home game, the R-Phils honor a veteran before each contest. On the night of June 14, Jim Fullan was the veteran honored and his story may be one of the more unique ones.

After his time in the Army, Fullan went on to work as a postmaster. But, it's what he is doing after his career that is drawing the attention of many. Fullan just completed his first season as a player on the baseball team at Montgomery County Community College. This past year, he was a college freshman, at 56-years old.

Baseball has always been a passion for Fullan. The desire to play collegiately was always there, but when he was cut from his high school baseball team, he figured that dream was over.

“I’ve always wanted to play collegiate baseball," Fullan said. "I actually got cut from our high school baseball team. When I was 16 and stopped playing I figured, that’s it.”

So, after high school Fullan went to serve in the Army. He spent some time in Germany while serving. Following his time in the military, Fullan got a job at the post office, got married and had kids. During his 20s, he did get back into baseball. Fullan played a couple more years in adult leagues, but as his kids started to grow up he stopped playing and watched as his children played baseball.

Fullan did return to the diamond briefly years later. His son joined a league while in college and Fullan played briefly with his son. But, ultimately it didn't last long.

“I just didn’t have the time to play anymore," Fullan said.

The years went on for Fullan. He continued to work, raise a family, and eventually his kids went on to have kids of their own. Eventually that itch to play came back.

“As I was nearing retirement last year, I was seeing my grandkids play and that got the juices going again," Fullan said. "So, I decided to get back into it."

He began to play again, but the leagues he was in were not enough for him. Fullan wanted to play for more. He wanted to represent a school. But, in his mid-50s, would any school take a chance on him?

During the pandemic, Fullan really began to think about returning to school and playing baseball. So, he did his homework. Fullan researched schools and even attended games at area schools to see which one may be the best fit for him. His approach to finding a school and eventually reaching out were as he described it, "shooting from the hip."

“I’m going to show up unannounced, which is not the person I am," Fullan said. "So, I went to Montco unannounced and introduced myself to the coaching staff. I started talking to some players and they thought it was a great idea [for me to join the team].”

He quickly earned support from the players and coaching staff to join the team and play. But, for Fullan, he didn't want to just play. He wanted the full college experience.

“I wanted to use eligibility and play a full schedule," Fullan said. "I also wanted to attend school full time and walk away in two years and never look back again.”

That's what he did. Fullan eventually landed on Montgomery County Community College and began attending classes in the fall of 2022. He enrolled and took two classes last fall. Taking classes for the first time in a long time was certainly an adjustment for Fullan. He described his first week of classes as "being in over my head and ready to pack it in."

But, that is not who Fullan is. He stuck with it last fall and by January Fullan felt ready to go. He was a full-time student last spring semester. He was also getting into good baseball shape and was eagerly excited for the upcoming season.

“I was very comfortable come spring time," Fullan said. "That’s when it took off and I got through the season.”

Fullan completed his first collegiate season this past spring. It was an opportunity unlike any other and an experience he thoroughly enjoyed. One of the best parts was the constant support he had from his teammates. He described it as "refreshing" hearing how supportive his teammates were.

“I think they’re proud of the fact that we all play on the same team together," Fullan said.

Fullan is planning to play his second season this upcoming spring. He said it really didn't take long for him to miss it and he's already eager to get back on the field with his teammates. Fullan is already counting down the days until fall practices begin.

As much of a great experience it has been for Fullan. There was certainly adversity, but it was a challenge he was certainly up for.

“It was uncomfortable and different," Fullan said. "I dealt with so much adversity over 36 years working, so there was no quit from me. I wasn’t going to let anything get in my way. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I knew I’ll adapt, and I did. I actually enjoy it now.”

Now, Fullan is playing in an over-50 league in the Lehigh Valley. He's also taking classes and spending time with his grandkids. Of course, one of the highlights of Fullan's summer is when the R-Phils honored him, as he represented Montgomery County at FirstEnergy Stadium.

“I want to thank the Reading Fightin Phils and the organization for the opportunity," Fullan said. "It was surreal and an honor to be recognized. To stand out there and represent the school is honorable and I’m appreciative and want to say thank you for it.”

The Reading Fightin Phils are home from Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16. Tickets to all games are still available and can be purchases at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2023 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.