Rookie Woody Baron has written a book for kids
Athlete-turned-co-author imparts value of self-confidence with #JustaGobbler
The career of a pro athlete, in most cases, comes and goes in what must seem like the blink of an eye. But a name and legacy can last forever.
Woody Baron, a rookie defensive tackle with the Alouettes, remembers the joy and adulation he felt this summer when he saw his name on the hardcover of #JustaGobbler, a 38-page children’s book he co-authored with his uncle, James Baron, and Henry Taylor. Published by Virginia-based Mascot Books, it brought to fruition a two-year project.
Baron, who majored in Spanish at Virginia Tech, always enjoyed writing. He called the book’s publication a dream come true.
“It’s forever.” Baron said. “It’s a published book. I’m a published author. I’m so excited and happy about it.”
Baron was first approached about the project in his senior season with the Hokies. Initially, he was to work on the editing process, but found he became more involved in the writing. At age 25, Baron’s the youngest of the authors. Arguably, he could relate better to the target audience.
While the book is intended for third- and fourth-graders, it’s a story of willpower, perseverance and self-confidence — things everyone can relate to. The central figure, the Virginia Tech Hokie, the school’s turkey-like mascot, is preparing for a talent show, but loses confidence as he learns what others will contribute. He begins to focus on his input and the value he brings.
It’s something Baron can relate to. At 6-foot-1 and 270 pounds, he’s undersized for the position he plays. He tried out unsuccessfully for the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and was among the team’s final cuts in 2017. He drove an Uber last year to pay the bills before making an immediate impression with Montreal at training camp.
“It’s related to so many different walks of life, not just children,” Baron said.
“I read it and it relates to me incredibly. It’s just about the struggles we go through. You see other people doing well and think you should be, too. It just hurts your confidence.
“The whole book’s about realizing what you have internally. You do have a lot to offer,” added Baron, a Chicago native.
“I go through lapses in confidence all the time. I can relate to it. This book can be applied to all 25 years of my life. This happens all the time. You have to remind yourself, ‘I’m a pretty cool kid myself.’”
Baron said it seemed natural to target a younger audience, the pressures of growing up seemingly always on the rise.
“There’s so many things that come together in a children’s book,” Baron said. “It’s dialogue that’s easily digested because of who you’re trying to market it to. Also the illustrations ( by Jason Buhagiar) ... you can express yourself through the colours and pictures. Although it’s for younger kids, it brings so many worlds into one.”
Als management identified the rookie as a player to watch from the early days of training camp. General manager Kavis Reed said if Baron was taller, he undoubtedly would be playing in the NFL.
“This isn’t a surprise. I wanted Woody a year before that. I really wanted him,” said Rich Stubler, the Als’ defensive coordinator. “He’s a Virginia Tech guy. That means he’s been coached really well by a guy (Bud Foster) that has stayed there 30 years, I think.
“I’ve had a couple of guys from there; Willie Pile comes to mind. They’re solid, cerebral guys. They can think and have the ability to move. That’s the kind of guys we need. I’m very happy we were able to get him. I thought he was an outside guy when he got here. But he’s so quick on the inside, you just want to let him play.”
In 16 games this season, Baron has 23 tackles and three sacks. He has one season remaining on his contract, but said he might attempt to explore NFL opportunities in 2020.
Baron spends his spare time productively, putting his thoughts on paper, and has expressed a desire to perhaps pursue a career in journalism. He also hopes to publish more books.
“I feel writing ’s the cornerstone of all the different forms of art. And I see art in everything,” he said. “It all starts with the pencil ... the idea. You connect that to show how you’re feeling. It’s just a great way to express yourself.”
Baron said he writes constantly when not at practice or studying tape. He frequently writes about his thoughts and feelings, sometimes in a fictional form.
“I’ll write about things I went through, document them, so they’re not forgotten,” he said.
“I write on notebooks, paper bags ... whatever I can get my hands on.”
And what are those thoughts nearing the end of his rookie season, one in which the Als again proved to be a disappointment?
“I’ve got to see what it takes to be a professional,” he said. “I’m not content with my performance. But I’m excited about what next year has to offer.”