Night had fallen, spirits were stirring, and the songwriting baseball coach was nearing home plate as he rounded third base. In the fall of 2020, Tim Flannery, who had been gravely ill, was advised by doctors to say his goodbyes to his family. However, not once, but twice, he rejected surrender. Flannery, known for his powerful right arm that sent numerous base runners home during the San Francisco Giants’ World Series victories from 2010 to 2014, was determined to fight until the end. The journey back from the brink was miraculous and extraordinary, just like the man himself. Flannery, a former infielder turned coach, was always more than what met the eye. He was a musician who carried his guitar everywhere and a surfer who proudly displayed his board on his trading cards. In the conservative world of Major League Baseball, Flannery stood out.
After retiring from baseball, Flannery fully embraced philanthropy and songwriting. Through his foundation, he raised significant amounts of money to support anti-bullying causes. Giving in to a life-threatening staph infection was simply not an option for him. Although Flannery’s battle with the infection was fraught with challenges and numerous setbacks, including falling into sepsis and requiring multiple surgeries, he remained determined. Doctors cautioned him that he may never walk again, but he defied the odds. With his wife’s support, he underwent a grueling rehabilitation process, slowly relearning how to walk. One of his motivations was his granddaughter, Jade, who accompanied him on his walks up and down the driveway. Each time he successfully completed the journey, Jade was rewarded with an ice cream sandwich.
Flannery’s time in the hospital was difficult, as he experienced vivid and sometimes terrifying hallucinations. However, amidst the darkness, his friends Bob Weir and Jimmy Buffett appeared as if by magic. These encounters later revealed their meaning, convincing Flannery that there was more to them than mere coincidence.
Throughout his four-decade career in baseball and music, Flannery grew into a beloved figure due to his genuine and authentic nature. His bandmate and producer, Jeff Berkley, describes him as exactly who he appears to be, shunning any pretense or artificiality. Flannery initially intended to keep his musical endeavors hidden during his coaching years in San Diego, as some within the baseball community regarded them suspiciously. However, he changed his mind when he founded the Love Harder Project in response to a vicious attack on a Giants fan. The foundation’s mission is to combat bullying and violence, and Flannery utilized his music to raise funds for the victim’s medical expenses. As an accomplished songwriter and performer, he found a powerful way to make a difference.
Flannery’s love for music was inseparable from his passion for baseball. He grew up in a family with roots in the hills of Kentucky, where his uncle was a professional baseball player and a dedicated guitarist. Flannery followed suit, carrying his own guitar throughout his career. Music served as a source of solace and inspiration during both the trying and joyful moments of his life. He recorded songs that reflected his family’s history, including a tribute to his father. Along his musical journey, he crossed paths with notable names like Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, and members of the Grateful Dead.
When the pandemic hit, Flannery sought refuge in his serene mountain cabin near Santa Barbara, California. Here, disconnected from the outside world, he faced the staph infection that had nearly taken his life. Despite the pain he endured, Flannery persisted, often playing through it. However, he eventually realized he needed to confront the seriousness of his condition and seek proper medical attention.
Tim Flannery’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passions. Through baseball, music, and philanthropy, he has left a lasting impact on the world around him. As he faces new challenges and continues to share his stories through music, Flannery embraces each moment, cherishing the memories and striving to create uplifting experiences.