For some dads, the perfect Father’s Day weekend might include lying by the pool, having a family cookout or fishing with their kids. But for former professional athletes Troy Tulowitzki, Juan Pierre, and Brian Cushing, the perfect weekend revolved around watching their sons compete in the 11U Futures Invitational, and fostering their love for competition and the game of baseball.

Tulowitzki, a 13-year MLB veteran shortstop, USA Baseball Collegiate National Team alum and current assistant coach for the University of Texas Longhorns Baseball team, spent his Sunday afternoon watching his son Taz win a gold medal at the tournament as a member of MVP Hustle.

“Baseball's a big part of our life, obviously. I had the opportunity to play for a long time, and on Father's Day, I'd rather be no other place than watching my son play, and I'm sure a lot of other dads feel the same way,” Tulowitzki said.

Juan Pierre, an MLB veteran outfielder of 14 years, certainly does.

“Being a coach and a dad, I couldn't imagine spending a better Father's Day than right out here at the park,” Pierre said.

Pierre is the manager of the Original Florida Pokers 11U team, which his sons Jonathan and Jacob play for, meaning he has to balance being both a coach and a dad when he’s in the dugout. Though nerve-racking at times, he said the best part of his role is seeing his sons and their teammates grow both on and off the field.

“I'm more nervous watching my son play than playing in the World Series,” he said, “That's how nerve-racking [it is], because you want your kids to do well, but you can't do nothing for them. You just cheer them on.”

Though he watched from the bleachers this weekend, Tulowitzki also has coaching experience across multiple levels, serving as a member of the USA Baseball 13U/14U Athlete Development Program coaching staff as well as the Collegiate National Team coaching staff, in addition to his current role with the Longhorns. Tulowitzki said that baseball has taught him a lot of lessons and opened many doors for him throughout his life, so he enjoys the opportunity to give back to the game whenever he can. In 2021, he was named USA Baseball’s Volunteer Coach of the Year.

“I've been a part of USA baseball since my college days, and I've coached, and I've played, and now watching these kids, the game's in a great place,” he said. “USA baseball really pushes it, and the kids that made it, man, they're lucky to wear that USA across their chest.”

Although he never saw a major league at-bat, former NFL linebacker for the Houston Texans, Brian Cushing, is no stranger to the bright lights. As athletes get older, the stakes get higher, but he says one of the most important things to remember is to always stay competitive and be the best teammate you can.

“Just continue to love the game, learn the game inside out, compete as hard as you can, and also play as many sports as you can,” he said. “I think they really translate, help each other really well.”

Despite their different backgrounds, all three dads are united by one thing: the joy of watching their sons take the field to play the sport they love.