There are few bonds stronger than the one forged between a father and son. For Jason and Grant Arnold, that bond was built with gloves, cleats, and chalk-lined fields. Baseball isn't just a sport in the Arnold household—it's a shared language, a lifelong connection, and the backdrop of their family’s most defining moments.

Jason Arnold knows what it means to chase a dream. Drafted in the second round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees, his talent carried him through a professional career that included over 530 innings pitched in the minor leagues. A 3.33 ERA, 29 wins, and nearly 500 strikeouts later, injuries halted his rise, leading him to retire in 2006.

But where one chapter ended, another began.

Jason transitioned from pro player to mentor, spending time as a high school English teacher and head coach at Cocoa High School, where he led the program to a 19-8 season in 2008. He later founded the Brevard Aces, a summer showcase team designed to help young athletes grow in the game.

And then, he became a father—and the game of baseball took on a whole new meaning.

"It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done as a father. I always hoped he’d love the game like I do—maybe we’d go to games together, or he’d play for me one day,” explained Jason, fondly. “Watching him make it his own and take it to the next level has been incredibly special."

When Jason took his son, Grant, to a spring training game around the age of five, it wasn’t with any expectations. It was just a day at the ballpark.

But what started as a trip for hot dogs and batting practice turned into something far more significant.

"I took him to his first spring training game when he was five—we did everything: batting practice, ice cream in the helmet, the whole experience. He was hooked from that day on. That year in VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten), he wore his full baseball uniform to school every day. At his VPK graduation, he had on baseball pants, socks pulled up, and even wore cleats underneath.”

From then on, the game was a constant thread in their relationship.

While Jason continued coaching at various levels, Grant was there, soaking it all in—not just the techniques, but the energy, the lessons, the atmosphere.

Though he didn’t coach his son’s teams early on—Jason was often leading college programs or managing other responsibilities—it didn’t stop him from watching closely.

And the more he watched, the more he recognized something familiar.

"When he pitches, that’s when I see myself in him the most—even though he’s probably not a pitcher. But that’s what I was, so it’s the part I connect with. I don’t know much about hitting, but luckily, he does."

Jason, a career pitcher, finds the most connection watching Grant take the mound, even though Grant isn’t exclusively a pitcher. It’s in those moments—navigating pressure, staying focused, leading the team—that the reflection is most vivid.

"He’s got that in-game competitiveness—off the field, he’s this super nice, almost pastor-like presence. But once he’s out there, it’s like he flips a switch, almost an alter ego,” laughed Jason. “He also has some natural leadership qualities that stand out."

The pandemic created an unexpected silver lining: time. When COVID-19 paused sports in 2020, Jason was coaching at a junior college, but as seasons shut down, he found himself with a rare opportunity to step into Grant’s world.

For the first time, he wasn’t watching from the bleachers—he was in the dugout beside him.

“I had never coached any of his teams until then,” Jason said. “We did a few years of travel ball together, and it was awesome. Just to be out there together every day—that’s a memory I’ll always keep.”

Fast forward to 2024, and the Arnolds had a full-circle moment. Jason just wrapped up his first year as the head coach at Merritt Island High School, where Grant just completed his freshman season.

Grant, who’s quickly becoming a name to watch with Canes National, doesn’t take his father’s presence for granted. Having a dad who played at a high level, and who’s coached others to success, has been more than just helpful—it’s been foundational.

“It's something that I always try not to take for granted,” recalled Grant. “When I was younger, he was a coach. So, on lots of days in the field, I was able to train with older college players and high school players. He just instilled the love of the game for me.”

From a young age, Grant was around older players thanks to his dad’s college coaching career, learning what it takes to compete at the next level. But more than that, it instilled a love for the game that stuck.

Now facing higher expectations and growing attention as a prospect, Grant is keeping his focus simple.

“I try not to overthink it,” he said. “Just stay consistent, work hard, and take things one at-bat at a time. My goal this week? Get as many hits as possible.”

And with USA Baseball’s 15U Champs NC underway, Grant is ready to show up and show out—bringing that lifelong passion and next-level mindset to the national stage. Fueled by years of watching, learning, and competing alongside older athletes, he’s prepared to rise to the moment. Whether it’s making a key play in the field or delivering at the plate, Grant is determined to leave his mark and prove he belongs among the best.

For the Arnolds, baseball has always been more than just wins and losses. It’s about the lessons, the relationships, and the moments that can’t be measured in stats.

From a father who once dreamed on the mound to a son creating his own story on the field, their connection through the game continues to evolve.