Portrait of a Graduate - Graham Osman Class of 2015
March 6, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Graham Osman ‘15
From St. Anne’s to Professional Baseball
Graham Osman’s journey from St. Anne’s Episcopal School to playing professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds Organization is a powerful testament to perseverance, hard work, and the importance of building a strong foundation. His story is defined by athleticism, determination, and a relentless drive to succeed—qualities that were nurtured during his time at St. Anne’s.
Graham’s passion for sports began at a young age. “I started playing sports when I was about five or six,” he recalls. Raised in a family where athletics were a key part of everyday life, Graham had plenty of inspiration from those around him. His parents were both accomplished athletes and his sisters excelled in multiple sports as well. Growing up in such an active environment naturally shaped Graham’s own athletic development.
“At St. Anne’s, I played soccer and basketball, but without baseball, I’d jump into whatever sport was available. After school sports, I’d head straight to Little League for baseball,” he says. These early years were filled with movement, teamwork, and fun. “I loved hanging out with my friends after school. Those friendships were really important to me growing up.”
While sports played a significant role in Graham’s life, St. Anne’s provided much more than just athletic opportunities. The school offered a well-rounded education that helped him grow both as an athlete and as a person. “St. Anne’s taught me a lot about teamwork and the importance of being part of a community,” he reflects. The school’s nurturing environment encouraged personal growth and helped Graham balance his academics with his athletic commitments.
Academically, Graham found that St. Anne’s laid the groundwork for his future. “I really enjoyed PE and sports-related classes,” Graham says. “But I also loved the relationships with my teachers. They helped me step out of my comfort zone.” One defining experience was performing, with Mr. Amend’s support, in the school’s talent show with a group of friends, where they played Holiday by Green Day. “That was a big moment for me, being an introverted kid and pushing myself to get in front of people. It helped me grow in ways I never expected,” he says. “The environment at St. Anne’s made me comfortable being myself. It really helped me figure out who I was and what I wanted to do.”
Graham’s athletic interests at St. Anne’s were diverse, but as he entered high school, his focus shifted more toward baseball. Although he started out primarily playing basketball, he soon realized that his physical build and natural skills were better suited for baseball, particularly as a left-handed pitcher. “Basketball was my main sport at first,” he admits. “But as I got older, I realized baseball was a better fit for me.”
Graham credits his high school coaches with being instrumental in his development, not just as a player, but as a thinker of the game. “The coaches were incredible mentors. They taught me the chess game of baseball—how it’s not just about physical talent but about understanding the mental aspects, reading situations, and making the right decisions.”
By his senior year, Graham’s talent had caught the attention of college scouts. “I was on track to be drafted right out of high school, but I chose to play college baseball at Arizona State,” he says. “I wanted to challenge myself, and ASU offered me a chance to grow and refine my skills.”
Graham’s time at Arizona State was a transformative chapter in his career. “I had great memories there—amazing coaches and teammates who really pushed me to improve,” he says. However, after three years, a coaching change led Graham to transfer to Long Beach State. There, he found his rhythm and felt a stronger connection with the team. “The transition was smooth, and I loved it there. I really found my stride.”
All his hard work paid off when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. “Getting drafted was the culmination of everything I worked for. I’d been working toward this moment since high school, and when it finally happened, it was an emotional moment for me.”
Since being drafted, Graham has moved up in the minor league system. He started in Daytona Beach, Florida, and is currently with the Dayton Dragons, High-A affiliate of the Reds in Dayton, Ohio. “Professional baseball is a lot of moving around. You’re constantly packing and living out of suitcases,” Graham says. “But the opportunity to play the game I love makes it all worth it.”
The minor league lifestyle isn’t always glamorous, but it has allowed Graham to meet teammates from all over the world. “The diversity of backgrounds is one of the most fun parts of the game. You meet players from all over—Italy, the Netherlands, Latin America—and you get to pick up bits of different languages, like Spanish and Italian. It’s all part of the journey.”
While baseball’s physical demands are well-known, Graham has learned that the mental side of the game is just as crucial. “Baseball is such an individualized game, but at the same time, it’s a team game,” he says. “You can’t rely on anyone else to pull you out of a slump. It’s up to you to stay mentally strong, which can be tough, especially in pro ball, where there’s not a lot of coaching guidance. It’s all on you to show up and perform.”
As he’s grown, Graham has become more analytical about his game. “When you’re younger, it’s easier to just have fun and not think too much about it. But as you get older, you start diving deeper into the game’s intricacies. You analyze every move you make,” he says. “But you have to remember not to overthink. It’s tempting to try to copy what others are doing, but you have to stay true to your own style.”
Reflecting on his journey, Graham is grateful for the opportunities he’s had, but he knows there’s still much to achieve. His advice for current students at St. Anne’s? “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” he says. “Whether it’s sports, academics, or something else, trust in the work you put in. You’re always learning, always growing.”
For Graham Osman, his journey from St. Anne’s to professional baseball is far from over. No matter where the game takes him next, he’ll always carry the lessons learned and the relationships built at St. Anne’s with him.
As his professional baseball career continues, Graham hopes to inspire future generations of St. Anne’s students. “I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, stayed true to myself, and never gave up on my dreams,” he says. “St. Anne’s gave me the foundation to build on, and I hope I can give back in some way—whether by inspiring others or sharing what I’ve learned.”
Graham Osman’s story is far from finished, but it serves as a reminder to all: with dedication, hard work, and a strong support system, anything is possible.