OSU alumni Michele Smith, Gary Green and Robin found success on the softball and baseball fields at OSU before moving into professional sports. Besides their many Individual successes, all have played on diamonds of gold -- the Olympics, earning gold medals in their respective sports.

Gary Green grew up in Pittsburgh, Penn., participating in all types of sports but loving baseball.

"Baseball is something that has been a part of my whole life, from my childhood years on up," says Green.

Green came to OSU in 1980 and played shortstop for the Cowboys while pursing a business administration degree. A big part on his decision to come to Stillwater was the influence of coaches Tom Holliday and Gary Ward.

"I had talked to Tom a number of times, and it sounded like a good fit for me," says Green. "I enjoyed OSU. It was certainly a challenge to try and stay on top of both of academics and athletics, but I enjoyed my experiences there."

Green credits the OSU coaching staff along with strong opposing teams with helping prepare OSU players for the competitiveness of the major leagues.

"OSU was very competitive and obviously a big baseball school, especially at that time," says Green. "Our competition was very good, so they certainly did prepare us. Also, Gary Ward was very good, and he prepared us for what we were going to encounter down the road."

After OSU, Green took part in the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles. This unique experience allowed him the opportunity to meet a number of interesting people, not only members of Team USA but also competitors from every region of the globe.

Green was selected as a member of the Olympic team after attending a tryout session in the summer of 1984 in Louisville, Ky.

"They had tryouts prior to the session, but they had a final selection at Louisville, and I was selected to go to that session," says Green. "I went and participated and fortunately it worked out, and I was able to make the team."

People often ask Green what it was like to represent his country as a member of an Olympic team.

"When you are 21 years old, you don't really realize what it means. You're just so focused on taking care of what you have to do," says Green. "It was nice that the Games were in the U.S. that year because we experienced a large showing of support, and it was close enough that our families could watch us."

During his professional career, which lasted from 1984 to 1995, Green played for three different teams – the San Diego Padres, the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds. Not only did he have the opportunity to play professional baseball with one of his former teammates, but also he played against a number of his OSU teammates.

"In 1990 and 1991, I played with Pete Incaviglia with the Rangers," says Green. "There were guys I played against that went to OSU as well, including Robin Ventura. It's always a nice experience to see guys you played with, whether you're playing with them or against them."

In regard to players in the game today, Green says they are probably stronger, bigger and faster as a whole, due to better nutrition and better workouts.

"There were certainly guys that were like today's players at that time. I just think there are more of them now," says Green. "I don't know if the game is any better, but due to the evolution of things, the players are a little stronger, bigger and faster."

After his retirement in 1995, Green took several years off before making a comeback in 1997 as a coach and manager. He began with the Detroit Tigers organization and moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization in 2006. At some point, Green would like to be able to coach in the major leagues.

"Baseball is something I have been in all my life, and I wanted to see what it would be like from the other side," says Green. "I wanted to see if the passion and enjoyment carried over to the other side, and it has.

Green also wants his players to enjoy the game as they grow. "As a coach, the best thing is seeing players perform well and helping them attain their goals of gettingg to the major leagues."