'Smartest Pitcher in Baseball' Visits Glen Rock

He can dial a fastball up to 92 mph and then subdue batters a pitch later with a tight hammer curve. But Craig Breslow is more than that.

He's a 2002 Yale graduate with a double major in molecular biophysics and biochemistry.

And the Red Sox lefty specialist also passed up medical school for a chance at the big leagues, since earning the moniker "the smartest man in baseball."

He came to Glen Rock on Thursday not to talk science, but to tell borough Little League players of his journey from the Jersey Jackals eventually to the big leagues.

His path was anything but traditional.

After an up-and-down time in the minor leagues, Breslow found himself cut with few suitors interested in his services.

Captured on GRTV, Breslow spoke with measured statements to the kids on Thursday – be honest with yourself. Pursue the dream but be realistic with your expectations. Know when to say when and always have a fallback.

It seems natural then that he stressed the importance of receiving a high quality education.

"I've been in your shoes," the lefty told the Little Leaguers, "It's really important you keep your studies in the forefront of importance. As I said, you just don't know how long a sports career will last. An education is something you can hold onto forever."

The pitcher, one of the few reliable members of the Red Sox bullpen this year, also spoke to the children about his charity, the Strike 3 Foundation.

Strike 3 raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. His sister was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15 but survived.

For more on Breslow's visit, definitely check out the excellent GRTV video of the event here.