The Early Years
Desmond “Desi” Relaford was born in Valdosta, Georgia, where he lived until he was nine years old. His father’s career relocated the family to Jacksonville, Florida, where he eventually became a member of the baseball team of Sandalwood High School. He was a varsity member during his sophomore, junior, and senior year, and he was a 1991 graduate of SHS.
“I gave football a try briefly,” Relaford said. “I went to spring football one year, but baseball was my calling. I was being recruited heavily and getting letters every day. It was an easy choice to make.”
Professional Career
Relaford was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 1991 MLB draft. He saw success in the minor 
leagues before being called up to the majors, where he made his professional debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on August 1, 1996. He would go on to play for seven teams in his career as a gifted switch-hitter with an impressive .243 batting average for his career. Defensively, he was known for his versatility. Over his career, he spent time playing every position except for first base and catcher.
“Baseball taught me how to deal with failure,” Relaford said. “It’s a daily lesson. No player goes out and performs perfectly all the time. Even players that bat .300 are missing during seven out of ten at-bats. It’s all about how you handle the down times that determines where your success lies.”
After Baseball
Relaford retired from professional baseball in 2007 after an 11-year career. He now owns 6 Hole Records, a hip-hop label that he founded in 2001.
“I grew up with hip-hop,” he said. “It’s my life, my representation. A group of my friends in Jacksonville needed exposure, so I took a chance. They made really positive music and I felt that more people needed to hear and appreciate what they were doing.”
Also, after studying Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Florida, he went on to create the Desi Relaford Health
Alternative, which serves to educate people on health alternatives and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
“I still follow (professional baseball),” he said. “It’s with a much more critical eye now. I’ve been there, and I can read players, know what they’re thinking, expecting, things like that. I’m also interested in, one day, getting into sports radio. I love the game, and I love to talk about it.”
Most importantly, Relaford doesn’t forget his roots. He visits Valdosta often; he still has a great deal of family there.
“Most of my mom’s side of the family is (in Valdosta),” he said. “I go back as often as I can. It’s another home to me.”
South Georgia/Northeast Florida
Where Are They Now?
Desmond “Desi” Relaford
By James Washington
