How Comedian Roy Wood Jr. Is Navigating Baseball And Show Business

Key Concepts

• Subway franchise opportunity in the 90s
• Nintendo stock investment
• Grand Theft Auto 6 and PlayStation sales
• GameStop's potential decline with digital gaming
• Importance of brick and mortar stores
• Music as inspiration and cultural connection
• MLB documentary: "Going, Going, Gone: The Magic of the Home Run"
• HBCU baseball documentary: "T-Mobile presents The Road to the Swingman Classic"
• Ken Griffey Jr.'s Swingman Classic
• Roy Wood Jr.'s career journey: stand-up comedy, TV, and more
• The difference between a good and great comedian

Subway Franchise Opportunity

Roy Wood Jr. discusses a missed business opportunity from his youth. At 17, while working at Subway in the 90s, he recognized the potential for a franchise on the west side of Birmingham, where there were no Subways at the time. He knew the business model and saw the potential, comparing Subway's popularity then to Chick-fil-A. The franchise fee was $70,000. He proposed the idea to his mother, but she insisted he attend college instead. He jokes that whenever he visits home, his mother asks him to get Subway, reminding him of the missed opportunity.

Stock Market Investments

Roy Wood Jr. shares his investment strategy, focusing on companies he understands and enjoys. He mentions Nintendo as a stock he likes, citing the upcoming Nintendo Switch part two. He also believes that the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 will significantly boost PlayStation sales. He avoids GameStop stock, anticipating a decline as gaming moves towards digital downloads and cloud storage. He still enjoys visiting GameStop for the nostalgia and the knowledgeable employees.

The Importance of Brick and Mortar Stores

Roy emphasizes the value of in-person shopping experiences, particularly at stores like GameStop and Home Depot, where employees possess in-depth product knowledge. He contrasts this with the impersonal nature of online shopping and the loss of "micro interactions" with people.

Music as Inspiration

Roy discusses the role of music in his life, particularly classic rock and 70s soul. He mentions artists like Big X the Plug, Kendrick Lamar, and Isaiah Rashad. He is introducing his son to various genres, including Outcast, LL Cool J, Bruce Springsteen, Isaac Hayes, Elton John, and Diana Ross. He appreciates Will Smith's ability to create clean rap music without explicit content.

MLB Documentary: "Going, Going, Gone: The Magic of the Home Run"

Roy is involved in a Roku and MLB Studios documentary exploring the cultural significance of the home run. The documentary features interviews with current and former MLB players, including Albert Pujols, Pete Alonso, Jazz Chisholm, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. It examines the home run derby, historical moments like the Maguire-Sosa home run race of 1998, and Hank Aaron's 715th home run. He describes the home run as the most beautiful act in professional sports, capable of transforming people into "giggly little happy child[ren]."

HBCU Baseball Documentary: "T-Mobile presents The Road to the Swingman Classic"

Roy is also working on a documentary series with T-Mobile and MLB, focusing on baseball programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The series highlights Ken Griffy Jr.'s Swingman Classic, a showcase game featuring 50 of the best players from black colleges. The goal is to provide these players with exposure to scouts who may not regularly visit HBCUs. The series features vignettes from Texas Southern, Grambling, Southern University, and Alabama State.

Ken Griffy Jr.'s Swingman Classic

Ken Griffy Jr. created the Swingman Classic to showcase talented baseball players from HBCUs who may be overlooked by scouts due to limited exposure. The game takes place during the All-Star break, ensuring that scouts are present to evaluate the players.

Roy Wood Jr.'s Career Journey

Roy reflects on his career path, starting in stand-up comedy at age 19. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, kindness, and making sound business decisions. He acknowledges that many comedians are funnier than him but believes his success stems from his overall approach. He discusses his early years on the road, opening for various comedians and learning from their experiences. He mentions his appearances on Showtime at the Apollo, Comic View, Premium Blend, Star Search, Letterman, Death Jam, and the sitcom "Sullivan and Son." He credits Conan O'Brien for consistently featuring him on his show during a period when others wouldn't. He also highlights his time at ESPN, which prepared him for his role on The Daily Show. He left The Daily Show to pursue other opportunities, including his show on CNN.

The Difference Between a Good and Great Comedian

When asked about the difference between a good and great comedian, Roy states that "a good comedian can capitalize on what everybody was already thinking," while "a great comedian gives you things you'd never thought of."

Conclusion

Roy Wood Jr.'s interview provides insights into his business acumen, investment strategies, passion for baseball, and career journey. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities, staying true to oneself, and trusting one's talents. He also highlights the cultural significance of baseball and the need to support HBCU baseball programs. His story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and continuous growth.