This article digs into the winding, cautionary, and honestly pretty reflective journey of John Coppolella. He’s a former Major League Baseball executive whose life was shaped early by an obsession with Baseball America, a relentless work ethic, and a deep love for the game.
From his rise as Atlanta Braves general manager to his permanent ban—and eventual reinstatement—by MLB, Coppolella’s story blends ambition, success, failure, and a renewed commitment to ethics and education within baseball. It’s a lot to unpack.
A Lifelong Obsession Rooted in Baseball America
For John Coppolella, baseball wasn’t just a pastime—it was a calling. He found it early and nurtured it through the pages of Baseball America.
As a young fan, he devoured prospect rankings and front-office insights. That habit shaped the analytical mindset he’d use later in his career.
Growing up the son of an immigrant father who worked tirelessly to provide, Coppolella learned perseverance. That mindset carried him through an early job at a baseball card shop and into the grind of unpaid internships.
Opportunity was scarce, but passion was never in short supply.
Choosing Passion Over a Paycheck
Coppolella faced a defining choice when he turned down a lucrative offer from Intel. Instead, he took a low-paying internship with the New York Yankees.
It was a leap of faith, rooted in love for the game. That gamble led to a 19-year career in Major League Baseball.
He spent seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and 12 with the Atlanta Braves. Over time, he steadily climbed the executive ladder.
Architect of a Braves Rebuild
Coppolella’s stint as Braves general manager from 2015 to 2017 stands out as one of the most consequential rebuilding periods in franchise history. He was tasked with reshaping an aging roster.
He leaned into youth, depth, and a long-term vision. The groundwork from those years helped fuel Atlanta’s run of division titles.
Atlanta won the 2021 World Series championship, though Coppolella wasn’t with the organization when the trophy was raised.
Crossing the Line and Paying the Price
In November 2017, MLB banned Coppolella permanently for serious violations of international signing rules. He’s since publicly admitted his wrongdoing and apologized to those affected.
That moment changed everything. It forced deep personal reflection and reshaped his understanding of leadership and accountability.
Life After Baseball—and Back Again
After his ban, Coppolella moved to Orlando and started rebuilding his professional life outside baseball. He worked with Diamond Resorts and other organizations.
He also pursued consulting and teaching gigs. Never one to stop learning, he earned an MBA and stayed connected to sports through advisory roles with NFL, NBA, and MLB-affiliated executives.
Teaching Ethics Through Experience
One of Coppolella’s most meaningful post-MLB projects has been speaking openly about consequences. He returned to Notre Dame to talk with students, using his own mistakes as a real-world lesson on ethics and rule-breaking.
Closer to home, he’s found fulfillment coaching his kids’ teams. He focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and doing things the right way.
A Return to Baseball America
On January 3, 2023, MLB reinstated Coppolella, opening the door for his return to baseball in a new way. That return came through Baseball America, the publication that started it all for him.
Invited by longtime friend J.J. Cooper, Coppolella now writes with a focus on long-term roster construction, trades, and drafts. Life comes full circle sometimes, doesn’t it?
Writing for the Next Generation
Coppolella wants to educate passionate young fans about the tough tradeoffs front offices deal with. He mixes experience, humility, and a perspective that’s honestly been hard-won.
After a career full of both big wins and some pretty tough losses, John Coppolella’s voice stands out. In baseball—and honestly, in life—how you play the game can matter just as much as the outcome.
Here is the source article for this story: John Coppolella: Why I’m Writing For Baseball America
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