Interview with Tom Roy, Author of 'Released'

Tom Roy is the President and Founder of UPI. After a very brief time in the S.F. Giants organization, Tom went on to a career in radio, taking his first job in West Virginia. Shortly after that he felt the call of God to pursue a college degree and enrolled at Grace College in Winona Lake, IN. Upon completion of that degree he took a head baseball coaching job at a local high school for 3 years. He continued in that profession, coaching also at the college level for 9 years.

In 1979 God put UPI on Tom and Carins hearts. In 1980 the ministry became a reality. Tom ministered to players thru chapels, in camps and clinics for 28 years. He has had the honor to serve Christ through UPI in many venues, including speaking and conducting clinics in over 60 countries.

Tom and Carin reside in Winona Lake, Indiana and have two daughters, Amy and Lindsay, and 6 grandchildren (Hannah, Luke, Faith, Tommy, Sam and Lainey).

In January of 2008 he assumed the role of President/Founder and now finds himself working with the Advancement of the ministry as well as staying in contact with “UPI alumni” and caring for ballplayers through counseling.

His latest book is Released.

You can visit Tom Roy’s website at www.tomroy.org.

Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life, Tom. Can you tell us how long you’ve been writing and how your journey led to writing your latest book, Released?

This is my first book. Having spent 30 years interacting with some of the biggest names in baseball has given many experiences that needed to be recorded. From my first time meeting Hank Aaron to visiting over 60 countries with pro athletes over a 30 years span. God has moved mightily in the game and I felt that the story needed to be told.

Q: I love your title…can you tell us why you chose it?

Each of the staff at UPI are former pro baseball players. Each has been released from the game and released back into the game.

Q: Why did you believe your book should be published?

No other book quite like this one. It combines the stories of men of high profile donating their time and finances to travel the world telling others about the grace of God. Felt it was a history that needed to be recorded to encourage others.

Q: We all know that publishers can’t do all of the publicity and that some lies on the author. What has your publisher done so far to publicize the book and what have you done?

Publisher has put book in all of their materials and on Amazon. I have used Social Networking and public speaking appearances.

Q: What book on the market can it compare to? How is it different? What makes your book special?

Do not know of a book to compare this one too as it is a unique behind the scenes look at God working in men to take missions trips. It also outlines how God orchestrated the founding of this work.

Q: Open to a random page in your book. Can you tell us what is happening?

UPI was the first group of pro baseball players to visit the former Soviet Union. 5 men traveled in the middle of winter to teach baseball in the confines of a netted gym.

Q: Do you plan subsequent books?