Texas-Arlington has named Kansas City Royals Manager and former Maverick Trey Hillman one of its most distinguished alumni.

Hillman was also the keynote speaker at the school’s 25th Anderson Sport Performance Lecture, discussing how baseball taught him leadership skills.

A former Texas-Arlington student-athlete, Hillman was the first baseball player inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor. He holds a degree in exercise and sport studies. He played in the minor leagues for the Cleveland Indians and began his managing career with the New York Yankees Class A club. He also worked for the Texas Rangers organization and in Japan.

“I think that if every day you have the opportunity to do something that you are passionate about, I think that is the definition of being successful,” Hillman said.