The WAGS Work Series aims to show our readers that we are more than the stereotypes you might be familiar with--we're creative, hard-working, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to make this lifestyle work. We also hope to inspire women in all walks of life to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to working and creating the lives of their dreams. Please reach out to the women featured in this series if you have questions or want to learn more about what they do.

TELL US WHO YOU ARE, HOW YOU GOT INTO THE BASEBALL WORLD, AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU  AND YOUR HUSBAND.  

Hi, y’all! My name is Morgan. My husband is a pitcher in the Yankees organization. We have been together since high school, so I feel like baseball has always been a part of our lives. After high school, we went to separate colleges and quickly learned how to do the long-distance thing. From the very start of our relationship, weekends were always full of long road trips and lots of hours watching baseball. 

After graduating college in 2016, we got engaged on a family vacation. On the way home from vacation, Braden got the call he had been drafted. Talk about an exciting week! Getting engaged and drafted all in one week was a whirlwind. Ever since then, we have been on this crazy ride of baseball life. 

TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR JOB, WHAT DO YOU DO, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WERKIN’ IT.  

I am a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist). For as long as I can remember, this is what I always said I wanted to do. I went to college and majored in nursing. After graduating with my bachelor’s in nursing, I had to work in ICU for two years before I could begin CRNA school. After a long, hard three years of anesthesia school, I graduated in December 2020 with my doctorate in nurse anesthesia. 

I now work as a CRNA at a trauma hospital, and I LOVE it. As a CRNA, I administer anesthesia to patients having all types of surgical procedures and help manage epidurals for moms as they give birth. 

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND LIVING THE BASEBALL LIFE?

Balancing work/school and living the baseball life has taken a lot of flexibility. Since neither one of those schedules can really be changed, I had to make the most of every opportunity to visit that I could. During school, anytime I could take a long weekend to go visit I would be on a flight as soon as I got out of class. We were usually able to work it out that I could visit about once a month. Thank goodness for lots of phone calls and facetime dates in-between visits!

It also takes lots of patience and understanding. Sometimes I would have so much going on with school projects and studying that I just couldn’t make the trip for a long weekend. Even though it was hard, Braden would always understand. Now that I am working, it has made things a little easier because I can schedule actual vacation time to go visit.

HOW DID FINDING THIS JOB IMPACT YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY, AND FOR THE TWO OF YOU?  

Braden and I always promised each other that we would support each other as we pursued our career goals and dreams. For him, that is baseball, and for me, that was becoming a CRNA. From the very beginning of our relationship, we knew these goals and have continuously supported, encouraged, and prayed for each other every step of the way.

Sometimes seeing pictures and posts of wives that get to travel full time during baseball season makes me feel bad for not being there in person to support him. Then I remember how thankful I am that we are BOTH living out our dream careers, and not a lot of people get to say that.

I am so very proud of him, and he tells me every day how proud of me he is. Hearing those words makes me thankful that we can support each other and cheer each other on as we succeed. Even if it is from a distance for part of the year.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORKDAY LIKE FOR YOU?

A typical workday for me is getting to the hospital by 6:30 AM, or earlier if I am assigned to a case with an early start. At our hospital, we do orthopedic, cardiothoracic, neuro, general surgery, pediatric, trauma, and obstetric cases every day, so the type of case I have each day is different.

Having surgery is a very stressful and scary thing for most people. I love being able to talk to my patients before their procedure to ease any anxiety they might be having and provide them with the best anesthesia care possible. My workday usually ends around 3:00 PM, unless I’m on call, then things can be crazy!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WAGS WHO ARE TRYING TO BALANCE BASEBALL WITH THEIR OWN GOALS?

I always tell people don’t give up. It might be hard now, but once you reach your goal it will be totally worth it. Support each other, love each other unconditionally, and be understanding when times are tough.

I know every relationship is different, but I don’t think anyone should have to give up on their dreams just because someone else is chasing theirs.

Communication is so important too. Talk about it, pray about it, and see if you can figure out a way to work it out, whether that means being able to travel full time or not. Learn to be flexible and know that it will get easier. A strong support system and keeping God at the center of your life and all of your relationships will help everything work out exactly as it’s supposed to.

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR JOB? WHAT’S THE BEST?

There are some days when it is super high stress with very sick patients, and you are trying everything you can to keep them alive. It can be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting.

At the end of the case, when you can tell them everything is done and went well, being able to see the relief on their face is totally worth it. It is so rewarding when patients tell you thank you for taking away my anxiety and making this the best possible experience during such a scary time.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT BEING A WAG/BASEBALL LIFE?

No one truly understands the baseball life unless you live it. People see the “highs” and exciting times when we post on social media of them getting called up or having a great game, but they don’t see the “lows” and times when they might get sent down or don’t have the best game.

Yes, it can be such an exciting and fun life, but it has a lot of hard days in the mix too. Having a strong support system with friends and family is what helps the most during those times.

It is also so nice to connect with other WAGs who understand what you are going through. We are all so different and come from different backgrounds, but everyone is willing to reach out a helping hand or provide advice when needed. The community and friendships we have made during this baseball life are something I will always be thankful for!

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE / HOW CAN WE KEEP UP WITH YOU?

I love meeting other women who are also living this baseball life! Anyone who has questions about nursing, CRNA, long-distance, or baseball life in general please feel free to reach out! 

Instagram: @morganbristo

Facebook: Morgan Bristo