So its been forever since I've posted. More has happened in the last 2 months than can be appropriately summarized here. Its been more of the same roller coaster ride this year for me and the team. To make a long story short, there are 9 games left in the season and we are stranded in Mississippi waiting for Faye to pass through. We rained out last night and probably tonight as well. My girlfriend barely got out of Pensacola International yesterday, but she's home safe. She came to visit for 16 days including a road trip to Carolina (14 hour bus ride for me = 3 hour plane trip for her). Seeing her certainly made the DOG days of summer flow a little easier. This time of year is always tough for ball players. We've played over 100 games and every day is a bit of a struggle to stay focused and stayed amped for each new game. To make matters tougher, the end of the year is where you want to finish strong and get your stats in as good as shape as possible to carry you with some momentum into the offseason and next spring training.
For me personally, I've pitching with a new lower arm slot in an effort to become more deceptive and hopefully more effective. It seems to going well as I've noticed better movement and overall better results after the initial adjustment period. All in the name of getting to the next level and the big leagues. They say AA is the great separator. You have to prove you can pitch here to move on. There have been plenty of times this season where I've done that, but there have been other stretches where I have struggled. I feel strongly that if this adjustment continues to prove successful, it will do a lot to give me a chance to continue to move up next year.
I've also been scrambling to find offseason work. My employer last year (a painting sub contractor) informed me last month that business wasn't good enough to take me back on this offseason. However, I feel that may be a blessing in disguise because even though the money was good, it was back breaking work. I have decided instead to take an easier day job, most likely at the Nike Outlet I worked at during college. However, I've also decided plunge head first into my private pitching lessons which has the potential to truly prove more profitable than anything else. Not only that, I love teaching the lessons and it doesn't seem much like work to me.
I'm also busy wrapping up the loose ends with bills and moving out of the apartment. I have a great TV and coach/recliner set listed on Craigslist as we speak. More stuff to deal with just like any other minor leaguer.
But all that is getting ahead of myself. I will likely pitch a few more times and that happens to be the only thing that really counts. The other relievers and I joke that its not really August, but instead its April and we have a whole season ahead of us. Just an attempt to trick outselves into mid season focus and form.
Finishing strong and then returning to a slightly more normal life with the girlfriend and whatnot back at home....thats the goal for now.
Until Next Time
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
June 4, 2008 (Day 129) - Rain Delays
I hope thus far this blog has provided my readers with an insight into what its like to be a professional baseball player in the minor leagues. Today's entry should help to add further insight into the nuances of baseball's every day life. We were most recently in Jacksonville, FL which is incidentally a beautiful city. We stayed in a Hyatt Hotel right on the St. John's river (which is, FYI, the only river in the US that runs South to North). The hotel and surrounding area were gorgeous. Within walking distance was the Jacksonville Landing, boasting live music and multiple bars, clubs and restaurants, it wasn't difficult to find something to do before and after games. My favorite was dining on the patio of American Grille and watching the boaters dock their 75ft Sea Rays and join the rest of us for a meal.
With summer setting in in the South, the humid is rapidly on the rise. And with humidity comes some mean thunderstorms. The second to last day of our trip began as any other. We got to the field and changed in our BP jerseys and got ready for stretch. When we were first out side, the sun beat down as hot as ever but there some very dark, very ominous clouds beginning to loom over head. After stretch and about half-way through our pitchers throwing routine, the rain drops and lightning began. Intermittent at first and then more rapidly as the Jacksonville Suns prepared for Batting Practice. About the same time, the pitchers (myself included) had begun our conditioning portion of the program. About that time, the heavens began to open up. The Suns quickly vacated the field to allow the field crew to put on the tarp. Meanwhile, the rest of the pitchers finished up their running and went in. I had thrown the night before and therefore had to run slightly longer than average. What that meant is that I was running in the midst of lighting and hard rain. If their had been film rolling, we could have sold that scene to Hollywood.
Once I got back inside and dried off, I changed into my sandals shorts and t-shirt because we were officially in the midst of one of baseball best and worst features, the rain delay. Luckily for me, one of my teammates had befriended one of the field crew guys the day before and he had mentioned they were going to play Rock Band on the PS3 if the rain came. Well, sure enough, me, and two of my teammates slipped off to the field crews locker room and there they were, 2 guitars, drums and a mic all hooked up and rocking out to a Nirvana song. It wasn't long before the 3 of us were jamming to More than a Feeling. The head field crewman's only request was that we sign his door so he could have a memento of those who had jammed with him and his crew. After about a half hour of this, my teammates and I returned to the club house and then I decided to head to the dugout where about 10 of my teammates were literally just sitting on the bench watching the rain. Talking about anything from the oil crisis and the war in iraq, to the new Indian Jones movie, killing time has become an art form for us.
Back in the clubhouse, our team trainer had the radar from weather.com up and running and we could see the sky beginning to clear. I spent the last half hour getting my game uniform together and listening to my ipod and eating a pregame spread. At about 745, the first pitch was thrown after about a 2 hour rain delay.
So in review, I played Rock Band, watched the rain from the dugout, listened to my ipod and ate food to kill about 2 hours. No one recipe is correct as long as you can remain sane.
The team won that game, but we dropped 3 of 5 for the series. It made for a long bus trip home where we watched Tin Cup, For Love of the Game, and Mystery, Alaska, without pause until we made it home. We're playing better ball now, but still need to get over the hump and string a bunch of wins together.
With summer setting in in the South, the humid is rapidly on the rise. And with humidity comes some mean thunderstorms. The second to last day of our trip began as any other. We got to the field and changed in our BP jerseys and got ready for stretch. When we were first out side, the sun beat down as hot as ever but there some very dark, very ominous clouds beginning to loom over head. After stretch and about half-way through our pitchers throwing routine, the rain drops and lightning began. Intermittent at first and then more rapidly as the Jacksonville Suns prepared for Batting Practice. About the same time, the pitchers (myself included) had begun our conditioning portion of the program. About that time, the heavens began to open up. The Suns quickly vacated the field to allow the field crew to put on the tarp. Meanwhile, the rest of the pitchers finished up their running and went in. I had thrown the night before and therefore had to run slightly longer than average. What that meant is that I was running in the midst of lighting and hard rain. If their had been film rolling, we could have sold that scene to Hollywood.
Once I got back inside and dried off, I changed into my sandals shorts and t-shirt because we were officially in the midst of one of baseball best and worst features, the rain delay. Luckily for me, one of my teammates had befriended one of the field crew guys the day before and he had mentioned they were going to play Rock Band on the PS3 if the rain came. Well, sure enough, me, and two of my teammates slipped off to the field crews locker room and there they were, 2 guitars, drums and a mic all hooked up and rocking out to a Nirvana song. It wasn't long before the 3 of us were jamming to More than a Feeling. The head field crewman's only request was that we sign his door so he could have a memento of those who had jammed with him and his crew. After about a half hour of this, my teammates and I returned to the club house and then I decided to head to the dugout where about 10 of my teammates were literally just sitting on the bench watching the rain. Talking about anything from the oil crisis and the war in iraq, to the new Indian Jones movie, killing time has become an art form for us.
Back in the clubhouse, our team trainer had the radar from weather.com up and running and we could see the sky beginning to clear. I spent the last half hour getting my game uniform together and listening to my ipod and eating a pregame spread. At about 745, the first pitch was thrown after about a 2 hour rain delay.
So in review, I played Rock Band, watched the rain from the dugout, listened to my ipod and ate food to kill about 2 hours. No one recipe is correct as long as you can remain sane.
The team won that game, but we dropped 3 of 5 for the series. It made for a long bus trip home where we watched Tin Cup, For Love of the Game, and Mystery, Alaska, without pause until we made it home. We're playing better ball now, but still need to get over the hump and string a bunch of wins together.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
May 18, 2008 (Day 112) - The Beauty of Baseball
The title of this entry might be a little misleading. Although I do regard the game of baseball as a beautiful creation, a perfect balance of control and aggression, power and finesse, explosive instant gratification and slow burning satisfaction, it has its way reminding you just how fragile success can be. I mean this both from an individual and team aspect.
Since my last entry, I've had quite a roller coaster ride in terms of personal performance. My outing in Huntsville ended up with 5 runs over an inning and two thirds with possibly one hard hit ball to account for the damage along with 5 seeing eye singles. I've thrown 3 times since them with much better results. In a lot of ways, my past 2 weeks epitomize the life of a reliever. One tough outing may take weeks to undo, and that's only if you have no other slip ups along the way. The best thing one can do is remain positive and remain consistent in one's approach. The second you start stressing and second guessing your abilities is the second you start losing ground on the competition. I feel confident more and more that I can pitch successfully in this level and the next, but it requires a level of focus and execution that is elevated from previous levels of pro-ball. But personal struggles aside, our team is 3 for its last 13 and is currently on a 5 game slide. This type of run, as you may imagine, doesn't do much for a team's confidence. I've been on streaks like this before and its always the same situation. There is never one symptom that is the cause of the problem, rather a combination of poor execution on a variety of levels that keep victories just out of reach. The only blessing is that it is a long long season and even the struggles we are having now will not doom us yet. We still have plenty of time to "right the ship" and make a run to put us right back in playoff contention.
In other news, the girlfriend is coming in to town when I return from this current road trip for Memorial Day weekend. For whatever reason, the distance seems harder on her this year and the previous year. I'm think the time together here will certainly be beneficial to ease the stress. The rising gas prices (and plane tickets) are not making things any easier on our attempts to see each other though. It's just another tough reality of being a minor league ball player. We simply don't make enough to be buy plane tickets every month and still manage to break even, let along save any money. Its certainly a test of responsibility and self denial when you get your paycheck and basically must dedicate it all to bills. I'm not sure if its a produ`t of today's society or my personal selfishness, but I find it difficult save every last dime. To put it bluntly, sometimes I just want to spend some of the money I make on me. I guess at some point that is no longer a good excuse. That point is usually about the same time my credit card bill comes.
Time to tighten up. Another game in Jackson, Tennesee tomorrow.
Until next time...God Bless.
Since my last entry, I've had quite a roller coaster ride in terms of personal performance. My outing in Huntsville ended up with 5 runs over an inning and two thirds with possibly one hard hit ball to account for the damage along with 5 seeing eye singles. I've thrown 3 times since them with much better results. In a lot of ways, my past 2 weeks epitomize the life of a reliever. One tough outing may take weeks to undo, and that's only if you have no other slip ups along the way. The best thing one can do is remain positive and remain consistent in one's approach. The second you start stressing and second guessing your abilities is the second you start losing ground on the competition. I feel confident more and more that I can pitch successfully in this level and the next, but it requires a level of focus and execution that is elevated from previous levels of pro-ball. But personal struggles aside, our team is 3 for its last 13 and is currently on a 5 game slide. This type of run, as you may imagine, doesn't do much for a team's confidence. I've been on streaks like this before and its always the same situation. There is never one symptom that is the cause of the problem, rather a combination of poor execution on a variety of levels that keep victories just out of reach. The only blessing is that it is a long long season and even the struggles we are having now will not doom us yet. We still have plenty of time to "right the ship" and make a run to put us right back in playoff contention.
In other news, the girlfriend is coming in to town when I return from this current road trip for Memorial Day weekend. For whatever reason, the distance seems harder on her this year and the previous year. I'm think the time together here will certainly be beneficial to ease the stress. The rising gas prices (and plane tickets) are not making things any easier on our attempts to see each other though. It's just another tough reality of being a minor league ball player. We simply don't make enough to be buy plane tickets every month and still manage to break even, let along save any money. Its certainly a test of responsibility and self denial when you get your paycheck and basically must dedicate it all to bills. I'm not sure if its a produ`t of today's society or my personal selfishness, but I find it difficult save every last dime. To put it bluntly, sometimes I just want to spend some of the money I make on me. I guess at some point that is no longer a good excuse. That point is usually about the same time my credit card bill comes.
Time to tighten up. Another game in Jackson, Tennesee tomorrow.
Until next time...God Bless.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
May 4, 2008 (Day 99) - Hotels and Road Trips
I am currently sitting in a La Quinta hotel in Huntsville, AL. Its funny to think of the hundreds of hotels in hundreds of cities that I've stayed in since the beginning of my freshmen year of college. That was six years ago now and it feels like it was yesterday. I would have to say that 90% of them are identical. Their only differences coming in small variations in room design and whether or not they offer continental breakfast. They are all "OK" for a day or two but get very old after a long road trip. We are smack in the middle of a 10 day haul, having completed a series win in Birmingham earlier today. The La Quinta we are staying probably falls in the middle of that 90% of mediocrity. Plenty of places to eat around (which is huge) but not much for a morning breakfast and our room kinda smells like urine. It always bothers me a bit when I get used to the smell. I don't think urine is a smell I want to get used to.
Incidentally, the other 10% of hotels are like a treat and can make any road trip a little more bearable. There are always one or two a year that are awesome. The Sheridan in Norfolk, VA, Fun City in Burlington, Iowa, The Pruneyard in San Jose, CA are all top notch. We've yet to visit an upper echelon (sp?) hotel this year, but the older guys say there are a few places which are great. I am looking forward to those.
The team is still trying to find its groove. We play really well (pitching, hitting, and defense) for a game or two but then can't seem to put a team away. As I said, we won our last series 3 games to 2 which is definitely a plus. However, we were up 2 games to none and then didn't win again until the end of the series. As soon as we start putting a few games together where we score early and maintain solid pitching and defense, we will be very tough to beat. I've thrown once this trip so far. Didn't give up any of my own runs, but gave up a foul ball that the ump called fair that scored 3 of my starters runs. As a reliever, I take pride in maintaining the score when I get in the game. I couldn't do much about the bum call by the ump, but its frustrating none the less. I will likely throw tomorrow or the next day in this series.
Other than baseball, I am looking forward to seeing my parents in June when they come to Tennessee (Knoxville) to see me play and to seeing my girlfriend when she comes to visit over Memorial Day. The distance is wearing on us both some this year. I am not sure if its because the honeymoon is over or because we both are tired of being apart, but its been tougher this year on both of us. I've come to understand that times like these are trying and its getting through these things that make you stronger as a couple. I also feel it necessary to deal with these things now instead of trying to avoid them and sugar coat them. Again, I think it will benefit us both in the long run. Either way, Memorial Day can't come soon enough.
Until Next Time.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Apr. 22, 2008 (Day 87) - Ran out of P words
The team is now on its second road trip of the year, this time to Chattanooga, TN. There's not a ton of new information to report. The focus of the last week or so has been to get in a groove as best as possible. The most significant portion of this road trip has been how we got to Chattanooga. Our last game at home ended in 11 innings to West Tenn. After the game, we ate dinner at the park, showered and loaded the bus up for the trip. About an hour and a half after the game ended, we were on our way to Tennessee. Being a low guy on the totem poll (senioritywise) I had to share a sheet with our shortstop, and it was looking like it was going to be long overnight ride. Fortunately, four of my teammates decide they wanted to play cards at the card table in the back, opening up a seat for me to try and sleep in. Well, they managed to play cards for the entire over-night bus trip. By the time we pulled into the Chattanooga hotel, I had 6 hours of restless sleep (which isn't really sleep at all) in my own sleep, and the four guys who were playing cards (mostly hearts and euker) were delirious from lack of sleep. We leave for home after tomorrows early game, so I doubt the same situation will occur. This means I will be doubling up on the trip home.
We're playing decent baseball as of late, but can't seem to string together a long win streak yet. We are second in the division and need to get on a roll to take control of the division. I've been happy with how my season has gone so far, but really just hope to continue the same way over the course of the long season.
It's also been neat to see the guys who are attending baseball chapel on Sunday (basically church for ball players). What is ironic to see the new faces and the same guys from last year meet for "church." Some guys that are going this year, didn't go last year. I hope this means God has been working on their hearts some. I also hope I will see more ways to reach out to them if the opportunity presents itself.
I am looking forward to getting back home and getting to relax in my apartment, instead of a hotel. We also have an off day coming up, I am hoping to find something to do. Lots of guys play golf - which I don't. So I need to find a beach or something (perhaps Pensacola again) to go where I can kill some time.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Apr. 10, 2008 (Day 76) - Perfect Timing
It's been quite a few days since I wrote last and a lot has happened. I am now in Jackson, Mississippi on our first road trip of the season. That means a few things, I got a chance to go to another big league game during Spring Training, I made the AA roster, I drove 20 hours all on I-10 across the US to Alabama, and I've already had 6 games with the Mobile Baybears. I also have already settled into my new apartment with a fellow reliever on the team, spent tons of money, and pitched twice.
The drive across the country was relatively uneventful - which is to say it was mercilessly boring. A teammate and I followed each other all the way across I-10, making it to eastern San Antonio the first night. We made it across the Louisiana Bayou (the real thing) and into Mobile later the second day. The next 4 days were comprised of dashing all over the city of Mobile finding an apartment, buying furniture from Big Lots and Goodwill, shopping at the most crowed walmart in the world, getting a used TV from a store that supports the Baybears and getting cable and Internet hooked up. My credit card is on fire....but all is finally settled.
Our season got off to a slow start as we dropped the first 3 games of the year. However, we've won our last 3 and are starting to play the game a lot better. I've thrown twice and am beginning to get used to the day to day operations of AA baseball. It's apparent the competition is definitely a step up from last year, but I've been happy with how I've thrown so far. Its always a constant struggle to maintain a consistent feel on the mound. I am glad however to have gotten my first couple outtings out of the way.
The girlfriend also came to visit for the first week of the season. Having her there was such a relief and perfect timing, especially with how crazy everything else had been. We had an off day, the day before she left, and headed to Pensacola Beach. Unfortunately, weather.com lied and it was neither 75 nor sunny as the website predicted. Still we made the best of it and had delicious Flounder Chowder at Floyd's Flounder house. She made it home yesterday without a hitch, and I am now on my first road trip of the season to Mississippi to play the Braves. Their stadium is beautiful, and it is really nice to play at such a nice field and realize that you belong in those stadiums. That they were built for you.
I suspect I will throw again soon.
Stay Tuned.
The drive across the country was relatively uneventful - which is to say it was mercilessly boring. A teammate and I followed each other all the way across I-10, making it to eastern San Antonio the first night. We made it across the Louisiana Bayou (the real thing) and into Mobile later the second day. The next 4 days were comprised of dashing all over the city of Mobile finding an apartment, buying furniture from Big Lots and Goodwill, shopping at the most crowed walmart in the world, getting a used TV from a store that supports the Baybears and getting cable and Internet hooked up. My credit card is on fire....but all is finally settled.
Our season got off to a slow start as we dropped the first 3 games of the year. However, we've won our last 3 and are starting to play the game a lot better. I've thrown twice and am beginning to get used to the day to day operations of AA baseball. It's apparent the competition is definitely a step up from last year, but I've been happy with how I've thrown so far. Its always a constant struggle to maintain a consistent feel on the mound. I am glad however to have gotten my first couple outtings out of the way.
The girlfriend also came to visit for the first week of the season. Having her there was such a relief and perfect timing, especially with how crazy everything else had been. We had an off day, the day before she left, and headed to Pensacola Beach. Unfortunately, weather.com lied and it was neither 75 nor sunny as the website predicted. Still we made the best of it and had delicious Flounder Chowder at Floyd's Flounder house. She made it home yesterday without a hitch, and I am now on my first road trip of the season to Mississippi to play the Braves. Their stadium is beautiful, and it is really nice to play at such a nice field and realize that you belong in those stadiums. That they were built for you.
I suspect I will throw again soon.
Stay Tuned.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Mar. 20, 2007 (Day 55) - Pitching My Case
The middle of March means that I am smack in the middle of spring training. I've had an oppurtunity to pitch against competition twice. My first apperance went great against AA competition. I was confident and executed my game plan the way I wanted to. This was approx. 10 days ago. In the days that followed, I was given the oppurtunity to be in the bullpen for 2 big league spring training games. Many times, minor leaguers are sent with the big league team to "back up" the schedule pitchers in case one of them gets in trouble. I wasn't fortunate to get into either game, but the chance to rub shoulders with the guys that are already where I want to be is almost as valuable. Unfortunately, this pushed my next apperance in actual game back almost a full week. For a pitcher, it is necessary to be able to adjust to changes in the daily routine. In my case this time, I fel t a bit rusty on the mound as well as apprehensive because I was pitching in the AAA game. It didn't go quite as well as my first outting, but there were still some positives to be taken. Although I gave up a few runs, I minimized the damaged and made an adjustment during the inning to correct the problems I was experiencing. This was 2 days ago and I will get another apperance tomorrow in the AA game. I am excited to throw again, but also looking forward to having a better outting this time. Of course, if the outting isn't perfect, it won't be the end of the world. It is, after all, spring training and an opportunity to work on things to get better. None the less, I am competitive and ready to go after the hitters I face.
On another note, my boss from the painting company back home came out to AZ to watch me play some. It was a welcome break from the repitition and "groundhogs day feel" of spring training even if it meant adjusting my routine for a few days. I guess its a bit of a catch 22. While its nice to get a chance to see a familiar face and get out of the hotel for a while, it requires a little extra effort to accomodate some one else for a bit.
Another minor inconsistency has been the failure of my equipment company and agent of getting my equipment to me in a timely fashion. In fact, I still don't have any of the stuff I ordered. I don't know what exactly the hold up is, but it has become a bit of an extra concern that all of the equipment I was supposed to have waiting for me by the beginning of spring training has not yet shown. I've been using stuff that I brought myself from home. Despite this being the case, I've refuse to allow it to bother me much because I still have the responsibility to pitch whether or not I have new equipment.
There's less than 2 weeks left in Spring Training. I and everyone else will know where they will be playing baseball this season by March 29th.
Stay tuned.
On another note, my boss from the painting company back home came out to AZ to watch me play some. It was a welcome break from the repitition and "groundhogs day feel" of spring training even if it meant adjusting my routine for a few days. I guess its a bit of a catch 22. While its nice to get a chance to see a familiar face and get out of the hotel for a while, it requires a little extra effort to accomodate some one else for a bit.
Another minor inconsistency has been the failure of my equipment company and agent of getting my equipment to me in a timely fashion. In fact, I still don't have any of the stuff I ordered. I don't know what exactly the hold up is, but it has become a bit of an extra concern that all of the equipment I was supposed to have waiting for me by the beginning of spring training has not yet shown. I've been using stuff that I brought myself from home. Despite this being the case, I've refuse to allow it to bother me much because I still have the responsibility to pitch whether or not I have new equipment.
There's less than 2 weeks left in Spring Training. I and everyone else will know where they will be playing baseball this season by March 29th.
Stay tuned.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Mar. 7, 2008 (Day 42) - Pushing Westward
I've been in Tucson now for 4 days, which obviously means that I made it successfully across the country by car. The following are the highlights from my 3 days of driving.
Day 1 -
- Route 81 near Blacksburg was stopped for 1/2 hour because a tractor trailer ran completely off the road and was hanging off a cliff.
- I ate at a Famous Dave's (per my Dad's recommendation) outside of Nashville.
- I met some my Lambda Chi fraternity brothers in Memphis and stayed at their house for the night. I had to use our secret handshake to prove I was a brother.
Day 2-
-I crossed both the Tennessee and Mississippi River.
- Contacted a teammate who was also on the road and ended up being within an hour of each other on I-20.
-Made it to Van Horn, TX (1.5 hrs east of El Paso) and split a hotel with my teammate, the Days Inn (temp. 70)
- Woke up in Van Horne to snow and 35 degree weather.
Day -3
- Visited the City of Rocks in New Mexico. It was exactly was it sounds...a huge cluster of boulders that looks like a city.
- Tried to visit the Kurtchner Caverns in AZ but was too late to get a reservation on any of the tours.
-I made it to Tucson and dropped my stuff off after 8 hours of driving on day three and spent the night at a teammates apartment.
So that was my cross-country trip in a nutshell. Spring training has gotten off to a decent start. We've done lots of preparation for defense and hitting. As far as pitching goes, they split us up into 4 teams depending on your experience level. Within those 4 teams, they split all the pitchers into A or B groups. Every other day A's will throw a bullpen and vice versa for the B's. I've thrown one bullpen so far and it went well enough. I would have liked to have located my pitches a little better, but I try not put too much emphasis on the first bullpen of the spring. I will throw another tomorrow.
The hardest part about the first week of spring training is getting your "baseball legs" underneath you. Just wearing spikes for hours at a time and then doing running is enough to wear you out. I paid a visit to the hot/cold contrast tubs today to help wake the legs up. All of the position players start their first day tomorrow. What this means is that our days will gradually get longer until we start at 8ish and don't finish till about 3.
I got to go to bible study for the first time yesterday as well. There was quite a turn out and its always exciting to see some of my peers show interest in Christ the way I do. I am always taken back slightly when I hear what big leaguers have to say about how they believe in God. Its certainly refreshing to know that no how famous or common, we all worship the same God.
Day 1 -
- Route 81 near Blacksburg was stopped for 1/2 hour because a tractor trailer ran completely off the road and was hanging off a cliff.
- I ate at a Famous Dave's (per my Dad's recommendation) outside of Nashville.
- I met some my Lambda Chi fraternity brothers in Memphis and stayed at their house for the night. I had to use our secret handshake to prove I was a brother.
Day 2-
-I crossed both the Tennessee and Mississippi River.
- Contacted a teammate who was also on the road and ended up being within an hour of each other on I-20.
-Made it to Van Horn, TX (1.5 hrs east of El Paso) and split a hotel with my teammate, the Days Inn (temp. 70)
- Woke up in Van Horne to snow and 35 degree weather.
Day -3
- Visited the City of Rocks in New Mexico. It was exactly was it sounds...a huge cluster of boulders that looks like a city.
- Tried to visit the Kurtchner Caverns in AZ but was too late to get a reservation on any of the tours.
-I made it to Tucson and dropped my stuff off after 8 hours of driving on day three and spent the night at a teammates apartment.
So that was my cross-country trip in a nutshell. Spring training has gotten off to a decent start. We've done lots of preparation for defense and hitting. As far as pitching goes, they split us up into 4 teams depending on your experience level. Within those 4 teams, they split all the pitchers into A or B groups. Every other day A's will throw a bullpen and vice versa for the B's. I've thrown one bullpen so far and it went well enough. I would have liked to have located my pitches a little better, but I try not put too much emphasis on the first bullpen of the spring. I will throw another tomorrow.
The hardest part about the first week of spring training is getting your "baseball legs" underneath you. Just wearing spikes for hours at a time and then doing running is enough to wear you out. I paid a visit to the hot/cold contrast tubs today to help wake the legs up. All of the position players start their first day tomorrow. What this means is that our days will gradually get longer until we start at 8ish and don't finish till about 3.
I got to go to bible study for the first time yesterday as well. There was quite a turn out and its always exciting to see some of my peers show interest in Christ the way I do. I am always taken back slightly when I hear what big leaguers have to say about how they believe in God. Its certainly refreshing to know that no how famous or common, we all worship the same God.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Feb. 24, 2008 (Day 31) - Positive Strides
It's been a busy couple weeks. After buying my car, I've been spending the majority of my time continuing my preparation for the up-coming spring training. Now its the Tuesday before the Saturday that I start my cross country drive to Arizona. In the last few weeks I've made quite a few positive moves to get ready. The bullpens have continued to progress and the arm strength is where it needs to be. I'm happy with how well and injury free (knock on wood) I've been so far. The only complaint being a sore lower back which can most likely be attributed to the increase in baseball activities instead of just lifting weights.
Since I quit my painting job, I've seen quite an increase in my pitching lessons with my current clients wanting more lessons and new clients coming on board. I had been a bit apprehensive about making enough money to last me until I left, but it appears I've been blessed. So instead of working all day and then doing lessons, I've been able to work out in the morning, see my girlfriend at work and then go throw with my pitching coach and head to the indoor facility for lessons in the evening.
In the past week, I also had two different speaking engagements that I had been anxious to complete before I let. The first was a chance to give my testimony as the guest speaker at an Upwards Basketball end of year celebration ceremony. Although a bit nervous before it started, this opportunity proved to be a perfect way for God to work through me and speak through me in a way that I felt truly "spoke" to the audience. Numerous parents approached me after the ceremony, thanking me and telling me their own personal stories about how what I said affected them. As much as I enjoy church, the feeling I have after sharing my testimony in that fashion is incredibly powerful.
The second speech a gave was a chance to give back to my former high school baseball team and former teammate/current head coach of my high school. On Saturday, I was asked to be the guest speaker for my old high schools baseball camp. In addition, I lead the campers in the pitching portion of the program. This was equally as fulfilling in a slightly different way. Although not directly spiritual in nature, I feel that by giving the campers good advice and hopefully becoming someone they can look up to, then it is equally beneficial as a direct testimonial.
So now I have a few more days to get my life together before I leave...packing, organizing, and still throwing and training.
Since I quit my painting job, I've seen quite an increase in my pitching lessons with my current clients wanting more lessons and new clients coming on board. I had been a bit apprehensive about making enough money to last me until I left, but it appears I've been blessed. So instead of working all day and then doing lessons, I've been able to work out in the morning, see my girlfriend at work and then go throw with my pitching coach and head to the indoor facility for lessons in the evening.
In the past week, I also had two different speaking engagements that I had been anxious to complete before I let. The first was a chance to give my testimony as the guest speaker at an Upwards Basketball end of year celebration ceremony. Although a bit nervous before it started, this opportunity proved to be a perfect way for God to work through me and speak through me in a way that I felt truly "spoke" to the audience. Numerous parents approached me after the ceremony, thanking me and telling me their own personal stories about how what I said affected them. As much as I enjoy church, the feeling I have after sharing my testimony in that fashion is incredibly powerful.
The second speech a gave was a chance to give back to my former high school baseball team and former teammate/current head coach of my high school. On Saturday, I was asked to be the guest speaker for my old high schools baseball camp. In addition, I lead the campers in the pitching portion of the program. This was equally as fulfilling in a slightly different way. Although not directly spiritual in nature, I feel that by giving the campers good advice and hopefully becoming someone they can look up to, then it is equally beneficial as a direct testimonial.
So now I have a few more days to get my life together before I leave...packing, organizing, and still throwing and training.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Feb. 7, 2008 (Day 14) - Purchases
Life can be classified in terms of purchases, all aspects of it. This past week marked the start of Lent on Wednesday, the start of my pitching off the mound on Tuesday, and the start of my new car loan on Thursday. In many ways, each of these events represents a purchase of some kind.
I enjoy Lent, because it signifies a time in my life that I can recommit how I live my life to better act as Christ would want me to. For the past few years I've given up drinking any alcohol for lent. It's actually coincided nicely with the beginning of my training for the baseball season and subsequent spring training. I like to think that its no accident that the things I try do for God also help me achieve a goal that I hope is also God's goal for me. During Bible study this week, we descibed Lent as giving up some of our time and giving it to God. In a way, we are gladly paying or purchasing a more Christ-like life using our time (usually spent in unChristian was) as money. So in that light, in addition to giving up alcohol, I've decided to devote more time to reading the Bible. In fact, my commitment this Lent season is to read atleast a few chapters each day. It's only day 2 of Lent, but so far, so good.
The second 'purchase' of my week invovles time as well. I began throwing bullpens off the mound for the first time this Tuesday. I am no longer working for the painting subcontractor in the morning, so I have a lot more time to work out and also meet with my old high school pitching coach to work on my mechanics. I will be throwing off the mound with him on Tuesdays and Thursday until I leave. My first 2 'pens have gone very well. My arm isn't at its strongest point, but I"ve been happy with where I am at at this point. So, to prolong the metaphor, I am purchasing a stronger arm and better pitching mechanics with the extra time I've given up paiting to work out more and throw more often.
Finally, the real purchase of my week involved thousands of real american dollars...no metaphor needed. I bought a car this week. Its exactly what I'd been looking for and very excited to have a new ride to take me to tucson this year. It was a lot more money then I've ever spent on anything before, but once the shock of the sticker price wears off, I'll be nothing but happy with the car. It's a bit daunting having so many new expenses, but I figure now's as good a time as any to make a decision like this one. My payments aren't too bad, and if everything goes as planned, I'll just make payments while I'm away at ball and then hopefully pay it down a little better next off season.
Hopefully all of the purchases I've made this week will continue benefit me in the long run. I would say so far, they are designed to do just that.
I enjoy Lent, because it signifies a time in my life that I can recommit how I live my life to better act as Christ would want me to. For the past few years I've given up drinking any alcohol for lent. It's actually coincided nicely with the beginning of my training for the baseball season and subsequent spring training. I like to think that its no accident that the things I try do for God also help me achieve a goal that I hope is also God's goal for me. During Bible study this week, we descibed Lent as giving up some of our time and giving it to God. In a way, we are gladly paying or purchasing a more Christ-like life using our time (usually spent in unChristian was) as money. So in that light, in addition to giving up alcohol, I've decided to devote more time to reading the Bible. In fact, my commitment this Lent season is to read atleast a few chapters each day. It's only day 2 of Lent, but so far, so good.
The second 'purchase' of my week invovles time as well. I began throwing bullpens off the mound for the first time this Tuesday. I am no longer working for the painting subcontractor in the morning, so I have a lot more time to work out and also meet with my old high school pitching coach to work on my mechanics. I will be throwing off the mound with him on Tuesdays and Thursday until I leave. My first 2 'pens have gone very well. My arm isn't at its strongest point, but I"ve been happy with where I am at at this point. So, to prolong the metaphor, I am purchasing a stronger arm and better pitching mechanics with the extra time I've given up paiting to work out more and throw more often.
Finally, the real purchase of my week involved thousands of real american dollars...no metaphor needed. I bought a car this week. Its exactly what I'd been looking for and very excited to have a new ride to take me to tucson this year. It was a lot more money then I've ever spent on anything before, but once the shock of the sticker price wears off, I'll be nothing but happy with the car. It's a bit daunting having so many new expenses, but I figure now's as good a time as any to make a decision like this one. My payments aren't too bad, and if everything goes as planned, I'll just make payments while I'm away at ball and then hopefully pay it down a little better next off season.
Hopefully all of the purchases I've made this week will continue benefit me in the long run. I would say so far, they are designed to do just that.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Jan. 31, 2008 (Day 7) - Priorities
I've spent the last week trying to overcome a cold that has been hanging around for the past couple of weeks. I suppose the long hours I spend painting, followed by even more hours spent teaching pitching lessons, lifting, and throwing has begun to take its toll. My typical day begins at 6 am and doesn't end until I get home around 8pm. Although I am truly blessed to have such a consistent, well paying job as a painter, it is by no means easy work. In spite of the 7.5 hours of sleep I get a night, I am generally exhausted by the end of the day.
In addition to being physically taxing, with a month to go before I leave for Spring Training, the time constraint that working 45 hours a week puts on my personal pitching training has become prohibitive. So it is for these reasons that I've decided to ask my boss (and friend) if he'd accept my resignation a week early. I am ecstatic about the prospect of sleeping in, getting healthy, working out in the morning, pitching when High School lets out, and then get my lessons done earlier. I didn't come to this decision lightly. Instead, it came down prioritizing the different aspects of my life.
With a month to go, my focus must shift almost entirely on preparing for my upcoming baseball season. This extends to all aspects of my life: sleep, lifting, nutrition, bullpens, and frequency of pitching lessons. Obviously, my bank account will suffer some as I will rely solely on my pitcing lessons for income until I leave. Also, spending time with my family, friends, and girlfriend are also important to me as my departure nears. I pride myself in keeping close bonds with all of those I just mentioned and am determinded to make sure they know this, but at the same time, leave nothing to chance as I prepare. Without questions, my quest to be a big leaguers comes with many sacrifices, especially with regards to my family and significant other. I am blessed to be fully supported by both. It really is their support that allows me to maintain my focus where it needs to be, and for that, I am eternally thankful.
I am heading to visit my sister at college this weekend. Hopefully a small token of my appreciation.
I am excited to focus on only baseball.
In addition to being physically taxing, with a month to go before I leave for Spring Training, the time constraint that working 45 hours a week puts on my personal pitching training has become prohibitive. So it is for these reasons that I've decided to ask my boss (and friend) if he'd accept my resignation a week early. I am ecstatic about the prospect of sleeping in, getting healthy, working out in the morning, pitching when High School lets out, and then get my lessons done earlier. I didn't come to this decision lightly. Instead, it came down prioritizing the different aspects of my life.
With a month to go, my focus must shift almost entirely on preparing for my upcoming baseball season. This extends to all aspects of my life: sleep, lifting, nutrition, bullpens, and frequency of pitching lessons. Obviously, my bank account will suffer some as I will rely solely on my pitcing lessons for income until I leave. Also, spending time with my family, friends, and girlfriend are also important to me as my departure nears. I pride myself in keeping close bonds with all of those I just mentioned and am determinded to make sure they know this, but at the same time, leave nothing to chance as I prepare. Without questions, my quest to be a big leaguers comes with many sacrifices, especially with regards to my family and significant other. I am blessed to be fully supported by both. It really is their support that allows me to maintain my focus where it needs to be, and for that, I am eternally thankful.
I am heading to visit my sister at college this weekend. Hopefully a small token of my appreciation.
I am excited to focus on only baseball.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Jan. 24, 2008 (Day 1) - Preparation
"Only try to control the things that you actually can control. Worrying about all that is beyond your control is nothing more than a waste of time."
I regret not being able to recall who provided me with the previous statement. Something I regard now as the single most valuable piece of advice I've ever been given. If I were to add an addendum to the above, it would be "And allow God enough room to take care of the rest." It rings true in all aspects of life, but especially, I've found, in my line of work, professional baseball.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am your typical, 24 year old, college graduate from southeastern Virginia who has been playing baseball since I was 5 years old. As a strong left handed thrower who enjoyed being in control of the game, I began pitching at the age of 10 and continued this venture through high school and benefited from a scholarship to a division 1 college. After my junior year, I was offered a free agent deal that paid for my last year of school that I eagerly took; thus beginning my professional career. With the help of dedicated parents, coaches, and an inescapable drive to work harder than the competition, I have been able to chase my childhood dream of becoming a Major Leaguer. Currently, I am about a month away from heading back to Arizona for my third spring training where, God willing, I will be given another shot at another level higher at reaching the ultimate stage. This year is particularly exciting, because I feel as if I am in what can best be described as a "make or break situation." I've spent one successful year each in low single A, and high single A, and now I have a legitimate shot at getting out of A ball and into what I hope is the more even playing field of AA or higher.
As I referenced earlier, I have adopted the opening paragraph as my mantra for handling all life has to offer. If I were to add a second sentence to the above sentiments, it would be "and allow God to take care of the rest." In that light, I am currently working full time for a painting subcontractor 45 hours a week. Every day, I get off at 4 and head directly to the indoor baseball facility where I spend at least 3 hours each evening (5 nights a week) teaching pitching lessons, lifting weights, throwing bullpens, working on my mechanics, hitting, doing bunting drills, and preparing myself in the most comprehensive way possible for spring training. All the while trying to maintain a healthy relationship with my beautiful girlfriend of over a year, bible study, church, and even a little time for some relaxing and guitar playing. The reason I work so hard is because I can. It is something I can control. I can't change how the organization feels about me or if I am throwing hard enough, (the never ending pursuit of 90 can be discouraging sometimes) but I can make a difference in my preparation for the next season. Anything less than being in the best, strongest, most prepared shape of anyone else is camp would be unacceptable for me. Obviously the odds of making it to the Bigs are lower than most jobs, but I feel fortunate to be in the situation I am in with my organization because I can still "see a path" to the majors for me. I would be doing myself a disservice by not doing everything within my power to prepare myself to be the best pitcher I can be.
So I leave you today with this, my first entry in the blog. I feel this blog will be as beneficial for me as it will be for my family and friends to track my progress. I think it will allow me to keep the long season in perspective and better "control what I can control." (my attitude, my work ethic, and my spirit). Over a 142 games, its easy to get too caught up in the moment. My single A manager said "never get too high on highs and too low on the lows. "
I will do my best to update the blog at least twice a month but my goal is once a week.
Stay tuned and God bless.
I regret not being able to recall who provided me with the previous statement. Something I regard now as the single most valuable piece of advice I've ever been given. If I were to add an addendum to the above, it would be "And allow God enough room to take care of the rest." It rings true in all aspects of life, but especially, I've found, in my line of work, professional baseball.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am your typical, 24 year old, college graduate from southeastern Virginia who has been playing baseball since I was 5 years old. As a strong left handed thrower who enjoyed being in control of the game, I began pitching at the age of 10 and continued this venture through high school and benefited from a scholarship to a division 1 college. After my junior year, I was offered a free agent deal that paid for my last year of school that I eagerly took; thus beginning my professional career. With the help of dedicated parents, coaches, and an inescapable drive to work harder than the competition, I have been able to chase my childhood dream of becoming a Major Leaguer. Currently, I am about a month away from heading back to Arizona for my third spring training where, God willing, I will be given another shot at another level higher at reaching the ultimate stage. This year is particularly exciting, because I feel as if I am in what can best be described as a "make or break situation." I've spent one successful year each in low single A, and high single A, and now I have a legitimate shot at getting out of A ball and into what I hope is the more even playing field of AA or higher.
As I referenced earlier, I have adopted the opening paragraph as my mantra for handling all life has to offer. If I were to add a second sentence to the above sentiments, it would be "and allow God to take care of the rest." In that light, I am currently working full time for a painting subcontractor 45 hours a week. Every day, I get off at 4 and head directly to the indoor baseball facility where I spend at least 3 hours each evening (5 nights a week) teaching pitching lessons, lifting weights, throwing bullpens, working on my mechanics, hitting, doing bunting drills, and preparing myself in the most comprehensive way possible for spring training. All the while trying to maintain a healthy relationship with my beautiful girlfriend of over a year, bible study, church, and even a little time for some relaxing and guitar playing. The reason I work so hard is because I can. It is something I can control. I can't change how the organization feels about me or if I am throwing hard enough, (the never ending pursuit of 90 can be discouraging sometimes) but I can make a difference in my preparation for the next season. Anything less than being in the best, strongest, most prepared shape of anyone else is camp would be unacceptable for me. Obviously the odds of making it to the Bigs are lower than most jobs, but I feel fortunate to be in the situation I am in with my organization because I can still "see a path" to the majors for me. I would be doing myself a disservice by not doing everything within my power to prepare myself to be the best pitcher I can be.
So I leave you today with this, my first entry in the blog. I feel this blog will be as beneficial for me as it will be for my family and friends to track my progress. I think it will allow me to keep the long season in perspective and better "control what I can control." (my attitude, my work ethic, and my spirit). Over a 142 games, its easy to get too caught up in the moment. My single A manager said "never get too high on highs and too low on the lows. "
I will do my best to update the blog at least twice a month but my goal is once a week.
Stay tuned and God bless.
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