Day 1

Today was the first day as an official employee of the Atlanta Braves. Kinda cool.

It was an easy day today because I’m new and they didn’t expect much out of me and wanted me to watch how the organization goes. Well I watched some fundamentals, played catch, and ran. Day over at 11.

There was supposed to be a game today that we watch but the rain came and they have to play a double header tomorrow.

It’s interesting shagging batting practice without being able to hit. I’m not sure how I feel about it yet – and tomorrow I have my first bullpen so I guess that’ll show these guys if I’m worth being down here or not.

It’s different but it’s only been a day so of course it’s going to be an experience the first day.

Full Circle

When I had nowhere to play after I left Indiana State – I received interest from Missouri Baptist University. It was my first visit of an NAIA school and I chose not to attend. I remained friends with their coaching staff and after two years of playing against the Spartans they invited me to a small workout at their field.

There were two Atlanta Braves scouts there and fortunately for me they liked me enough to want to have a follow up workout.

Instead of a follow up workout the scout, Terry Tripp, called me on June 28th to offer me a free agent contract with the team. Reporting to Orlando, FL isn’t the easiest but the journey has begun.

I had an interesting feeling when I went back to Missouri Baptist thinking about how I went in a complete circle for my NAIA career. Yesterday and today will be filled with driving to Florida but it is certainly worth it. There have already been some interesting occurrences on the road but when I know I’m safe in Orlando we can discuss those.

🙂

Days Gone By

Well today was the second day of the MLB draft featuring rounds 3-10. I thought I had an outside chance at being taken at the end of today but it didn’t happen.

Tomorrow rounds 11-40 are on the slate. I think this will be my best chance of getting a call from a team. When I went to Cincinnati for my last workout, I met a lot of good players. I think 7 or 8 of those guys were picked up today which tells me I was in good company.

I know if those guys can get their chance then I can get mine. When someone calls tomorrow I know they will be making the right choice by giving me a chance. Then, it is up to me to take the most of the chance that they have given me. It’s all still very exciting and an opportunity that not many kids think about having.

I remember last year I was just hoping to have an outside chance at someone signing me after the draft. Now that I have seen the players who get taken above me I know for sure that I can play with these guys. Anyways, I’m hopeful that tomorrow is the day something will happen.

Accolades

Recently I have been awarded a couple cool accolades. I was named a member of the Capital One Academic All-American team for my schoolwork and a Second Team All-American for my performance on the field. Pretty cool.

As I think about the work and effort put into trying to make the team I think it’s cool that I got named to these teams. It’s fun to be a part of them but in my eyes they don’t mean much if this weekend doesn’t play out. They are cool resume footnotes but they are more of a stepping stone to an ultimate goal.

The political nature of the awards for baseball achievement intrigue me also. I have no idea who votes on these awards or how someone becomes nominated for them.

Anyways, I’m pumped about the awards but more importantly looking forward to see how this weekend plays out. The week should be relaxing without any workouts but hopefully things pickup soon with baseball.

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