Scout Day

Tuesday was the MLB scout day, but it seemed like the lack of scout day. There couldn’t have been scouts from more than three teams present. The day quickly turned into a day of evaluation for all of the ball players, coaches and teams participating this month. We ran the 60-yard dash, and I did a 6.9 against the wind, which is a solid run. Afterward, the infielders took ground balls followed by one at-bat against live pitching. I went 1-for-1 with a line drive single hit to left field in a 14 pitch at-bat. I believe I turned some heads, and I did everything I could to show the coaches my skills of the game.

The past two games, my swing has felt much better, and I think it’s almost there. I just wish I could find a hole once in a while.

Feb. 18 & 19

Feb. 18

I think I am finally coming out of my slump. I have gotten support and encouragement from so many people close to me, and I know that whatever happens in the end is the way it should be. I believe God has a plan for me and that I will make it through this experience.

Today at the park, playing was fun again. Lately I have put so much stress on myself that I forgot why we play in the first place; because it’s fun and we love it. Today I went 1-for-3 with a walk. I’ve finally figured out how I need to swing, and it felt like the swing I used to have. I can’t wait to go out and play tomorrow!

Feb. 19

Today was another good day. It’s nice to be excited to play again. No matter the outcome, I’m going to be OK. I went 1-for-2 with an RBI single, a hit-by-pitch, and a bunt. I made all my plays on defense and had an all-around good game. Tomorrow is a much needed day off, and scout day is Tuesday, February 21^st.

Feb. 17

Wednesday was another rough day. I was at my breaking point and felt I could lose it soon if things didn’t change. It was also the eighth game of our 16-game schedule; the halfway point. Baseball is all about “what have you done for me lately,” and I have to remember the words of my father and coach “it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish.”

Wednesday I was in my head too much, yesterday I had a totally different mindset. I was going to swing the bat early and often; I’m here to hit! I have one of the best swings on the team, and it’s time to prove it. Today I played with confidence. My first three at-bats ended in two walks and a hit-by-pitch. My fourth and final at-bat, I swung at the first pitch which was a fastball, and hit a line drive into right field.

Baseball is the hardest, strangest game there is. Sometimes one hit is all it takes to break the slump. All I know is that today I’m going to show these guys what I can do, and I’m going to hit. I came here to get into the majors, and that is exactly what I’m going to do.

Feb. 15

I honestly believe I have the best roommate in the entire league. Last night he dragged me out after I laid in bed all day feeling sorry for myself about the last few games. We had a great Monday night in Yuma, and it helped me get my mind off baseball for a while.

This morning started with batting practice and afterward Jorge, our team manager, told me “Hey man, it’s not about how you start; it’s about how you finish.”

Feb. 13

I’m in baseball darkness right now. I have turned this game we play for fun as children into so much more. I have put so much pressure on myself to succeed that I’m suffocating on the field. I keep thinking, I have so many people back home that I can’t let down. I have involved so many people in my journey-- from my parents, to strength trainers, to hitting coaches. Friends and family have supported my efforts out here, and I feel like if I don’t do well, I have failed. I have one month for the rest of my life. I get 30 at-bats and haven’t seen a live pitch in nearly six months, and I have to prove to scouts that I deserve a contract, that I deserve to play. You hit or you go home empty handed. This game is hard enough on its own without adding that kind of pressure to each player, and if you fail, it’s like putting yourself in a deep dark hole that you’ll never get out of. I have to remember that I play because I love it, and I’m chasing my dream because I’ve been given a rare opportunity that not many people get. Maybe I’ve already succeeded in chasing my dream by not giving up.

I have nine games left to make something happen.

Feb. 9

It was a humbling game. It proves that in baseball you can be on top of the world on day and in the gutter the very next. This is the only sport where if you fail 7 out of 10 times, you are still an All-Star.

I’ve prepared, worked hard and am confident in my ability, but sometimes baseball has a different idea. You can’t explain or rationalize it, and the more you try the crazier it will make you. All I can do now is go back and give it my best tomorrow and keep reminding myself that the worst day on the ball field is still better than the best day in the office.