As I write to you once again, I can't help but post this time with smile on my face. There are several reasons as to why this is but they all come back to one thing in particular: satisfied. Satisfied with where I am, where I want to go, and the direction my life is headed. What an exciting time its been so far here in Australia...
I've found myself involved in several different roles; all of which I am enjoying thoroughly. It's been quite busy here lately with playing, coaching, and working but it's all been very rewarding. I'm sure that many have been interested in what I have been up to Down Under and I have strayed away from consistent postings.
A few weeks back, I was named to the playing roster for the Melbourne Aces in the new Australian Baseball League. The league can be accessed here. In case you aren't familiar with the ABL, it's a newly formed winter league that spans all of Australia. There are several guys with big league time in Pete Moylan, Trent Oltjen, Luke Hughes, and Ryan Rowland-Smith (to name a few) and although just beginning, is said to be one of the best winter leagues in the world. I have not been able to pitch for the squad yet as my responsibilities for Essendon have not allowed me to.
Much like last year, I am pitching for Essendon and starting the weekend games. I'm 3-1 with 30 innings under my belt. Many around the club have labeled me as a much different player and person this year...I'd like to think of this as a good thing. There is no doubt that I am much more confident this season; confident in who I am and where I want to be. My presence on the mound is seen and I am going after every hitter I face...with much more vengeance. You can view my current stats here.
I have had the luxury of coaching a pair of teams at the Essendon club as well. I am serving as the Head Coach of the U-14 Major League squad and like it more and more with each passing game. I've designed a website for the kids and its made a substantial amount of positive noise around the club. The website can be seen here.The kids are really coach-able and listen to what I say. I've been trying to let them have fun but still maintain a seriousness within the game. We've already run the hidden ball trick (for an out!) and stolen home (didn't work...). Also, I am coordinating the T-ball program and there was 40 kids at the last session on Friday night. This is a challenge in it's own...I never knew how difficult it was to keep 40 kids (ages 4-10) entertained and happy! I'm sure they are enjoying our Friday night sessions as much as I am working with them. There isn't much better in this world than seeing a kid smile in delight after getting their first ever hit or watching the kids make friends with others in what may be the start of a life-long friendship. I see a lot of myself as a kid when I work with these kids...
They often say that everything happens for a reason. I find it to be a pretty overused statement but I can't help but wonder...would I have ever had this great opportunity if I had never been injured? Would Australia ever know me or would I have ever been able to spread my wings and fly over here? Am I better off for the person I am today? My window of opportunity sure isn't over and although my dream was deferred, my new path towards it has been a blessing in its own. I've learned to love who I am and now understand what it takes to be happy in this world.
I think there is no doubt I am a better person. I see myself as so much more seasoned and knowledgeable. The lessons I have learned have been beneficial to my life as a person and a player. I'm sure that I am a better friend, teammate, and family member for it. I can only smile and believe that I will one day be a better coach, father, and husband for it too.
I'm leaving for the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday and will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a few American friends from Virginia Wesleyan...Go Marlins! It's going to be a ripping time but I'm sure there will still be a little missing as this is my first ever Thanksgiving away from home. I know that I will be thinking at home on this day and can't wait to see everyone home soon. In the mean time, I'll continue trying to make my mark on this world...one positive step at a time...
God Bless.
