Last summer ended with me being released from the Southern Illinois Miners and I spent the off-season working as a pitching instructor with High Heat Baseball Academy and a media relations director at UMES. I've had the chance to step away from the game this past winter; a strategy that I used to relax and clear my head. In the time that I spent working with High Heat, I met several people that have made a big impact on my life. From the kids, to the parents, to instructors, the organization is the real deal. I’m thankful to don the blue and white.
As for my baseball career, I knew after last summer that I needed a break from ball in the United States. Whether it was being traded in the middle of the night, to failing a physical or even getting released … I was over it. I was also caught up in the job security game and found myself in the middle of a very stressful way of living. The baseball season could not have ended quick enough.
After the whole ordeal, I figured that it was time to trade my jersey in for an office job. My thoughts all led me to this conclusion as it seemed like the only logical choice at the time.
Soon enough, though, baseball crept back into my life. The good thoughts came running back into my head.
I remembered dancing in the clubhouse, celebrating wins and after game festivities with the team. It was the positive memories that really propelled me to want to give baseball another go. There was no more negativity. Just a final decision.
I needed baseball in my life. I needed to give it one last go.
One more chance to walk away on a good note.
A “victory” lap if you will.
Fast forward several months and I find myself on a plane bound for Vienna, Austria. I’ve signed to pitch with the Stockerau Cubs in the Austrian Baseball League. Soon enough, I will be completely involved with European baseball. The structure of the club is much like that in club baseball in Australia. There is an elite division with several feeder teams beneath it. There is also a youth program and women’s team.
As for the baseball, the level of competition is not on the same level as it is in the United States. That is okay though, because I’m excited about the travels and friendships ahead. I’ve heard a lot of great things about baseball over here in the fact that it’s team-oriented, relaxing and fun. The clubs are thirsty for championships and although everyone wants to win, playing the game right is what really matters. It sounds so much like club baseball in Australia, and I know how much I enjoyed every bit of pitching two years with Essendon.
So here I am just flying over Ireland at 6 a.m. local time. As I look out the window, I'm excited about the prospects ahead. I know this is where I am supposed to be at this point of my life. It's all about making the right decisions.
And I know for me, it is playing baseball in Europe this summer.
God Bless.
