Throughout my journey in baseball, I've dealt with a fair share of adversity. Whether it be the head injury I sustained, being released or overcoming fear, nothing has ever been really easy.
It's an experience that I have been able to grow under; one that has helped define the person that I am now.
My journey in professional baseball has seen its fair share of support. But, it's also seen a ton of displeasure, jealousy and sharp criticism. If I had a dollar for every time I have been told to grow up, get a real job or settle down and do something worthwhile, I would surely be richer than I am now.
Independent baseball is a unique agency in its own. The money isn't that great, travel is sometimes rough and facilities are not always up to standard. The media has a hard time committing to an unaffiliated team. Fans want "real" players and communities want the superstars they see on TV.
Truth is...not all of us will ever be that superstar, we aren't all the highly touted prospects you see in the media.
So, when I hear the words of needing to grow up and pursue a real job, it does make a bit of sense. I can admit that their words do make sense.
But, the great thing about this country is that you can be whoever you want.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You have the ability to achieve your own levels of happiness and some peoples' trash may be another's treasure. Variance is wanted in the workplace and the only thing that is consistent is the inconsistency.
This is why I love standing up to the naysayers and going against what all seems to make sense. Who drops out of graduate school for a chance to play baseball? Why would someone continue to fight for something that seems so far against the odds? What person in their right mind would leave a full-time job to pursue a childhood dream?
Me.
Life is more to me than money, fame or fortune. It's about going after something with your heart; to stare challenge in the face. I love being the underdog and with everything I overcome, my character is only strengthened.
So to those who reveal your displeasure with my journey in baseball, thank you. You're the ones that have allowed me to realize what makes me happy in my life. You've helped guide me towards what my priorities are in life, what thing I need to continue doing to bring me satisfaction. It's your challenge that I need as that extra push.
By the way, I recently signed with the Shaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League. The team is located right outside of Chicago, Ill., and my dream towards Major League Baseball continues on in the Midwest.
Perhaps Frank Sinatra said it best in the song "My Kind of Town",
"And each time I roam, Chicago is calling me home
Chicago is why I grin just like a clown
It's my kind of town."
I'll see you in Chicago.
God Bless.
