It has not been an easy journey for sure. Just one that I have made happen through diligence, hard work and determination.I remember sitting in class when I was in middle school and having the teacher ask what we wanted to do when we grew up. The usual answers were seen in regards to lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc. I vividly remember standing up and saying that I wanted to play baseball for a living. The teacher kind of scoffed and he asked that I kindly rethink my decision.
I was slightly embarrassed, but he just stated what seemed obvious to everyone else. I was the shortest kid in class and didn't have an ounce of muscle on my body. In theory he was probably right, but I couldn't take his deterrent as an insult. Just like he had his opinion, I had mine. I knew what my goal in life was.
It is true that I have never played in the big leagues or gotten any higher than good minor league baseball. I have never made the type of money that many probably thought I have either.
I know the facts when it comes to that.
But, I also know what it feels like to play in front of a few thousand fans. I know what it feels like to give away a few baseballs away to make a kids day. I even know what the long bus rides, countless hours of shagging batting practice and charting in the stands really entails.It is not about the stardom of being a big leaguer that really drives me though. In fact, it never really has. I have not settled; just have an overwhelming feeling of being happy with where I am and where I have come from.
It is the feeling that I get sitting by my locker, knowing that I've done everything in power to make my dreams come true. I don't need the approval of someone else to make me feel like my walk in life is justified.
As for baseball here in Europe, I made my 2013 debut with a seven inning outing against the reigning champions of the Austrian Baseball League and European Cup qualifier, Vienna Wanderers. I struck out 11 in the outing and overcame some early wildness to limit the opposition to a handful of hits. We won the game 7-6 and currently sit in first place with a 4-1 record.I have been able to get a few at-bats and despite the early rust, hit my first ever home run in our last series against the Wr. Neustadt Diving Ducks. Hitting a homerun has been the one thing that I have always wanted to experience.
Fittingly enough it happened this year.
Thank you to Stockerau for giving me this wonderful opportunity.
God Bless.
