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Hey Columbus Sports Fans!

 Last Friday I was called up for a one-day trip with the major league team.  Every now and then minor league pitchers are called up to play a backup role if some of the regular starters or relievers can’t perform all of the projected innings or pitch counts.  I’m not exactly sure why I was called up, but nevertheless I was on my way to my first big league experience.

 First, I would like to point out that everything at the major league level is as good as talked about or even imagined.  For one day I got to experience the “Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous”. Even though I am not necessarily into all of the materialistic things that can be connected to baseball, it was great to feel and play at the top level with some of the best players in the world. The game this particular day was in Fort Myers against the always powerful Boston Red Sox.

 To start my day, I parked in the players’ parking lot, which is protected by a gated fence and two security guards. I don’t even want to begin talking about the different types of high priced cars in the lot. I proceeded into the clubhouse where a chef was on hand to prepare any kind of breakfast food you could want, and at any quantity. Next, we put our bags and equipment on the bus.  However, little did I know that we didn’t even have to touch our bags for there were four men loading everything onto the bus for us.  All I had to do was pack. We then proceeded on a two-and-a-half hour bus ride to Fort Myers. As the bus started rolling I realized I was sitting behind Vernon Wells and directly across from Adam Lind, two of the Blue Jays most powerful hitters and highest paid players.  While driving, I overheard stories about the players’ cars, clothes, the NCAA Basketball Tournament, and of course, gambling. If you didn’t know, playing cards is a big part of passing the time with baseball players.

 We showed up to the Red Sox spring training facility a few hours before the game. I got myself a locker in our clubhouse and tried to stay out of everyone’s way. I changed into my practice gear and went into the kitchen area where there were plenty of choices for snacks provided. On my way to the kitchen, a man handed me a $50 dollar bill.  Apparently that is the per diem paid each day at the major league level.  Not bad I guess.  We went out to the field for batting practice two hours before the game, and there were already hundreds of Red Sox fans wanting autographs and baseballs. We all went out and stretched as a team, which was kind of a joke compared to the well-structured stretching routine in the Minor Leagues. However, there were no complaints heard from me. We proceeded through batting practice, which was pretty much a home run derby, and headed back into the clubhouse for lunch.  With all of the food I’d seen up to this point, I can see why there are so many overweight baseball players.

 As game-time approached, the four relief pitchers (including myself) headed out to the bullpen.  The Red Sox lineup was composed of a majority of their everyday starters including David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, and Mike Lowell. Jon Lester was the starting pitcher and was later relieved by Jonathan Papelbon and he was followed by Hideki Okajima. Needless to say, it was a great game to get called up for. Our starting pitcher, Brett Cecil pitched five scoreless and only gave up one hit. Going into the 9^th inning we were winning 2-0. Just as things seemed like they were going to end well for the Jays, we gave up three runs in the last inning to lose 3-2.  Unfortunately I didn’t get to pitch at all in the game, but just the experience in itself was unforgettable.

 After the game we all quickly showered and indulged ourselves in yet another food spread that was laid out for us.  At the end of the day, there is no way that any player could still be hungry.  We packed up our bags and they were once again taken to the bus for us. As we walked out of the clubhouse there were hundreds of fans still waiting for pictures and autographs. I didn’t want to jump in and start signing everything, considering I am still a minor league player, but I signed a few here and there, and proceeded to the bus. It would have taken at least an hour to sign an autograph for everyone. I guess I now can empathize with the players that don’t sign something for every single fan.

 Our ride back seemed fairly short, but it didn’t really matter. I had just experienced what it is like to be at the top.  It’s a great feeling and one I can definitely get used to, but there are still several steps that I have to take to make consistent appearances at that level. I know that I will have to take advantage of my opportunities, work to my strengths, and everything else should work itself out. Thanks for reading fans!

Tags: boston red sox, major league baseball, minor league baseball, toronto blue jays