Article: Introduction and Off-Season : Ryan O'Rourke

[StreetOfFire]

First off, I would like to give a thank you to Seth Stohs and the rest of the Twins Daily writers for giving me the opportunity to post here about my life as a Minor League player in the Twins organization.

 

My name is Ryan O'Rourke. I was born, grew up and still live in Worcester, Massachusetts. I also attended Merrimack College which is about 45 minutes away from my hometown. I graduated Merrimack College and was fortunate enough to be selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 13th round which has been my biggest accomplishment to date.

 

I would describe my travels through the minors so far as being adventurous. I have met some great players, coaches, staff etc. and I have no complaints so far with anything. When Seth asked me to write my first post I was at a bit of a stand still on what should be my first topic. Do I talk about myself before the Twins (that may be a little boring for you readers), some of the best places I have played, or do I keep the timeline accurate and speak on my off-season? After some deliberation with some fellow teammates, I decided to talk a little about the life of a minor leaguer in the off-season months. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

 

But first, a little about me. I attended Merrimack College located in North Andover, Massechusetts, which is more known for the hockey than the baseball. I played 3 years of baseball and was a finalist for the Tino Martinez Award (MVP for Division 2) and I won a Gold Glove in my last season. From there, I left with a degree in Finance and Philosophy. I had a job lined up at a firm near Boston after the academic year, but the Twins called my name and I was more than happy to trade that job in for baseball. In the past two offseasons, I have decided to put my degree to use and work in the finance field.

 

This offseason proved to be easier than the last in attaining employment. When I returned home in September, I had a few interviews already lined up with companies in Massachusetts. After going on the first two interviews, both places had offered me a 6 month position, but I still had other places to visit. I took a risk and declined those offers because the last interview was at the company I wanted. I guess I did well enough because I was offered the position and have been working here since September.

 

The days are long and hard especially when I am trying to train for the upcoming season. A normal day consists of getting to work by 8:30 and staying there until 5. Once 5 comes, I am out the door and driving to the gym to lift, throw or run depending on the specific day. That will usually take me to around 8 and from there I am on my way home for dinner. After dinner, it is around 9 p.m. and time for bed. I know, this isn't the most exciting life, but I like it because of the simplicity.

 

Other than training at the workout facility, I have also taken up heated yoga. Yes... Me, a 23 year old, 6'3' non-flexible baseball player does heated yoga. I have to say that I have noticed a difference after doing it for 6 months. Not only am I a little more flexible, I also feel like I can concentrate and focus a little better. The only tough part about yoga is that I am the "worst" student in the class. By worst, I mean that there are some positions I cannot do so I have to struggle to look less awkward. Being competitive, it is tough for me to look around and see 50 year old women giggling at me because of my inability to do basic poses.

 

Well folks, that is my off-season in a nutshell. Work 45 hours a week, lift/run/throw about 25 hours a week and the rest gets put to sleep, fantasy football or an occasional night out with friends. I am excited for my second go at Spring Training which is less than a week from now. I hope that some of you leave some comments or send me a message about what you would like to hear, read etc.

 

Also you can follow me on Twitter @StreetOfFire https://twitter.com/#!/StreetOfFire

 

or my own personal blog http://www.thedailys...d.blogspot.com/

 

Signing off....Ryan O'Rourke

Download attachment: ORourke.jpg

photo by JimCrikket

 

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