Cedar Rapids Kernels pitcher is someone every Twins fan should root for. 25-year-old Tommy John and independent league survivor who has a medical condition that could end his career literally at any time.

 

http://thegazette.com/subject/sports/blogs/diamonds-and-ice-by-jeff-johnson/for-kernels-pitcher-velez-any-day-on-the-field-could-be-his-last-20150530

 

 

Jeff, I saw this article on my facebook page an immediately read it. Now, I'm encouraging EVERYONE to please read the article.

 

While I was in Ft. Myers this spring, taking a lot of pictures, I got a note from Brock telling me that one of the players was asking if I had taken any pictures of him. I hadn't, but the next day, I think I took about 20-25 pictures of him, pitching in the bullpen, doing PFPs, standing around with teammates. 

 

I tagged him in those pictures on Facebook and you can find those pictures on the Twins Daily or my personal facebook pages.

 

Anyway, the next day, I went over and introduced myself, right after he had run their shuttle runs after their first full minor league workout. He looked tired, but not excessively. After reading this story, I'm completely in awe of that. 

 

Velez was so complimentary, so thankful for the opportunity. He mentioned that he played in the same league as DJ Johnson was signed out of. It was a 5 minute conversation, and now after this article, I'm honored to say I've met him!

 

Sounds dramatic, right? Well, this is a great article. Jeff is a tremendous writer for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Be sure to follow him on Twitter too!

Great article, JJ!

 

I always say that so many of these guys make it so easy to hope they succeed, but a story like Velez' really stands out.