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AJPettersen

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Blog Entries posted by AJPettersen

  1. AJPettersen
    Hopefully this story can bring you a little cheer for the holiday season, baseball season is right around the corner, hang in there!
     
    While we all expected Miguel Sano to debut last season, we are still waiting to see him at Target Field. Having played with him for about 250 games, I have seen him do some incredible things. Here is why I am excited to see him in a Twins Uniform and also why I think you will love watching him play in Minneapolis for many years.
     
    This is a two part story and it is probably my favorite memory from my time playing with Sano.
    It started in Fort Myers playing the St. Louis Cardinals High-A affiliate, Palm Beach. We were down a couple of runs late in the game when Sano came up with the bases loaded. A penchant for dramatic situations, he promptly launched a grand slam deep into the Florida night off of this lanky, slinging righty. He probably stood at home plate a little too long and neither the pitcher, nor the opposing pitching coach, liked that very much. They exchanged words as he crossed home and later as he trotted out to the field the next inning. Things settled and the event ended without anything further. We all had thought it was over.
     
    Fast forward two weeks and we were in Palm Beach playing the Cardinals at their place. We had a big lead early in the game and the lanky, slinging righty came out of the pen for some mopup innings. Sano was the first batter he faced. All of us had forgotten what had happened a couple of weeks prior, except the pitcher, pitching coach…and of course, Sano.
     
    The pitcher proceeded to throw the first pitch right at his head, missing only slightly. Throwing at one of our top prospects wasn’t ok, so some choice words were exchanged between dugouts and the field. Sano stepped out calmly, stared down the pitching coach and the pitcher and stepped back in. When the count got to 3-1, the lanky righty threw a meatball and Sano angrily launched a towering blast to left center, spiked his bat, stood at home, and screamed a mix of expletives in English and in Spanish before walking towards first base. He was immediately ejected, which made Doug explode from his third base coach’s box.
     
    The picture that is seared into my memory is Sano coming around third, a look of anger mixed with a smirk, as Doug is being ejected just inside the foul line.
     
    I have never seen someone hit home runs on command like Miguel does.
     
    That memory is one of many reasons I am excited to see Sano in Minneapolis. Not only is he a bubbly personality and a genuinely nice guy, he cares and he will bring a ton of excitement to the Twins, I know you will agree when you get the chance to see him play next summer. I promise you won’t be disappointed, he is worth the wait.
     
    I wrote an article for the Prospect Handbook with a few lasting memories and lessons learned through my time in pro ball, it is being released soon, so check it out when it is!
  2. AJPettersen
    I awake with sore hands and forearms, worry and stress cause me to clench my fists while I sleep-an outward manifestation of an inward feeling. My body tenses up in a reaction to the stresses of life. The only way I am able to defend against my stress reaction is through letting go, through surrendering. The truth is-open hands are always better than clenched fists.
     
    I cut through the Florida morning fog on the way to the complex and see the sun rising over empty fields. I walk into the clubhouse to over 100 peers. Over 100 teammates. Over 100 opportunities. This small space packed full of dreamers used to be chaos to all my senses, but now it appears different. I have changed its meaning.
     
    I have dreamed of playing big games on big stages since I was a kid, but the more I play, the more I realize that the journey has been the dream all along. Recently I have wondered if the journey is about more than me. I would love to make a career out of baseball in the big leagues, it is something I strive for, but what if it's about something more? What if I could be a small piece of someone else's dream? What if a little encouragement or advice could help them make a career out of playing in the big leagues? How cool would that be?
     
    I return home to see my parents have arrived-they are on vacation from Minnesota. They greet with smiles and hugs. Their presence reminds me of the wisdom they have shown throughout my life.
     
    My mom has struggled to see me fail over and over, but she let it happen because she knew I needed to learn. She has an incredible heart and she constantly reminds me that I ought to strive to have a heart like that for others.
     
    My dad still texts me before games and reminds me to play free. He knows that in the letting go, I am able to be my best. When I free myself of stress, worries and angst, I play differently.
     
    What if everyone let go and worked, learned or played freely? What if we set aside our own stresses and concerned ourselves with the stresses of others? What would that look like?
     
    I lay my head down for the night and mark a successful day because my journey has taken an unexpected, profound twist that has left it with far more meaning than before.
    Follow me on Twitter this year! @apettersen1
  12. AJPettersen
    The “typical” day in the offseason is quite a bit different from those during the season. I put typical in quotations because not many days are the same for me. My wife and I spend most of our time in Rochester, MN, where she is a nurse at St. Marys Hospital. Today she worked from 7:00-7:30pm, here’s how my day went…
     
    At 5:40, Emily (my wife) wakes up to get ready for work, I grunt, roll over and fall back to sleep until a little after 6:00. Twenty minutes later, I give Emily a ride to the hospital.
     
    On the way home I stop in at Best Buy to grab a cord we were missing for our surround sound.
     
    When I get back it’s time for coffee, breakfast and catching up on some TV shows on Netflix. Today I checked out a show called “Undeclared.” I liked it, so I will probably finish watching the 17 episodes…in about a week.
     
    After I am sufficiently awake (about 8:15), I head over to the computer to see what writing jobs I have to complete for the day. Today I had some freelance blog work for two different sites and editing to do on other articles. I take frequent breaks to do tasks around the apartment-cleaning, making the bed, doing dishes, etc. I am a utility guy year-round.
     
    Then it is time to head out for my rehab appointment. I have been dealing with a wrist injury for some time and I recently started rehab to resolve the issue. I meet with the therapist, Marge, at 11:20.
     
    After rehab, I am off to workout. Today’s exercises include plyometrics, a full body lift, prehab and stretching.
     
    On the way home, I stop at Target to get some chicken for dinner and special pens for wedding ‘Thank Yous.’ I always wonder what they think when I buy two completely unrelated items. I return home around 3:30 and get back on the keyboard. Feeling rather productive, I get through a few more blogs and articles, and then start dinner.
     
    I am getting better at timing the food, but still stink at it. I try to finish cooking dinner around 7:15, but usually end up somewhere within 20 minutes on either side of that target.
     
    After putting the chicken in the oven, it’s time for mental training. This consists of something different every day. Today I am doing some meditation and visualization.
     
    I leave to pick up Emily around 7:20 and we eat dinner when we get back. Honey mustard curry BBQ chicken and brown rice is on the docket. I try to switch it up most nights.
     
    After dinner, Emily and I usually sit on the couch to watch one of our Netflix shows. The show we love to hate right now is 90210. The acting is awful and the story line is average, but it gives us an excuse to not pay attention. We end up chatting and tuning into the episode here and there.
     
    About 9:15 we get ready to go to sleep. I turn on the humidifier, secretly open the window so Emily doesn’t know and jump into bed.
     
    This concludes what the most typical day looks like for me. Each one of my teammates and friends who play ball has a different schedule in the offseason. We all spend time preparing ourselves for next year, but how we spend the rest of our day varies.
    Right now I am writing for this site, Moneyning.com and Baseballamerica.com.
    Moneyning is great if you are interested in learning more about personal finance, my posts go up every Wednesday.
    I just wrote my first article for Baseball America and it should be on the site sometime soon.
    Follow me on Twitter @apettersen1!
  14. AJPettersen
    Being a minor league baseball player has taught me to be an expert packer. I travel with a baseball bag and a backpack, what goes into my backpack has to serve a purpose because everything takes up space and there isn’t very much of it.
     
    Game Glove
    My glove gets treated well. I often use the phrase, "treat your glove well and it will treat you well." On airplanes it is carried on, if it is a passenger in my car it usually rides shotgun. Ask many infielders and they will tell you something similar.
     
    Electronics
    What did minor leaguers do before technology? I don't think I want to know. My Ipad gives me the internet, games and more while on the road. A wireless keyboard allows me to type articles on the run. My Ipod has 4000 songs at the touch of a button.
     
    Reading Materials
    I always travel with a book and my Bible. Right now my book is Wild at Heart. Reading is a great way to spend quality time on the bus and during locker room/hotel free time.
     
    Clothing
    Clothing is less important to minor league trips than it is to typical travel. I pack one or two outifts for a road trip. This includes the one on my back on travel day. Before you tell me that's dirty, keep in mind I am at the field for around 8 hours a day. This means I only wear my outfit for 6-8 hours each day. Clothing is the item that takes up the most room in my backpack, it needs to be packed with intent. If it isn’t going to be worn, it isn't making the trip.
     
    Miscellaneous Items
    An empty water bottle is a must. Staying hydrated on the road is vital. Sleeping on the bus is difficult at times, so I include a pillow and an eye cover. This ensures that I am always well rested.
     
    A bag of toiletries rounds out my travel bag for roadtrips. I travel light and keep things simple. Others travel with a couple of bags, while I prefer not to.
     
    How would you pack for a road trip if you were a minor leaguer? Is there anything else you would include?
     
    Follow me for the back end of the 2012 season! @apettersen1
  18. AJPettersen
    Baseball dominates a lot of our time in Beloit, so when we have a day off, we are left without an idea of what to do. An early game yesterday followed by an off day left me with loads of free time, but no clue how to fill it. What could I do to fill a day without baseball?
     
    I woke up early to help Jhonathan Goncalves make a trip to the dentist. He is one of the happiest and nicest guys I have ever met. I was friend/teammate/translator for the morning. The best way to learn a language is to speak it, even if I am constantly botching sentences.
     
    After the dentist I returned back to my host family’s home to find coffee still in the pot. Adam is still in bed? A few minutes later he rolled out of bed, no need to wake up and get moving without a game I suppose.
     
    I called my grandma. When I asked how she was, she responded, “I’m still above the grass,” she’s always making me laugh.
     
    I decided laundry couldn’t be a bad idea. Three weeks of dirty clothes are starting to pile up in my closet. Can’t ignore the fact that I have worn the same outfit for three straight days. College taught me that all the clothes can go in the washer together. Why separate them?
     
    After having some leftovers, a few skittles and more coffee for lunch, it was time to find something to do. Knitter, linguist and Picasso-like pitcher Tim Shibuya was bored and gave Adam a call. He lives in Janesville, but doesn’t have a car. After a few lefts, rights and u-turns, we picked up Shibuya and Steve Gruver.
     
    Back at our house we found that four 20-somethings with a lot of time and no idea what to do could only lead to one thing…Call of Duty. I did a lot more losing than winning. Adam was clearly the front runner in the video gaming.
     
    I chatted with my dad, he will be making the trip to Cedar Rapids this week. It’s nice being close enough to home for my family and friends to come to a few games.
     
    Steve, Tim, Adam and my host dad went out for some fishing in the creek in our backyard while I talked to my fiancé about her day.
     
    A little home cooking marked the end of a successful off day. My host mom cooked lasagna with garlic bread. They treat us like we have lived here forever. I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the family.
     
    We are off tomorrow morning for a three game road series.
     
    What do you want to know about my minor league experience? Tweet at me: @apettersen1
  19. AJPettersen
    We just finished up a three game set in South Bend, IN. Although the series didn't end the way we wanted (we lost two of three), I wanted to share some of the trip.
     
    Thursday-Hecklers
     
    We arrived in South Bend around noon for a 7 ET game. I wasn't sure what to expect of the stadium and was pleasantly surprised to see turf covering everything except the mound and the bases. Playing a number of games at the Metrodome in my career I felt right at home. A large jumbotron covered the scoreboard in right-center field and the stands stretched around the complex.
     
    I was in the lineup as the left fielder, which led to my first heckling experience as an outfielder. I watched a week ago as JD Williams was yelled at an entire game by a group of guys celebrating a bachelor party in Clinton, Iowa. I was lucky enough to have four guys calling me names throughout the night. I enjoyed the heckling, but was slightly disappointed the crew didn't come better prepared. During a break in the game one guy blurted out, "Hey number one, you'll never make it to the big leagues..." I waited for his reasoning, "...Cuz you suck!" Man, was I bummed, I suck? I was hoping he had more to throw at me.
     
    We got down big early in the game, made a big comeback to take the lead, but ended up losing 12-10.
     
    Friday-Food Management
     
    My roommate (Adam Bryant) and I woke up around 10 and the search for breakfast began. Just as time management was important in college, food management is vital in professional baseball. Getting healthy food at the right time helps one perform at their peak on the field. Our search took us to a small cafe, where we found Tim Shibuya. He recommended a sausage breakfast sandwich, so I went for it.
     
    Later in the day we had to figure out what we would be eating for lunch and dinner. We had a difficult time eating the night before (almost all the restaurants in town were closed), so we decided on Subway. Adam and I both ordered two subs, one for now and one for later. Food management success.
     
    It was a big win for us on this night. Behind four hits and three doubles by Miguel Sano, we took game two. He is off to quite a start.
     
    Saturday-Stories
     
    Saturday morning Tommy Watkins offered to take Adam and I to breakfast. We checked out LePeep, a small cafe in downtown South Bend. The food was fantastic, but Tommy's stories were better. His recollection of playing third base while Johan Santana struck out 17 batters was awesome. Being a Twins fan my whole life made it hit home for me. It must have been amazing to be a part of that experience.
     
    The amazing pitching performance topic continued as we were preparing to take the field for our game. We were able to watch the finishing moments of Phil Humber's perfect game. I always wonder how it must feel for someone to go through such an experience. What a moment it must have been for him and his family. Moments like this are why I love baseball. A man can go from being on the fringe to being in the history books in a few short hours. Wow.
     
    The game didn't go our way again tonight and we lost the series, but the experiences I had remain. All we can do is look forward and do our best to win our next one.
     
    Tweet me! @apettersen1
  20. AJPettersen
    All is well in the world. Spring Training is over and teams are in their affiliated cities. The beginning of the season means jersey selection, locker organization, paperwork and…walkout songs. This decision can be spur of the moment or have months of thought put into it. The reasons for choosing a particular song are unique to each guy. There are a few popular ways I have seen players do this in the past.
    Play on Words
     
    Yesterday I was asking a few guys what they would be using for songs. Matt Summers told me he couldn’t think of anything so he went with “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney. This is clever for obvious reasons. A number of closers have used the song “Closing Time” in the past. Mitch Williams used the song “Wild Thing” to go along with his ‘style’ of pitching. I have had a tough time playing on a Scandinavian last name, so this one isn’t for me.
    Funny/Crowd Pleaser
     
    I really enjoy when I hear this style as a walkout. They are especially good if a pitcher uses one (they get a longer section of the song) or if they are played at the perfect point in the song. During batting practice yesterday all of the walkout songs were tested over the loud speaker. Among the popular hits played were a number of Justin Bieber ballads. These songs are usually picked as a joke, but often are a hit with the kids in the crowd. I am excited for the first time “One Less Lonely Girl” is blasted over the speakers at Pohlman Field. In college our 2B picked his song to be a joke, but little kids danced and sang every time “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus filled the Metrodome.
    Good Beat/Lyrics
     
    This is the most popular method and the one that I typically use to pick my songs. It has been used by guys like Derek Jeter (Square Dance-Eminem). His song is cued up to say the words, “It feels so good to be back.” I used this my freshman year of college with “Love Me or Hate Me” by Lil’ Wayne. Last year I knew our home games would be at Target Field. The state of the art sound system contributed to picking “Buzzin” by Mann for its catchy beat.
    What Do You Like?
     
    This year I went with “Paradise” by Coldplay. What walkout songs do you like the best? Do you notice each song when you go to a game?
     
    Follow me this season! @apettersen1
  21. AJPettersen
    All is well in the world. Spring Training is over and teams are in their affiliated cities. The beginning of the season means jersey selection, locker organization, paperwork and…walkout songs. This decision can be spur of the moment or have months of thought put into it. The reasons for choosing a particular song are unique to each guy. There are a few popular ways I have seen players do this in the past.
    Play on Words
     
    Yesterday I was asking a few guys what they would be using for songs. Matt Summers told me he couldn’t think of anything so he went with “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney. This is clever for obvious reasons. A number of closers have used the song “Closing Time” in the past. Mitch Williams used the song “Wild Thing” to go along with his ‘style’ of pitching. I have had a tough time playing on a Scandinavian last name, so this one isn’t for me.
    Funny/Crowd Pleaser
     
    I really enjoy when I hear this style as a walkout. They are especially good if a pitcher uses one (they get a longer section of the song) or if they are played at the perfect point in the song. During batting practice yesterday all of the walkout songs were tested over the loud speaker. Among the popular hits played were a number of Justin Bieber ballads. These songs are usually picked as a joke, but often are a hit with the kids in the crowd. I am excited for the first time “One Less Lonely Girl” is blasted over the speakers at Pohlman Field. In college our 2B picked his song to be a joke, but little kids danced and sang every time “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus filled the Metrodome.
    Good Beat/Lyrics
     
    This is the most popular method and the one that I typically use to pick my songs. It has been used by guys like Derek Jeter (Square Dance-Eminem). His song is cued up to say the words, “It feels so good to be back.” I used this my freshman year of college with “Love Me or Hate Me” by Lil’ Wayne. Last year I knew our home games would be at Target Field. The state of the art sound system contributed to picking “Buzzin” by Mann for its catchy beat.
    What Do You Like?
     
    This year I went with “Paradise” by Coldplay. What walkout songs do you like the best? Do you notice each song when you go to a game?
     
    Follow me this season! @apettersen1

    [video=youtube;1G4isv_Fylg]
  22. AJPettersen
    The first full day of Spring Training was a whirlwind of activities. Being my first March in Fort Myers, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. Here is how it went:
     
    Leave home for the airport. Say goodbye to my fiancé. Check my bags, just under the weight limit. Take my shoes off, walk through a small door, put my shoes back on. Sit and read Hunger Games. Hope they make it out alive. Hangout with Nate Hanson. Board the plane. Watch Cole Nelson try to fit his long legs in a very small space. Take off. Take a nap. Finish Hunger Games. I won’t spoil it. Drink a miniature glass of Diet Coke, no nuts or pretzels? Plane lands. Text everyone, “I’m here!” Grab bags. Hop in a van. Arrive at hotel. Sign my name on a computer screen. Arrive at my room. Roy Larson is staring at me. My roommate, Tyler Koelling hasn’t moved since he got here. Watch two teams punch tickets to the NCAA Tourney. Good luck against the one seeds. Start next Hunger Games book. Mind is blown. Crank up the AC. Go to sleep.
     
    Wake up. Get dressed. Go to bus. See Miguel Sano. He yells, “Ayy papi!” Glad we are still pals. Small talk in Spanish with Kennys Vargas. Head to the field. Arrive at the Clubhouse. Scavenger hunt for my locker. There it is. Unload my stuff. Boxes of gear inside. Christmas in March. Get in a line. Weigh in. Measure my height. News flash, I’m still short. Pee in a cup. Pour urine into a vile. College prepared me for this. Get blood drawn. Nearly pass out. Take off shirt. Stickers placed all over. EKG. Stickers taken off. Sit in a chair. And another. And another. Stare in a machine. Read letters. Look ahead. Bright light in my eyes. Chin on a machine. PUFF. More lights, more staring. Get in another line. Deep breath. Chest my test. Woops, going too fast. Look in my ears. Turn my head annnd…cough. Get dressed and head to field.
     
    Warm up. Play catch. Mile run. Catchers and corners first. Watch Matt Parker move like a deer. He ran it in 5 and a half minutes? Cmon. Run my mile. Mouth is as dry as my humor. Get a drink. Shower. Eat lunch. Meet with peak performance specialist. Good to see Dr. Rick Aberman. Day concludes. Hop on bus. Arrive at hotel.
     
    I hope this gives a small glimpse into my first day of Spring Training. I am extremely excited to be in Fort Myers and I am ready to start playing some ball!
     
    Follow me on twitter! @apettersen1
  23. AJPettersen
    I have been a resident of Minnesota my entire life, which probably makes me crazy for deciding to be a baseball player. Typically, November to March are off limits for outdoor baseball, making the offseason frustrating. In college this wasn’t a problem, as we had an indoor facility on campus and the Metrodome. As this offseason and the winter months approached, I realized how I took these facilities for granted. How would I workout now?
    Minnetonka
     
    I knew I would be living in Minnetonka about three days a week and in Rochester about four days a week for most of the offseason and would have to find places to workout in both locations. The high school football field in Minnetonka is domed for the winter and is usually accessible during school hours. Beyond that, my parents have a workout room in their basement that is perfect. I could do everything I needed. Now I had to tackle the other four days of the week.
    Rochester
     
    I discovered that working out in Rochester was going to be difficult, when a simple Google search for indoor batting cages turned up nothing. I knew I couldn’t take four days off from hitting and throwing each week and expect to get better. I stumbled upon the email address for the baseball coach at the local college. I emailed him on a whim and was offered a volunteer coaching job. I zealously accepted and was given full use of all the facilities they had to offer. I could hit and throw in their fieldhouse and I could lift in their weight room. I had a fellow pro baseball colleague named Brandon Douglas to workout with. He was in AA for the Tigers last year and was very helpful because of his experience.
    What I Focused On
     
    Having 6 months to work on baseball was a dream come true. When I left instructs in the middle of October, I knew there were things I needed to improve. Two things I focused on were mental training and getting my body ready for the grind of 150+ games.
     
    I was first introduced to mental training in college. We focused on techniques that guided my four years of play, which I have continued to develop. Recently I became connected with a mental/vision training coach in Minneapolis. Whenever I was in the cities, I worked with him twice a week for an hour. His methods stretched my imagination for how I can grow in vision improvement, bat speed and confidence.
     
    Playing for 6 months straight will be something new for me. In college, the frequency of games isn’t nearly the same as a pro season. I knew I would need to put on weight and increase my flexibility to endure the year. I left the season around 155 pounds, which was the least I had weighed in a while. I hit the weight room hard and was able to add 10 pounds and increase flexibility. My body is now ready to make it through the season without any hiccups (barring another fastball to the nose).
     
    My first offseason of workouts were successful and I am excited to get the 2012 season started!
     
    I will be writing again in about a week to give my initial thoughts about spring training.
     
    Check me out on twitter: @apettersen1
  24. AJPettersen
    My name is AJ Pettersen. I will be blogging for twinsdaily.com throughout the summer. I grew up in Minnetonka, MN, have been a Twins fan my entire life and am honored to be a part of this organization. That being said, I hope my insight into the life of minor league baseball is both interesting and engaging.
     
    While the lives of minor leaguers may be significantly different from others, after the season ends we look for jobs just like anyone else. The only difference is our availability. Finding a job that pays decently, has flexible hours and doesn’t require your presence 6 months out of the year is nearly impossible. Many players have to get creative when they search for offseason employment.
    My Job Search
     
    When I returned home from instructional league in mid-October, I knew I would be moving half of my belongings to my Emily’s (my fiancée) place in Rochester and half of them at my parents place in Minnetonka. Emily got a job out of college in Rochester and we decided it would be best if I lived there while she worked and we would return to the cities whenever she had 3 or 4 days off from work in a row.
     
    This meant my job had to be even more flexible than I had originally thought. I brainstormed ideas and couldn’t come up with much beyond working online.
    MTurk
     
    The first site I stumbled upon was Amazon Mechanical Turk. This is a site where workers complete “hits” and get paid for their work. I researched the best strategies for making money on the site and quickly found myself completing hits, such as organizing kitchen photos into categories like “stainless steel” and “open concept.” I timed myself and found I was making about…$3.50 an hour. I thought, “I either need to get a lot of quicker with my categorizing or watch HGTV to brush up keywords.” Neither of those thoughts made a difference, so I tried something new. I began filling out surveys and writing essays. My hourly wage was rising to about $7 or $8 an hour, but it was becoming more difficult to find the work I wanted to do. There was one employer consistently giving out the best rates to write essays. I searched his name in google and came up with his email, leading to my first real freelance writing client.
    Freelance Writing
     
    I began writing essays and was making upwards of $20-$30 an hour, with a steady stream of work coming in each day. This nature of these essays was more busy work than I wanted, so I contacted other online writers to see if they had any work for me. One woman responded and wanted me to apply for a weekly blog post on moneyning.com. The host of the site liked my writing and I have been writing for him for the past 3 months.
     
    From $3.50 to around $30 an hour I make now, my search for employment has been anything but normal. Freelance writing has been a blessing for the flexibility it allows me.
  25. AJPettersen
    I wrote this article a while back, but hadn’t edited it until now. I hope you enjoy the update and a glimpse into the wonderful world of Minnesota Town Ball Baseball.
     
    When I was younger, we loved the rain. A storm would come in and my brothers and I would run outside while my dad grabbed the wiffleball and bat. Something about the water pouring down made it a little bit more exciting.
     
    Now I sit in the Minnetonka High School parking lot, waiting to play. Rain drops fall on the windshield as I check the radar, but today feels different than the last time rain threatened a game of mine. And it's different than the one before that. Rain is a minor leaguer’s best friend, it offers hope of an extra day off, but I don’t want tonight off.
     
    I'm slated to start at shortstop for the Hopkins Berries, a town ball team in the Riverview League. Tonight we face the Minnetonka Millers, the perennial best team in the state. I feel different than I usually feel. I want to play tonight. I don’t care if it’s in the rain, I want to play. This is the exact feeling I was searching for when I signed up to play with a couple of friends.
     
    Welcome back, baseball. You have my attention.
     
    Town ball has been an integral part of Minnesota for a long time. Teams in cities large and small form to play in front of hometown crowds on cool summer nights. On any given evening you can find a game in places like Dundas, New Ulm and Saint Louis Park. Young kids and oftentimes, grown men, face up against each other for the love of the game. No one is being paid, there is no hope of reaching a higher level, no call-ups or demotions, just pure, unadulterated baseball. Just what I was looking for. My team meets about 45 minutes before games-we chat about the week, take a few swings in the cage, do a little stretching, play catch and take the field. No pressure, just baseball.
     
    Sometime during my career, I lost love for playing in the rain, literally and figuratively. I sought to escape the difficult parts of the season. I hoped for washed out games to help me physically escape from the park. Instead of being in a tough time, instead of standing in it and being ok, I sought to run away. Now I want to stand in the rain, I want to get back to being a part of the game I love, every part of it.
     
    The game starts a little late and I step into the batter’s box in the first inning. The same box I stepped into for the first time 7 years earlier as a high school senior. My soul finds its home in this space. A slight drizzle continues to fall and I am taken back to my childhood. I look towards the mound and feel no pressure, no worry about the future or the past, only focused on this moment. All I need to do is be. To be right here where I am, doing what I love. The pitcher winds and delivers the pitch and I am home again.
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