As I walked up to will call to get my media credentials at the Lake County Captains game, I was feeling anxious. Yes I write articles for Believeland Media and yes I do a Cavs podcast with a great friend and amazing co host in Brandon Lewis, but I was truly nervous. Never before have I ever been in the press box watching the game of baseball, which I love and played from the age of five until I was seventeen.
Something inside of me reverted into a kid watching the game for the very first time. I had to keep switching between journalist and fan. You are watching these players knowing some of them could be stars in the Major Leagues, but I couldn’t help but feel a reignited love for a game as beautiful as baseball.
As I watched the game, I was introduced to these accomplished journalists and sports writers who were so welcoming and funny. It was like my first day of school and I was learning from the best. Trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible while also laughing uncontrollably as every member in the press box telling me hilarious stories.
From the very first pitch, which was started by Lenny Torres who had a solid outing with 4.0 innings pitched, 2 hits allowed, 1 walk, 1 earned run, and 6 strikeouts, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the game we’ve known all our life as “America’s pastime”.
First baseman Joe Naranjo went deep in the 1st inning with a 2-run homer, which got me standing, only to then hit a grand slam in the 4th inning, which made me jump out of my seat wanting to be the fan I am inside. He ended the night going 2-4 with 6 RBI's and 2 runs. He has 3 home runs on the season and is batting a cool .368.
Centerfielder Petey Halpin, DH Gabriel Rodriguez, and third baseman Raynel Delgado all went 3-4. They all are batting over .300 with Rodriguez hitting an absurd .583 so far on the young season.
The Lake County Captains won last nights game 12-5 improving to 4-2 on the season.
After the game, I followed the other members of the press as they showed me where to go, making our way down to the field. Feeling nothing sort of sheer joy, I was part of a great interview asking Captains manager Greg DiCenzo about the talent on the team, all the young players and the differences between this year and last year. After the interview I made my way to my vehicle still in utter disbelief that this is my job now.
To see these young men who are learning and growing themselves to one day play in “The Show”, have such an inspiring game, made me realize I too have much growing and learning to do as a reporter and sports journalist. This is however this is the greatest job in the world and Believeland Media is such an amazing company to work for. I get to watch the game I grew up loving. I was taught and coached by my father. Now coaching my kids myself. Teaching them to love the great game of baseball. Now I’m once again being taught, but this time from a different point of view that’s equally fun and challenging, yet still just as beautiful.