Baseball has taken me to many places. Whether it’s to a different state or to a different country, the excitement of baseball in a new atmosphere never disappoints.
Even after all of my travel, I wouldn’t have thought that my favorite baseball trip would be to a town 10 minutes away. Fayetteville holds the best memories and experiences I have ever created.
This past weekend I got the opportunity to take a visit to the University of Arkansas. My nerves and excitement, leading up to the event, could not have been suppressed. I felt like I was on cloud nine. Once Friday arrived, however, I was calmed down. After an agonizingly long wait at school, I left to go home and get ready. It didn’t take me long before I was right back out the door.
Since I arrived a little bit early I had time to catch up with some old friends and teammates before we started. Over the years I have had the privilege to play with some amazing people that have moved on to the next level at Arkansas. The newest addition to Baum stadium was the start of our tour.
Our group of recruits was guided inside and given our name tags. The tour of the facilities followed. We stuck to a relatively strict schedule that still allowed us to enjoy our time there.
To begin, coaches escorted us around into the media room where the team had scouting reports and went over film. All of the chairs in the room were in neat rows with a mural behind them.
We all sat down together and were given an in-depth showing of how the screens and technology worked. Following this we were escorted to the weight room. Plates lined the racks, all branded with the Razorback logo. TV screens exhibited different workout plans the recruits would go through when we stepped on campus.
While we all tried to take in the site, the strength coach talked to the group about his plans to better the team and us. Just when I thought the tour couldn’t get any better, we were taken to the top of the building to seats that looked out across the freshly cut baseball field.
As a group we ate a buffet style meal and watched the Razorbacks play their fall world series. The game was intense with lots of back and forths.
I was so fortunate to get to spend this time with one of my friends who had been flown in from California. It always amazes me how sports, especially baseball, can bring people from all parts of the country together.
We were given the chance by the coaching staff to join the team in the dugout and enjoy the last of the game. The energy when we found our way onto the field and into the dugout was electric. There was a buzz not only from the players but also amongst the fans in the stands. This part of the trip was honestly a blur.
I met so many different people and felt like I was a part of the team already. The game seemed so much different when watching from the dugout. You could really tell how great each player was.
The environment was nothing like I had been a part of.
As the game came to a close, we got to enjoy the post game festivities in the locker room with all the guys.
Music was blasting, people were chilling, and conversations were flowing. I met a player who might end up being my future catcher. His name is Ryder. He is a freshman this year for the Hogs. I was lucky enough to be put with him as my chaperone.
After the game all of us split up to get food and get ready to party. Ryder and I picked up one other recruit and we all made our way to a party. I am not much of a party animal, so most of what I did was people watch. I had so much fun just looking around me.
As I have gotten older I have found that coming out of my shell more has benefited me. I think that this night definitely proved that. I met so many new people and had so many new experiences to talk about. I will be able to talk about this forever and enjoy the memories.