Day Five Hundred and Twenty

The First Glimpse of My Dream

By: Adam 

 

That is what a locker room in big league spring training looks like. I know, it looks the same as all the others...especially the Jupiter Hammerheads locker room. Well it will starting in early April be the locker room for the Hammerheads, but for now I see this clubhouse as a hopeful sign of foreshadowing. Although it might look the same, it is so much different than it appears. I started cleaning my cleats the other day like I always do. Once I realized I had no towel to wipe them clean with, I asked a fellow lefty, Dan Jennings, who has been my throwing partner, and unofficial guide through this spring where to find a towel. He said something along the lines of "Conley, stop cleaning your cleats, they will clean your cleats for you." They meaning the clubhouse personnel, who not only clean my cleats, but make me breakfast, hang my clothes in my locker, and provide essentially anything I need to make camp go a little more smoothly. To say the least, I am so spoiled, and blessed to be a part of Big League Camp.

 

Here is my locker for the time being. I understand that when minor league camp starts, I will be at risk to move down, and join minor league camp. My only way of avoiding that would be to make the big league team out of spring training. I also understand that I don't write the rosters, and whatever decision the Marlins make concerning where I'll begin the season, I'll believe is for my best interest. The Marlins have made such a humbling investment in me, and I only hope that hard work, accountability, and progression as a pitcher, can in some way "pay it back." They've invested in me, and so I want to do my best in investing in them.