Beginnings

Exactly a week ago I concluded my third academic year at the University of Dallas. Endings are always tough, but I personally am always most excited about beginnings. And although I have already worked two games for the Round Rock Express, tonight is my official beginning as an intern for the first year AAA Rangers affiliate.

My family moved to Round Rock just over 11 years ago. The Express played their first game in Round Rock only months later. Thus, the Dell Diamond is the ballpark of my childhood. I grew up cheering for the Express despite my disdain for the Houston Astros (we moved to Texas from St. Louis). I thought that the grass berm in the outfield seating area was such a cool thing and that is where we sat many nights.

As I prepare to leave for the ballpark, I am as excited as I was before I departed on an 11 game MLB trip with my dad and brother. Part of my excitement is due to my childhood memories of the ballpark and it's location in the city I consider to be home, Round Rock, Texas. Another part of my excitement is a mixture of my childish love of the game and more mature realization. Rangers OF Josh Hamilton (and possibly OF Nelson Cruz) will be rehabbing for the Express on Friday night. Hamilton is one of my favorite players due to the incredible things I have seen him do on the baseball field in the last several years. I also admire Hamilton's faith and his boldness in sharing his story and his belief in Jesus Christ.

Those are both large reasons for my excitement. Another reason for my enthusiasm is my dream of another bigger opportunity beyond this one. This summer I will certainly meet many legends in baseball and the community at the Dell Diamond. I have already met Roger Clemens. But more than that there are two parts of my internship which I look forward to most. First, I look forward to sharing the joy of baseball on a nightly basis. I will undoubtedly write more on this topic, but the memories made at the ballpark are unique and unforgettable. Secondly, I am excited to learn about baseball operations from my boss, Gregg Miller, the VP of Business Development with the Express. His sales experience is vast and he is very passionate about baseball.

Check out my blog this summer as I will be posting about my experience at the ballpark along with the experiences of the Owners for a Night. I look forward to blogging here and writing for Gary Armida at FullCountPitch Magazine.