November 2008

The end of the best year of my life

Hey Everyone,

This will be my last blog here in the AFL.  We are in the championship game and then its all over.  I look back at the year that I had in 2008 and still cant believe how successful it was for me.  I never would have imagined that I would have played AA ball for the whole year.  It was my goal to just get to AA by the end of the year.  On top of that to go to the Future’s game and play at Yankee Stadium before no one could ever do that again is the greatest honor I have ever been given.
I am already starting to get excited for the 2009 season and my new goal is to get the big leagues by the end of the season and finally achieve my life goal.  So many people have helped me on the way but I want to thank a few.  Firstly my amazing parents who put up with a lot of crap when I was younger but were able to see through that and they believed in me and my dreams.  Honestly even though my parents separated when I was young I couldn’t have asked for a better home to grow up in.  My brother Aaron, was always around to push me and was my training partner.  He is honestly one of the most talented athletes I have ever meet, he just never got a chance.  Ray Brown, a coach who I wouldn’t have learnt anything about baseball without him.  He taught me the basics of baseball and gave me the opportunity to play here in the US.  Clint Myers, my coach at Central Arizona Junior College.  He gave me my first chance and took a risk by allowing me to cross the pacific and play.  Mark Machtolf and Danny Evans for seeking me out and giving me a chance to be a leader and player Division One baseball.  Zag for Life!  Lastly my amazing girlfriend Katie.  You have opened my eyes to so many things, I love you with all my heart and cant wait to spend the rest of my life with you!
I know I missed many many people but you all know who you are.  
I look forward to the new challenges that face me.  Bring it on 2009!!!
Till then, 
Take er easy

Guest Blogger– J.P. Arencibia

1.jpg

Hi, my name is J.P. Arencibia, and I am a catcher in the Blue Jays organization.  This year I played my first full season in High A, got moved during the All-Star Break to Double-A, and I finished up the season in Double-A.  I learned a lot this season, especially how long the season is and so did my legs.  My organization sent me here to work on some things in my game.  Obviously all aspects you try to improve, but mostly to see more pitches.  It’s been an honor to play with such talent in the league, but what impresses me the most is the quality of guys in this league, on a personal level.

This is my second time to the AFL.  The first time I came as a fan when I was a junior in college.  Chase Headley and Luke Hochevar were my college teammates and I came here to watch them play. 

We have the best fan in the AFL, and her name is Susan.  She makes my day every time I come out of the dugout.  She has the most positive attitude I have ever been around.  I also get to experience the Arizona Diamondbacks flag lady, who is also one of my favorites.

I’m kinda upset I haven’t been able to play golf yet because I heard the golf courses are great out here.  I did get to attend a Cardinals football game which I enjoyed, and hopefully I will get to see a Suns game and see Shaq–which you guys stole from Miami!  I am staying with Travis Snider, who also plays in the Blue Jays organization.  On Sundays we have BBQs at the house and play Rock Band. 

Thanks for reading my blog, and don’t be scared to say ‘hi’ to me at the ballpark!

Thirdbase

Hello everyone,

We are left with two weeks left in the AFL and my Desert Dogs are in first place, looking at a championship birth.  Hopefully this means we can when the whole thing and get that ring.  I have never been on a championship team.  I came close once with my teammate Tony Barnette  on the Central Arizona College Vaqueros.  We got destroyed to say the least at the Super Regionals on step away from the NJCAA World Series.  I have never been that close ever since.  Let me tell you if there is one thing I would like to do in baseball, thats win a ring.
My teammates are great we may be the craziest team in baseball history though.  We have some clowns on the team but it really helps keep everyone loose and when we are on the field for the most part its the best team I have ever played on.  
I have to admit, I am sure ready for the off season.  It has been a long year of baseball with some big high moments, it isn’t quite finishing the way I wanted it to.  I have been playing third base here in the afl and its been a little harder than I expected.  I have certainly made some errors but the biggest thing is every inning I get over the other side of the diamond the closer I am to becoming comfortable.  I have really not had any problems fielding the ball (apart from the one I tried using my nose on) but the difference in the throw.  It sounds like such a little thing, but when you have thrown from a second base arm slot for now 6 straight years getting my arm back over top has come with a “few” mistakes.  
Everything is going great otherwise, it been fun and a new experience.  Still, I cant wait to go back to New Zealand for Summer and of course Christmas on the beach!!!
Till next time, keep on keeping on.
Sc
| back to blog home |
Theme: MLB “pro” | Get a free blog at WordPress.com