DK is in Batavia, N.Y via STL (4 planes in 2 days). Since he missed the Cardinal mini camp here in Jupiter he was directed to go to STL for his physical and to sign. For contract reasons, and after exam with the ortho he had to have contrast MRI's on his shoulder, arm and elbow, a 4 hour ordeal. All went well and very well for someone who has been pitching since he was 8. He was treated to a game sitting behind home plate, but since he had to catch an early flight in the am, he asked to be taken back to the hotel. Touring the facilities at Busch Stadium was "awesome" and a great incentive. He did find it quite odd that he had no blood tests or urine tests.
After traveling most of the day he landed in Buffalo and was taken to Auburn (BJ's) to meet up with his team. Rain out, game suspended, will continue on thursday. I realized last night that iitg's son and my son were in the same stadium and I think that is cool.
He received a "care" package from his advisor (someday to be agent) before he arrived, new running shoes and cardinal red nike spikes along with brochures to pick out a new glove and anything else he may feel he needs. He thought that was just awesome and could hardly wait to get there to see it. By the way, his advisor's help and guidance has been priceless and the best part is he told us we did not have to worry about anything, ever. It reminded me of his coaches words before I left son at college 3 years ago and that is comforting.
I finally got a call at 12:30 am but missed it after waiting until 12am. Seems like I just haven't been sleeping well not knowing when he would be leaving and where so I was tired. This whole process can take the life out of you!
When Dave called he had only been there about 12 hours and he said he liked it! He compared it to the Cape, small quaint town. What he said that he liked the most is that you are basically there to do your own business, no coach to tell you what you HAVE to do, just show up for the game and the bus. However, in the next sentence he said he was very happy he had been well disciplined by coaches who were there for 3 years to tell him what he needed to do and how to get it done. He also spoke with the trainer about his workout routine and the trainer (in broken english with a chinese accent) said he has been fortunate to have good trainers in college. I think that his college experience prepared him very well and he seemed confidant that with that knowledge, it will help him to move along. For that you can never take away what you might learn as a player in college.
The manager (skipper) seems to be laid back, and very much into making the kids feel like adults and very much wanted. Of course, we know that perception might change.
I am thinking that his summer experience will be much like it was at the cape, and he said it seems to be pretty laid back, all former college players eager to play everyday and get PAID for it (not much, but paid). Dave and another player have been fortunate to be taken in by a widower who has a 14 year old son who lives 5 minutes from the field. Fortunate in the sense that 14 of the players live in a 7 bedroom house, like a fraternity and he is not into that. He has already hooked up with 2 players and maybe will look for their own place. He will see how that goes. Would like to have gotten more info but he was off to the gym for his workout. I got a phone call a few minutes later, he forgot, he is headed first to Walmart to buy a bike for transportation, no one has a "set of wheels" with them. He is only 5 minutes from the field, but wants some mode of transportation to get around and reminded me that it is good cardio.
He doesn't have to ask permission to buy anything, but I am glad he asked as he has always done. I look upon this as a good thing, humbling actually, he will definetly appreciate his truck more when he is once again behind the wheel.As far as living expenses he had no clue and so I can't pass that along at this time.
#47 Clemson Tiger has now become #36 Batavia Muckdog and within just the last few short weeks, very much more of an adult.
