Anyone that knows me knows how much I loath winter. The fact is that the only driving factor for this hatred is the cold. However there one great reason for the cold. Champions. Champions is a great place for baseball players and other sports' athletes to train to prepare for their upcoming season during the cold months and other inclement weather. In addition to all the youth and high school baseball players that train at Champions, just like parents, we love it when our players come home.
During winter break (OffSeason) we get visited by a lot of former Champions customers that have continued their careers beyond high school and college. The pro players (MLB and MiLB) show up to start stretching out their arms or beginning their hitting routine. These guys start showing up in December and will be in and out of here during the day from now until mid February (Spring Training). These guys come in get their work in and hang out and chew the fat with each other as most of these guys were either teammates or competed against each other in high school or summer ball. They love reminiscing about their youth and high school years. Having these guys here is a joy. It is one of my favorite things about Champions. I hope they know how much we enjoy watching their careers and root for them no matter what team they are playing. Yes I would even root for these guys even if they were playing for the Yankees. Last year held true, well sort of. When Ben Revere and Trevor Gott were traded to the Washington Nationals I was so happy for both Trevor and Ben. However I am a Atlanta Braves fan and really don't like the Nats. However, I thought well since the Braves are kind of terrible right now I can at least pull for Ben and Trevor. Robbie Ross plays for the Red Sox and even though I am not a Red Sox fan I always root for Robbie to do well. Even Anderson Miller came to see us a few weeks ago. However he has moved away and only drops by when he is in town. I look forward to watch these guys continue and for the next group to get drafted and move on to pro ball.
For about 3 weeks the other group of players that return are the college players. These guys are really gearing up to start their seasons. College baseball begins the moment they step back on campus in January. Most of these guys will be playing their first games in the middle of February...about the same time the pro guys have to report to spring training. There are a lot more college players that come back and see us during their Christmas break. These college guys are from several different schools from all over the country but have one thing in common, they all worked out or played here when they were in high school. Some of these players are some of my favorite kids. A handful of them played for me and it gives me so much joy to watch them continue to grow in the game that I love. Hoping that some of them will get a chance to play beyond college and possible earn their living playing ball. However one of the first things I ask them is how are your grades because we all know how hard it is to make it to the "next level".
From this old player to all ball players and baseball fans everywhere, Merry Christmas! Hope you have a great holiday with your friends and families.
Be safe!
Coach Bale
