Big League Spring Training

Another big baseball announcement for Adam means another set of questions from all our friends and family. I love sharing our baseball journey with all of you - and honestly these posts after big announcements are some of my favorite to write. Because that means that people are asking questions about what we are going through and they want to learn about life in the baseball world. And more than anything, it means they care about what is happening with my sweet husband, Adam! Last week I shared this post on Instagram and I have received even more questions - once again - so I wanted to fill you in on all the details of what it means to be invited to Big League Spring Training.

Since the Diamondbacks officially announced it I guess I can too! After three minor league seasons, five different teams, three All Star selections, two instructional league invites, one Arizona Fall League invite, and 16 months spent apart from my husband we are extremely pumped that Adam got an invite to Big League Spring Training! It's been a great adventure so far and I cannot wait to see what comes next. Congratulations @skinnymill!

A photo posted by Deidre Miller (@deidreemme) on Jan 11, 2016 at 5:05pm PST

A photo posted by Deidre Miller (@deidreemme) on Jan 11, 2016 at 5:05pm PST

Didn't he already go to Spring Training?

Yes he did. Adam goes to Spring Training every year before the season starts. So this will be his third time heading down to Arizona to get ready for the season ahead. The first year was really great because we were in Arizona when he went but last year and this year Spring Training adds a little extra time to our length apart. The last two years Adam got invited to what is called early camp - which is an invite only pre-spring training camp. Usually the organization sends their potential prospects that weren't invited to Big League camp there. But basically - everything I am saying right now leads to the same answer. Yes, Adam goes to Spring Training every year. It is just part of baseball.

Then what does it mean to go to the Big League Spring Training?

Big League Spring Training is also invite only. There are about 70 men invited to Big League Spring Training - forty of them are current on the Big League roster, or the active 40 man. Then every organization is able to invite top prospects from their pool of players to Big League Spring Training Camp. So in Adam's case - he was one of the prospects invited to the Arizona Diamondbacks Big League Spring Training. He will play with major league players in the major league Spring Training stadium. The whole idea of behind being invited to Big League Spring Training is to give guys an opportunity to play at the higher level - that way organizations can see how they do at that level of play and get an idea of what needs to be fixed and adjusted to move them up eventually.

Then what does that mean for Adam?

For Adam it means he will report a week or so earlier than normal. He will get to be in the Big League locker room, he gets a nicer jersey, he gets to be a part of Fan day - all those sorts of things. Basically he gets a major league player's experience without actually being on the 40 man or 25 man roster. It also means he was one of 23 non-major league players invited to the Big League camp. That is right, only 23 guys not currently on the 40 man were invited in the Diamondback Organization. So it is a huge deal for Adam! It means that he did something this past season that the organization was impressed with and they would like to see him again.

Does that mean he made the Arizona Diamondbacks then?

Technically, Adam is already part of the Arizona Diamondbacks Organization. He was drafted by them in 2013 in the 20th round. So unless he was traded, if he were to make it to the Majors it would be with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Currently he is a minor league players and plays with one of their minor league affiliates. But being invited to the Big League Spring Training Camp is the next step to potentially making the team. However non-40 man players can be cut and moved back to the minor league side at any time during Spring Training. In fact, they make cuts once a week. So we are hoping that Adam's hard work pays off and he stays in with the major league club team as long as possible. If he stays on until they release their roster he has the opportunity to make the official 25 man roster for the Arizona Diamondbacks right out of Spring Training.

Where is Spring Training at?

Spring Training is in Arizona and Florida. For the Diamondbacks specifically it is held in Scottsdale, Arizona at Salt River Fields.

How can I watch him? What games will he pitch at?

This is a great question. There will be some games on TV, some will be just on MLB.com. You could also make the roadtrip to Arizona to watch him live. Which would be awesome! Adam always appreciates support from our friends and family. Generally speaking with guys that come out of the bullpen, like Adam, you never know when they will pitch. You just have to wait and hope they get in on a day you are watching. During Spring Training, they like all the guys to get time pitching live so they will assign them games and innings. Adam will usually find out the day before or the day of that they plan for him to pitch.

How long is he gone for?

Adam will be gone for about 7 months. The first month and a half will be at Spring Training. Then from about the first week of April until Septemberish - give or take depending on his team and their chance at playoffs - he will be in season. So once he leaves for Spring Training he is gone until the season is completely over - he doesn't have any breaks to come home for the most part unless he doesn't make the All Star team. But I always hope he does his best and makes the All Star team, so we will just pretend he doesn't get any breaks.

If I didn’t answer a question you have, feel free to ask! Basically these are the handful of questions I have been asked since the announcement of Adam getting the Big Leagues Spring Training invite. We are taking this journey one step at a time and can't wait to see what this season will offer us! I said it last baseball Q&A post, but I will say it again. It is crazy to me how much goes into baseball and how many options there are for your regular season – then add in all the off season options and your mind will be blown. I am just excited for the opportunity for Adam and I to work towards our goal to be a permanent part of the Diamondbacks family.

Mobile from the Mobile

Say what? It has been just over two months since I went to Mobile to celebrate three years married to this husband of mine. Can you believe it? Probably not because I never even really mentioned it. And unless you follow me closely on Instagram this is all new to you. Well. In August I went to Mobile, Alabama with Slider in tote to see Skinny Mill one last time before he came home. And basically this trip was all puppies and baseball again.

I felt it was important to take advantage of the Mobile in Mobile pun once more with all photos from my phone. Basically I will sum up this whole post one photo at a time. Just follow from left to right and the photos are seriously not in order at all.

Slider and I took off from the Boise airport bright and early to get there in time for the game on Friday. \\ While we were there Adam and I were able to try out a really delicious restaurant called Felix's Fish Camp thanks to a rain storm that resulted in a cancelled game for our anniversary. \\ Slider loved to be at the games, but sometimes he just gets a little tuckered out after kids chase him for two innings and he just naps.

The view at dinner was amazing. Right on the water. So I was trying to get a photo without looking awkward.... Nailed it. \\ Adam and I don't take a lot of photos together so sometimes I force him to take them on the way out of our hotel room. \\ The one jersey photo we got while I was there. I was aiming for a new pose.

Slider at the airport. \\ The sign at anniversary dinner was totally cool. This photo does it no justice. \\ Slider and I right after the downpour. I was literally in the rain for... maybe 1 minute max and that is what I looked like.

Slider and Luba at the game. Luba is a baseball girlfriend and was there every time I went this summer. And I just really adore her. And she adores Slider. \\ This photo basically sums up all the feelings of my heart. Adam, Slider, Baseball. I melted. And had to snag a photo of it. Slider was just chasing Adam down the baseline and so Adam stopped to pick him up. \\ The best appetizer of all time at Felix's. Artichoke crab dip. I can't even.

One more photo from anniversary dinner because we can. \\ Jeff fed Slider a bunch of nacho cheese and Slider LOVED it. Jeff is Wade's - the best batboy in the world - Dad and always a hoot to hang out with at the games. \\ And my favorite photo from the whole trip. Adam and I were sitting holding hands like we always do on the way to the airport and Slider just set his paw on top. We are family.

Basically it was a fabulous little Mobile vacation. And I loved seeing Adam play baseball. And I loved seeing Adam. I loved being in the town where he spent his summer. That is all I can say. Anytime with Adam is a good time. But it is a lot of fun to be able to explore new places as we travel with baseball.

Fall League

Baseball is a world of it's own. There is so much that isn't known upfront unless you have followed the ins and outs of the baseball world for years and years. And even some people I talk to that are die hard baseball people don't know the intricacies of the sport. They know that they love their team and that baseball season lasts from the start of Spring Training and goes until playoffs and the World Series. They know that there is a minor league system with Single, Double, and Triple A. They know that they have prospects... but what about the rest of it? There is so much more. Last week I posted this photo on my Instagram and I have received a lot of questions since then. So I thought I would share with you what the Fall League is all about.

It's an incredible feeling to get a photo from Adam of his very own professional baseball jersey with his last name on it hanging in his Fall League locker. It makes it even better that it is our name on the back of the jersey because becoming a professional player isn't just his dream, it's our dream. And if that means I stay home and work while we work towards our dream, that's okay. And moments like this make it more okay. Small wins and small victories on our way to the Bigs. Now go kick some Fall League booty, Adam!

A photo posted by Deidre Miller (@deidreemme) on Oct 12, 2015 at 5:55pm PDT

What is the Fall League?

So I am pulling this straight from the Arizona Fall League website, "There are six teams in the Arizona Fall League: the Scottsdale Scorpions, Mesa Solar Sox, Salt River Rafters, Glendale Desert Dogs, Peoria Javelinas and Surprise Saguaros. These club names were picked by Major League Baseball as reflective of the Southwestern desert traditions in the state.

The teams are broken into two divisions, East and West. Each Major League Baseball team sends six top prospects to the Arizona Fall League, 180 players in all. The games are played in the Spring Training stadiums used by the Giants, Mariners, Padres, Cubs, A's, Royals, Rangers, D-backs and Rockies.

How good are the players in the Arizona Fall League? The 2014 All-Star Game in Minneapolis featured 36 AFL alums. Nearly 60 percent of all AFL players make a Major League roster, with an incredible 212 All-Stars, 12 MVPs, four Cy Young Award Winners, three World Series MVPs, 66 Silver Sluggers, 58 Golden Gloves, and 25 Rookies of the Year.

Each August, Major League clubs hold a position draft to determine the players who will go to Arizona. Most are Double-A and Triple-A Minor League players. Each club can opt to send one player considered a Class A player."

So basically to sum it all up - it is an invite only league for top prospects in every organization. Mostly made up of upper level players, you have to be high enough in the ranks to even be considered for a Fall League invite. Once the guys are selected they all come together to create prospect teams that play each other for 6 weeks straight. During that time the guys are able to get a feel for what it will be like to play at the Big League level because all of the guys have what it takes to potentially be in the Majors within the next year or so.

So that is a good thing to get invited to the Fall League?

Absolutely. My favorite description of the Fall League is on their Twitter page, "MLB created the Arizona Fall League in 1992 to serve as an off-season “graduate school” for top prospects." Things like overall health and innings played get taken into consideration when they are selecting, so some of the organization's favorite might not end up going, but overall an invite to the Fall League shows that the Organization has you on their mind. They want to see what the guys can accomplish. And in my opinion, that is a great thing.

Where does he play at?

Adam's team - Salt River Rafters - have their home base at the Salt River Fields. That is where the Diamondbacks and Rockies are for Spring Training. Every year the Salt River Rafted swap between the two organization's big league locker room and this year they are in the Rockies' locker room. They have games at a few other facilities throughout the Phoenix area but his home base is Salt River fields.

How long is he gone for?

He is gone for about 2 months total. Adam left October 1st for practice and training. His games started October 12th. And his final game of the Fall League will be November 21st. Which means I get him home just in time for the holidays.

Does that mean he will get invited to the Big Leagues next year?

There is no guarantee with anything in baseball. But if he does well at the Fall League then there is a good chance he will be heading to Big League Spring Training. And then once again, we will see from there. If there is anything I have learned during baseball it is to always work hard and never get your hopes up. Something can chance in the matter of seconds and you can only hope for the best and plan for the worst. Whatever happens we know that it is because it is supposed to be. Adam works hard and hopefully all the hard work pays off for the move up to the Bigs!

If I didn't answer a question you have, feel free to ask! The Fall League is something I didn't even know existed until last year when Adam mentioned that maybe next he would have a chance to get invited. And here we are in the next year and he is at the Fall League. It is crazy to me how much goes into baseball and how many options there are for your regular season - then add in all the off season options and your mind will be blown. I am just excited for the opportunity for Adam and I to work towards our goal to be a permanent part of the Diamondbacks family.

Mobile from the Mobile

Every time I got to visit Adam we talk about the same things before I head out. We need to make a music video, we need to be better about taking photos, and we need to go out and explore a little more rather than just sitting around. Basically our whole time together can be summed up and told be the photos from our phones. Lots of puppy time, lots of baseball, and lots of relaxing.

 

This time we did about one and half things on the list... we took a few more photos, most of them were of Slider and not of us. In fact we took a photo of us the first day I was there and on our way out the door the last day I was there - so that is the half. And we for sure made a music video, that Adam wasn't a huge fan of making but he loves me so he humors me. The one thing we totally missed the mark on was getting out and exploring. In fact, that is the one we miss the mark on the most. We did get out for baseball games, food, walks with Slider, and a movie... but other than that it was lots of quality bonding time and playing with the puppy because Adam hadn't met him until my trip this time!

The first day I was there - well the first day we were both there because I got in at 2pm Friday and Adam was still on his way back from a road trip that night - we slept in because Adam didn't arrive in from his road trip until around 5AM. Then we woke up and Adam got a chance to meet the puppy. We played and ate and then Adam was off to the field. Slider and I hung out at the apartment and then head over for the 4th of July celebration - a game followed by fireworks. Oh so American.

The second day we head to church and then back home to get Adam over to the field - only for the game to be cancelled! So we went to Inside Out and late night appetizers at Applebees.

The third day was a double header. Which meant lots of time at the field. Followed by some more Applebees.

The forth and final day was just a day to pack and say our farewells. I know, we are so exciting. So the weekend could be summed up with these words: Slider, baseball, chicken, and rain. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe next time I will get some more photos for you instead of just a Slider collage? But probably not. I tried!

MLB Opening Day

It is OFFICIALLY baseball season! Spring Training wrapped up on Friday and all the teams are opening up their gates for a little home field advantage. This is an exciting time of year at our home because that means another season of Adam chasing his dreams and working his way to the bigs. If you haven't caught it yet - this last week was big in our family for baseball. Adam was assigned to the AA team in Mobile AL and he got an opportunity to play in a Major League Spring Training game. He ROCKED it too. His minor league season opens today!

So if you haven't guessed it by now, our team of choice is the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gotta cheer for the hand that feeds you, right!? And they had their season opener last night. Since I am not down in sunny Arizona I put together a casual outfit to cheer from my couch. This round I went with a sweatshirt so I could keep warm while the weather is still on it's way up! I sent a photo of it to Adam, since he is already gone for the year, and he responded, "I like. Majestic brand?! Fancy!" When I was browsing through the site I had a really hard time narrowing it down to this sweatshirt - I almost ended up with a tee or another hat, but I decided I might as well embrace the sweatshirt for as long as I can! Because hopefully someday I will be watching Adam pitch at Chase field! Which means shorts and tees, no one wants to wear a sweater in the heat.

 

Sweater: Fanatics c/o
Shorts: Aeropostale
Hat: H&M
Shoes: Sanuk

I ordered my item from Fanatics.com - they are the best because they have a little of everything for everyone. And not just in sizing. They have apparel for every licensed sports team too - college and professional. There are have some things that I would have never thought about looking for, it was fun to browse and see all they had to offer. Here are a few of my other favorites from the Diamondbacks section of their site:

 

Grey Tee | Black Hat | Red Baseball Tee | Jersey

Fanatics is the largest retailer of officially licensed sports merchandise and provides the ultimate shopping experience to sports fans. Plus, Fanatics offers hundreds of thousands of officially licensed items for all major professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, PGA), major media brands and over 200 collegiate and professional team properties. You can buy your favorite MLB hats & jerseys on Fanatics.com, the one-stop website for all fans. What do you wear for opening day for your teams? Do you have a specific team item you look forward to buying every season?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Spring Training 2K15

I know I have talked a lot of crap about Arizona. About how I hated it. And it is SO hot. And how it was hell. And it was miserable. But this last week is proof that I don't really hate Arizona, I just hated living there alone with my closest friends 30 minutes away in the middle of summer. Plus add in the fact that my closest friends - who happen to be some kids I used to babysit and their parents - left me for a good solid month in that summer. No good. But when I am there with my husband and with my friends. I love it. And I was really sad to leave. So until next time Adam is there for the bigs or for a fall camp - I will hold onto the memories of four days at Spring Training 2k15.

Day one was filled with no photos and no great stories. Because I landed at 11pm. And then all I wanted was something to eat and the only thing that was open was Taco Bell and I am pretty sure that is the reason I felt like throwing up the next day, which also makes me so sad because I love Crunch Wrap Supremes... So I will just pretend I was dehydrated or someth. Adam picked me up and we drove to northern Phoenix to our friends house where we were staying. And got 4 hours of sleep because the next morning Adam had to leave early for practice and I rode down with him so I get some more time.

Day two started bright and early. I dropped Adam and his roomie Mr. Hath off at the field and then went and hung out on their hotel. I was nervous to go down and get breakfast in the lobby because I didn't want to hotel people to be like, "You're not a baseball player! Get out!" So I didn't get a waffle that day and I am still kicking myself about it! But I did make a quick trip to Target for dry shampoo (praises!!) and hairspray + some sunscreen and a mini pack of Cadburry eggs. I watched a lot of basketball and Cinderella movies while I got ready and then I headed to the Cubs' stadium, with one pit stop at Chick-fil-a.



Top: Pink Blush c/o | Shorts: Aeropostale | Shoes: Target








Adam was supposed to pitch that day, so the Walkers came and met me in the stands and we made a lot of noise while we waited for Adam's turn. I also got to see a BYU Baseball wife because her husband was playing on the opposing team. Madison, Erin, and I went down and bugged Adam at the bullpen for a bit. And I completely embarrassed Madison as she tried to snag the perfect Insta picture with us holding our baseballs. See above for more proof on that one. Once the game was over I snagged a picture with Adam and then I took off to meet him back at his hotel. That night we enjoyed some In N Out and then hung out with the Walkers watching NCAA games.

Day three was Sunday. Adam took off early in the morning and we joined him down at Salt River Fields later to watch him pitch. After church we all changed, ate, and made our way to the field and walked up as Adam was walking on the field. He usually pitches closer to the end of the game, but this time they put him in for the 5th inning and we almost missed it. It was so lucky that we got there in time. He did great! A few kinks to work out before his next outing, but he is getting better every single time. It was fun to watch the masses of his teammates move over from the other field as soon as they saw him walk on the field. He has fans everywhere. My favorite thing to see is how Adam reacts with those that support him. We had a good 15 minutes of chatting after his inning and a cute kid came and asked for a photo and an autograph. Seeing him interact with people like that.





Top: Pink Blush c/o | Sunglasses: Blenders Eyewear c/o | Shorts: Aeropostale | Shoes: Target





While he was working out we enjoyed some laughs and some baseball. And the Walker girls decided which players they would like to date. I will never get sick of my little sisters. They always keep me laughing. After the game wrapped up I hung out with Adam at the hotel and the Walkers went home. Adam had a meeting at 6PM and while he was there I watched shows at the hotel, catching the trend yet? Ha! Once it all wrapped up we headed up to the Walkers for dinner and relaxation.

Day four was the last full day in Arizona. It started with a trip down to Adam's hotel while he was at baseball. This time I DID go get a waffle and let me tell ya, I loved it. Then I took a nice long nap which brought my sleep total to 10 hours and some odd minutes for the day - thanks to my Fitbit for that state. Once I woke up, I got ready, and I head over to the baseball field I got to sit in the stands with Adam because he was on "foul ball" duty, which meant he had to chase down any foul balls during the game. Once we hit the end of the 5th inning Adam was able to leave so he went and showered up and I hung out with Steve for a bit. Then once Adam was ready we went over to Sprinkles cupcakes to enjoy a snack and fall in love with the cupcake ATM... okay, only me - I was so excited to see it!


Lace Vest: Pink Blush c/o | Top: SexyModest | Sunglasses: Blenders Eyewear c/o
Shorts: Aeropostale | Shoes: Target









I was SO excited for some Sprinkles, if you cannot tell. We tried their two seasonal cupcakes. Bomb, I tell ya! That night we went swimming with Erin and Dallin while Madison was at work. And then we all stayed up watching The Voice while we waited on Madison to get back home. Oh... also, we had the BEST enchiladas made by Jill. So. Good.

Day five doesn't really count as a day at all. Once again, I rode down to practice with Adam, dropped him and Steve off, and went to the lobby to get a waffle. I watched more and more shows - mostly on TLC. And then I repacked my nightmare of a suitcase and waited for Adam's practice to get over so I could enjoy 30 more minutes with him before Jill came to pick me up and drop me at the airport. When I met up with Adam he told me HE got to take me to the airport and that we got a whole hour before he needed to take me.



So we just enjoyed our last little bit together laughing, crying - only me a this point, kissing, and talking. Then Adam drove me to the airport and dropped me off. And let me tell you something, I never thought I would say, "I want to stay in Arizona!" More than I did on the drive to the airport. But I have a great husband who comforts me and supports me and reminds me of all the food things in Idaho that are waiting for me. It all goes to show that the homeless man on Joe Dirt had it right, "Home is where you make it." And for those 5ish days home was with Adam in Arizona whether at his hotel room or at our friends' home. The trip was great. My husband is great. And I cannot wait to see where Adam goes for the season so I can start planning out my next mini vacay.

Minor League Life

With another baseball season starting there is always another flood of questions as to what is going on for Adam and me and how it all works. Whether from old friends, from new followers, or from people that just have never cared about the whole of baseball. So I decided it was time to blog about the minor league life to field - get it? Field... - a few of the most frequently asked questions from those around us.



What team is he on?

Currently, Adam is in the Arizona Diamondbacks Organization. As far as what team he is on, that all depends on how Spring Training goes. His first year playing professional baseball he played for the Missoula Osprey in Montana and last year he played for the South Bend Silverhawks in Indiana. And both seasons he had a small stint at in Phoenix playing for the Diamondbacks AZL team while he did a little rehab on his shoulder.

So is he trying to get drafted?

Adam has already been drafted. The only way to play major or minor league baseball is to get drafted or signed as a free agent. You don't get a chance to play professionally unless you are already signed with a team. So currently, he is working his was through the Arizona Diamondbacks ranks. He could get traded, but unless that happens we are Diamondbacks people.

Oh, so what team is he on? Triple A?

I feel like this question comes because most people don't realize how in depth the minor league system is. Triple A or Double A teams are a lot more common in TV shows and movies. But the whole minor leagues system is a lot more intricate. Every team has a rookie ball team, Single A, Double A, and Triple A team. And then some organizations have even more than that because they have two or three rookie ball teams and two Single A teams. The Diamondbacks have all of the above. Their Organization is set up like this:

AZL League - AZL Diamonds, Scottsdale AZ
Rookie Ball - Missoula Osprey, Missoula MT
Single A Short Season - Hillsboro Hops, Hilsboro OR
Single A - Kane County Cougars, Geneva IL (used to be South Bend Silverhawks, South Bend IN)
Single A Advanced - Visalia Rawhide, Visalia CA
Double A - Mobile BayBears, Mobile A
Triple A - Reno Aces, Reno NV
Major Leagus - Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix AZ

And then you are sorted and divided at the end of Spring Training to the team they feel your skill level is best suited to. And they move and adjust all season long depending on how everyone plays and what the different teams are in need of.

So you don't know where he will be this year?

Nope! We will probably find out the last week or March/first week of April. Right now we have our fingers crossed for a certain team based on his locker room and work group placement at Spring Training. But nothing is ever set in stone until you are on an airplane and headed to the specific location. And even with that, you could play two games and there be a need for you on a different team so they will call a player into their office and say, "Hi, you are leaving tomorrow for this new team." And the guys pack up and move on.

Does he want to make the major leagues?

This is going to sound rude, but duh! Of course he wants to make the major leagues! We wouldn't be putting all this effort and energy and time apart into something if we didn't hope it worked out. If he didn't want to make the big league roster I would tell him to pack up the car and come home. But as long as this is his dream, I am fully supportive. So he wants it, and sometimes I feel like I want it more because it would make life a little easier!

Do you think he has a chance to make the bigs? What position is he?

I do. Adam works hard. He works SO hard. In fact, sometimes I think, "How the heck do you have that much drive and dedication?! How do you only eat chicken and rice?! Don't you want ice cream? I want ice cream." But nope, when he sets a goal he sticks too it. I think he can do it. And he just needs to keep pushing. And he will. He is a pitcher. He throws a fastball, a slider, and a changeup. And he seems to be getting better every season - thanks to his dedication and hard work.

Why do you still have to work then? Don't professional athletes make a lot of money?

I still work because major league players make a lot of money, but minor league players do not. All players are only paid during "in season" months - which means April to September/October depending on playoffs and all that. So a major league player has his "major league minimum" which is still a decent amount or they have a contract which is usually a lot more than that. But a minor league player makes the very smallest amount of money. Depending on the level Adam can make somewhere between $1,200 and $3,000 a month. And while Adam is making his way up and proving himself he is on the lower end of that scale. So while Adam works his way through the minors I work full time in Idaho and hopefully some day I can be a stay at home Mom while Adam makes money with his big league contract. But until then we like our arrangement.

Do you ever wish you could travel with him?

Oh, of course! I have looked into the option of remote jobs. I have looked into the option of working really hard when he is here and then somehow scrapping by when we travel together. But at the end of the day, and no offense to my sweet husband, I think I would hate traveling with him. I think the days would be long - he is at the field every day from about noon until around 10 or 11 at night. And I think I would get bored. And I think I would probably get into some very bad habits of only eating Cheetos and never trying to progress mentally and physically. So yeah, it would be so great to follow my guy around the country, but I think it is better for me to support him while keeping myself busy and mentally strong.

Why Idaho, of all places?

Adam and I have basically lived somewhere different every season so far. We are really trying to find a fit for both the off season and during season. Our first year was Utah, which was great! That is where we met, fell in love, got married, and built a lot of relationships with amazing people. Our friends were there and our family was there. And it was easy for the summer Adam was gone. I would have been happy staying there. But then there was an opportunity to move to Arizona with my job which meant only 4 and half months apart rather than 7. It felt so right. So I took the transfer, we packed up, and we moved to Arizona. And it was great at first! But as soon as Adam left I felt really alone. No friends, no family, no full time support from people who cared about me, and my job wasn't a match for what I like to do. I was basically miserable and it got to the point that Adam could tell from across the country. And he felt really bad. So he asked me where I would want to be. I said Utah or Idaho. And he said go find a job! And so I did. I had options in both states, but at the end of the day Idaho felt best. A great job which offered work-life balance, family, friends, volunteer work, and lots of opportunities to grow and learn. So here we are in Idaho. And I can honestly say there has never been a better fit for our situation.

Seven months is a long time! Is that hard?

Yeah. I won't lie. When Adam leaves it is the hardest. And every year it gets harder, which you would think is not the case since we are getting used to it. But every year we have built a stronger relationship and so it really is hard when he leaves. Bu you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so happy to be supporting my husband as he lives out his dream, a dream he has had since before he even knew I existed. And I know he would so the same things for me. I love hearing his enthusiasm about how practice went. I look forward to Facetime every single night. I get excited to go visit him and watch his games and meet his teammates. The best choice that we have made though, that makes it easier, is we have included the gospel in our long distance relationship because it is an important aspect of our life. We read scriptures and say prayer together every night when we Facetime. Seven months apart is a long time. It isn't easy, but it is totally worth it to see our communication strengthen and our love for each other deepen in a way that I don't think would have happened without the long distance.

And that is the answers I have to all of the questions that I have been asked many times this year. But I am always open to answering more. Because if you are anything like me, you are curious and slightly nosy. But this is an experience I am totally willing to share with you. Because if it doesn't help you in some shape or form, it might help someone else. This is a life I never expected for myself, but the support and the lessons learned are totally unique and I am happy to share what I can.

Skinny Mill Update

I figure it is high time I share another update about Mr. Skinny with you all. A lot of people are really confused when I say things like, "I don't do much because I am home alone." Or maybe something like, "I have all the time in the world because Adam is gone - so give me a call!" Because over the last month or so I have been posting photos with him. Well. That is because he was home for about a month. If you didn't know. Adam is a minor league player in the Diamondbacks Organization. I guess that is where this whole thing needs to start for the new readers, right?

Traditionally the summer baseball season goes from April until September. So every year Adam will be shipped off to some far away - sometimes not so far - town in Indiana, California, Alabama, or Nevada. This year he has been playing in South Bend, Indiana for the South Bend Silver Hawks. He left at the very end of March with plan on returning at the end of season. Well, as we all know, plans change. On May 15th Adam was up to start - he is a pitcher and was in the starting rotation so every 5 days he opened up the game. The few games before he had been telling me how his arm felt weird, but he was still rocking and rolling so we figured it was just season deadarm. Then in the 2nd inning Adam said he felt a "pop" and his entire arm started to throb. I cannot explain to you the anxiety and fear while you wait to hear from your husband as he gets pulled from a game due to an injury. After meeting with the trainer he took a few minutes to call me. And while I cried a lot it was good to hear from him and hear what was going on. Over the next few days they worked on his arm, did some strengthening, and waiting for some pitching swelling to go down to they could do an xray. It looked clean but his arm wasn't 100% so they sent him to Arizona for a little R&R - rest and rehab. And also for an MRI because they were thinking he tore his labrum.

Needless to say, I was SO happy to have my husband home. And without having to pay for his flight. It was like a gift. And something I really needed. I missed that kid. After a week of rest he got an MRI and we waited anxiously for results. He was ALL CLEAR! He just had some inflammation but nothing was torn. What a blessing. When he called to tell me that I could not stop smiling. What a huge weight was lifted from our shoulders. But then we still have a month of rehab coming after that rest. So for the next month I got my baseball husband home and he got to strengthen his arm here at home. After a few weeks in a program and then being moved to the bullpen for a few games he was back to Skinny Mill. And he struck out six guys in only three innnings while playing in the AZL league.

At the beginning of July he got sent back to South Bend. And that is where he currently is - unless the team in on the road. They left him as a bullpen guy so he pitches one or two innings every three days instead of six or seven innings every five days now. Since getting back out there he has pitched 8.1 innings with 6 strike outs and a 0.00 ERA. I am really hoping that I didn't just jinx him by typing it all out, but I am a proud wife! He is working hard and I am missing him terribly. But I can't wait to see what comes from this season of hardwork. And I am looking forward to going to visit him next month!

South Bend As Told By My Phone

You all know it happened... at least, if you follow me on the gram you know. Last week I was in South Bend visiting that sweet man of my man. It was all a whirlwind. I didn't think I was going to get to visit him for awhile because flights are expensive and work is busy. But I am having a hard time with him being gone this year and I just couldn't take it anymore. On Tuesday I asked my boss if she thought I could maybe go and we looked up some options for dates. On Tuesday night I mentioned I might try and come. On Wednesday I showed the dates to my GM and she approved instantly because, "I need to see my husband." And within an hour the flight, car, and hotel were booked by Adam while I watched the Easter pageant. And within a week and a half this happened...

I was SO excited to see Adam. I got to fly in Easter Sunday night. That meant I got to spend a very special holiday evening with Adam. In fact, one might call me the Easter bunny as I strolled in with jelly beans and a new button up.

Monday night's game was cancelled due to rain which meant EXTRA time with Adam. But not until after I had explored South Bend while Adam was at the field. I bought a book and I got m eyebrows threaded... which was SO painful but my eyebrows are a ten. Best they've ever looked. Once the game was cancelled Adam and I went and explored some and Adam played Easter bunny buying me my new fave lippy. More on that later. And a movie night, with popcorn. Duh.

Tuesday was a double header. 5 hours straight of baseball to makeup for a rain out the night before. Also. And it was freezing. Just as I am getting used to this AZ sun I get tossed to the tundra. Lots of NCIS was watched while Adam had to be at the field and I waited at the hotel for game time. Also, lots of selfies were taken during that period of time. Those two sentences of hotel time can be applied to every day but Sunday.

Wednesday I got to watch Adam pitch! 7 innings pitched. 4 hits. 0 runs. 2 walks. 6 strikeouts. ERA 0.92. Yeah, you could say I was proud. Plus the team ended up winning with a walk off single. Go Hawks. Oh.. earlier in the day we played tourists. We went to Notre Dame (awesome) and took a photo with Touchdown Jesus. Also, Adam pointed out that everyone looked like Rudy. I died laughing. Okay. I didn't die. But I laughed.

And Thursday was just time together. Sitting together before the game. And after three innings, popcorn, and a hot dog (aka my body hated me) I headed to the airport to leave.

And now here I am back in AZ. Missing Adam terribly. Going to see him was the best choice but also made me realize how much I miss him. I cannot wait to see him again. And I love him so much. South Bend, treat him well. But Adam, keep working hard and let's get you moved a little closer. Love you babe.

P.S. When can I go back?

Skinny Mill Update

Well.. it's time for it. Another Skinny Mill update. I haven't updated you for a really long time because we headed into the off-season after his rehab. And then we moved to Arizona. And then Spring Training came and went way too fast. Like... way too fast. And by way too fast I mean Adam is already gone. And I am once again, a baseball widow.

Spring Training went really well for Adam. It all started out with a little pre-Spring Training training because Adam got invited to mini camp. A handful of guys from each team got invited out to spend some extra time with the coaches. We were so happy that Adam got included in that group because that means he has made an impression. And at the end of February everyone else started rolling in for Spring Training.

During the Spring Training games Adam played on a few different teams which gave him an opportunity to try out a lot of pitches and fix his mechanics on a lot of different batters. Sadly, I only got to go to one game because work has been so busy… but happily, it was the best he pitched probably ever. He struck out 8 guys in only 5 innings, no walks, and he hit 97 MPH with his fast ball! And the 5th inning he struck out the side. That’s right. Three up, three down.

So this morning I became a baseball widow because Adam headed to South Bend, Indiana (Speaking of, anyone got any connections out there? We need to find Adam a place to live while he is out there!) to play for the Silver Hawks. He will be the third day starter out there – so his first game is this Saturday. I miss him so much already. But I am so excited to see how this season goes for him. He has worked so hard and he deserves everything coming his way. Man, I love that guy! I’ll keep you posted on Mr. Skinny throughout the year.

Family Night at the Ballpark

Spring training has been good to us. We've been taking advantage of Adam's connections and my new love for baseball to spend our family night at the ballpark. Which you think would drive Adam crazy since he is there for at least nine hours a day, seven days a week already... but nope. He loves it. I guess he picked the right profession, eh?

So for the last couple Mondays we either drove out together or met there after Adam had a late day to enjoy the sights and sounds of a Spring Training game. I could really get used to this. Within the next few years maybe I will be coming out to the Diamondbacks' games to watch Adam! Hopefully this week we can go at least once more before Adam leaves for the summer in just 6 short days. I'm going to miss him, but it looks like my summer will be full of road trips to support the man that I love to much. Where have you been spending your family nights? What is your favorite activity to do?

A Baseball Mural

About two months ago Adam started working out with his other BYU draftees on campus. They would go to the athlete weight room and then spend some time over at the field seeing their old teammates. Adam was telling me about the new changes to the club house. Most notably, an extended coach's office for the new staff. And then a little over a month ago Adam got an email from his BYU coach from the season before he was drafted, Coach Littlewood with the subject: New wall by coaches office. It said, "Thought you would like to see the design that is going outside my new office for the whole world to see.."

Adam forwarded it over to me. And I was so excited! I felt like such a proud wife. Adam was going to be on the BYU Baseball wall forever and ever. Which is slightly ironic, because just one week earlier we had been talking about the banners out front of the stadium of former BYU players. I asked Adam, "Do you think if you do well as a professional baseball player they will put up a banner of you?" And he said, "Nope! Those are guys that did awesome things at BYU. I never did anything that made me an all-American or anything at BYU." But now, here he is, one of the mural guys! The other guys on the team are Jaycob Brugman, he was drafted by the Oakland A's, Jacob Hanneman, drafted by the Chicago Cubs, Adam Law, drafted by the LA Dodgers, Hayden Nielsen, their freshman teammate that made a huge impact last season, and Coach Littlewood. And over the weekend the mural went up so Adam took me over to the field late one night before it closed so I could see it.

I really wanted Adam to be in the photo but he is too modest and said, "I don't want to be one of those guys!" So you just get a nice photo of my handsome husband on the wall. I was especially excited because he looks like a really big deal. Because, in my mind, he is. He is the coolest, most hard working, dedicated, motivated, and especially handsome man around. 

An AZ Weekend

It was a quick trip. But I must say, I think I will like Arizona. I learned that you can tell a lot about a state by it's highway. Arizona has a clean highway, cleaner than I thought it would. And the drivers seem relatively reasonable, unlike some states I have lived in. The whole trip started with a rental car drive to go pick up Adam... and in those first few moments on the road I knew I could be happy living there someday. 

Our weekend started with a trip to the mall. Apparently there were some awesome sales that Adam wanted me to hit up. So I did. Because he told me I "had to get something"... okay, okay. Don't twist my arm! He said he has been there at least once a week, if not three or four times, because that is what his teammates like to do. And he wasn't lying. Within 30 minutes of being there we ran into some fellow Diamondback guys. 

After the mall it was time to check in to the hotel. Change up. And head out for dinner and the game.

Adam loves driving rental cars. And I love Adam driving any car. As long as I get to sit next to him. He doesn't love me taking his photo though... Ha. We were going to grab dinner downtown so we went to the first place that looked fun. And we lucked out with it being Arizona Restaurant Week and the place we picked was participating! So we got to try out a delicious three course meal. The desserts were to die for. Salted caramel pudding, everyone. You must try it.

Then after dinner a quick walk back to Chase Field (sadly we missed the opening of the roof) to catch the Diamondbacks in action! My first MLB game. I cannot wait until Adam is playing there. And I will eat one million ballpark pretzels. Mark my words. We had pretty good seats because Adam's high school teammate it a big leaguer and he hooked us up! Thanks bro.

Then home and to bed because Adam had practice at 8 AM the next morning. And I was a sleepy goose. So Adam went to practice and I slept in and then watched ESPN until he got home. Winning. After that it was brunch at Paradise, walking around a different mall, swinging by his team hotel to pick up a gift card and his friend Steve, a tour of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge (which is INCREDIBLE), then more mall, and then dropping Steve back at the hotel. Adam and I were going to try and go to a movie, but decided to call it a night. So we grabbed some Sprinkles Cupcakes because I was dying to try them and headed home to relax and get Adam caught up on Pretty Little Liars.

Then off to bed around 11PM so I could get up and catch an EARLY flight home. Which included a small panic attack because I needed to return the rental car to a different airport than I was flying out of. Do you think I will ever learn to read fine print? Luckily Adam is a champ and took care of it all for me. And now I am home in Utah. And Adam is too, because while I was in AZ he got the good news he was cleared to come home! Which was the VERY best birthday gift I could have EVER ever in my whole life asked for. Home is wherever Adam is. And I am looking forward to when we make Arizona our home.