Hello readers! I would like to first apologize for the delay of my update. I have been on a roller coaster ride over here. It has been a long three weeks, but here it is: Good things usually happen to those who wait.
Last time I posted, I had just been demoted to extended spring training. I was in extended for a grueling sixteen days. It was spring training all over again. Waking up at 7 a.m., breakfast at the field, stretch, fundamentals, and games at 1 p.m. It is extremely hot in Florida right now, and playing games in the middle of the day is definitely not ideal. It was not fun. I didn’t enjoy my time down in extended, but I think I made improvements in my game. Ultimately, that is what is most important in my career right now. After those long 16 days, it finally came: the call back to my team. I am very excited to be back where I can have some fun and play baseball games almost every night.
These last three weeks were mentally challenging. I thought about throwing in the towel, wondered if I am good enough to make it in this business and questioned if this is the life I am supposed to lead.
These thoughts ran though my head for the first time in my life.
Baseball is my passion and I believe that I am really good at playing this game. I questioned my life’s dreams and prayed for guidance. Some of my prayers were answered but many were not. I don’t know where I am going to be in three years but I do know where I am today. I give my blessing every day when I see that sunshine through my window.
I am extremely blessed to play baseball and get paid for doing it. I know I have a college degree and can always go to the 8-to-5 job, but that is not where I am in my life. I am getting to work/play a game I love day in and out. Taking advantage of every day is all I need to do. Don’t take for granted the things you have in this life because you never know when it could all be gone. I have a baseball signed by one of the game’s greatest, Trevor Hoffman. This ball says “never leave yourself with the question ‘What if?’.” That is exactly what I am going to do. I don’t want to have that void in my life, asking myself “what if?” I will continue to fight and live my dream.
Whatever happens happens. I am going to give it my all and have no regrets.
Ryan Shopshire
Proverbs 3:1-12
