| 07 July 2011
Now a month into his professional baseball career, Boston Red Sox minor league pitching prospect Mike McCarthy has been keeping a journal on his road through the minor leagues.
In his first entry Mike shared his struggle to get to Cal-State Bakersfield, and his eventual success in getting eligible. Last week he discussed his final season, where his team beat the eventual National Champion South Carolina Gamecocks, and where he out-dueled the eventual No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft, UCLA’s Gerrit Cole on the mound.
Today he takes us into his minor league career, where Mike discusses his new teammates, new coaches, and new surroundings in Massachusetts
About a month ago I was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 14th round. Interestingly, I wasn't watching online when it happened, and I didn't get a call from the organization. Instead, the players at my college and I were in an intra-squad scrimmage that day to stay sharp for our respective upcoming summer seasons (both college and professional). Louis Cazares yelled, "Mike, you just got drafted by the Boston Red Sox." After that guys came over and shared a bunch of hugs and smiles. It was an enjoyable chance to share with my teammates another milestone for CSUB Baseball. We had four players drafted in the top 20 rounds of the 2011 draft and it was also the same four guys who were in Alaska two years before. A surreal moment for us, especially for me.
While I was a bit nervous about the draft, I knew I would be drafted eventually, so it was more of a wait and see process. It is interesting because I thought I would be taken by the Red Sox since they seemed to have the most interest, but I wasn't sure until my name was actually called. It was a huge relief to find out I was being drafted. We had a short press conference on the field with the different news stations. Afterward I went to the local sports store and bought each of the guys a hat from their respective teams. It was a fun picture and a great opportunity for us to congratulate one another.
Massachusetts and New England have been amazing. While people first struck me as a bit rude, I realized they are just very straight forward. They put all of their cards on the table, and aren't afraid to tell you what they are thinking.
The team make up is much different than in college. We play 76 games in 80 days and it takes a huge toll on each individual. Most of the players get along well but small disagreements do happen and we deal with them quickly, to make sure and not upset the chemistry within the clubhouse. Meeting my new teammates was fun because we are among some of the best players in the game and they are from around the world. Still, I don't think meeting my new teammates was the most difficult part though; meeting my new coaches was pretty tough.
Prior to my first outing I was a bit nervous about it, but instead of being afraid of what would happen I decided to embrace it. I believe this is how you become a better player and learn to use nervousness and fear in a positive manner. It has worked well so far. In 4.2 innings of work (the coaches are easing my workload after I threw so many innings in my college season), I’ve struck out 10 with a 1.93 ERA and three saves.
I pride myself as someone who doesn't get too nervous for things, and can always give a high quality at bat, or for myself a high quality outing. I was definitely nervous but didn't allow the nerves to overcome me, but merely embraced them to make myself the best pitcher I can be. Each game I have to stay mentally prepared and ready to compete. The nerves cannot become a factor, if it does then you are in the wrong sport. Pitching (and baseball) is all about your hand on clutch situation for the betterment of the team.
While it is a fun time, it can become a stressful/difficult time as well. I focus on improving myself as a player and helping the ball club win games while helping those that our around me. Pitching is as simple and as complicated as we make it. Simplify the game and take charge of the situation.
Photo Credit: Mike McCarthy, CSBU Athletics/GoRunners.com
(Feel free to contact Mike or Aaron, by commenting below, or sending an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . As things stand right now, Mike plans on posting every week here at AaronTorres-Sports.com.
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