Only a couple more hours to expect

Laguna Hills, CA – Anyone that truly loves the game of baseball can appreciate the wide levels of emotions the game can produce. The great Earl Weaver once said, “A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.” Add this philosophy with parenthood and you can have a volatile case of anxiety during any baseball game your son plays. On any given day, during the grind of a season, thousands of parents share these emotions around professional baseball. While there is a full appreciation for similar experiences around the game, we only have a couple more hours to expect the start by John Lamb for a full season effort on the Kansas City Royals farm. The injury that stalled his professional career back in 2011, while pitching for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, has been filled with plenty of peaks and valleys. Today’s game with his Wilmington Blue Rocks teammates in Myrtle Beach, SC against the Pelicans will offer yet another step towards his dream.

Photo credit – Brad Glazier

The Wilmington Blue Rocks, Advanced Class A team for the Royals, lost their season opener last night in extra innings. We will be watching tonight’s game on our MiLB.tv subscription as John takes the ball surrounded by many other prospects within the organization. Emotions are about to explode with the first pitch of tonight’s Carolina League contest and with any luck this is simply the first of many more roller coaster rides during the season.

Our previous trips to this year’s spring training provided opportunity to nurture some relationships around the organization which has continued to support my son. Seeing him work around the Surprise, AZ complex during drills, practice and games provides an enormous joy knowing your boy is still living out his dreams around the ballpark. Watching his interactions with fans brings tremendous satisfaction and pride. Seeing their genuine excitement, following an autograph or picture with John, can easily put a smile on any parent’s face. Our family stands firm with gratitude towards the Kansas City Royals organization for their ongoing confidence in his ability.

A light lunch and nap is in order now before John Lamb resumes his efforts on the field later today in South Carolina. Go Blue Rocks!