Prospects Crash the Show

Caleb Joseph, an Oriole minor leaguer, has an interesting blog and this recent entry tells about an off day visit to Camden Yards with Brian Matusz.

The Orioles BP finishes and I see Rich Hill coming off. Rich threw his first rehab start in Frederick and I got to catch him, we got to be buddies during the game. He recognized me from the first second and waved me down to the area that Brian was just at. He asked me about the season and we talked for a few minutes before he asked me if I wanted to go into the clubhouse. I denied his first request because I didn’t feel ‘worthy’ to go down there but he insisted. Before I knew it, I was climbing over the wall and I disappeared. That’s when it all began…

After a short walk back into the dugout we appear in the clubhouse. I was absolutely amazed at the size of this room. Everyone’s locker was neat and clearly full with equipment. Most of the guys were hanging out, just as we do before a game, playing cards or working the crossword puzzles. Chris Ray and Matt Albers recognized me from Aberdeen as they threw to me on rehab starts last summer. It felt good getting recognized. I then saw Brian and stuck close to him as everyone knew who he was. I was amazed at how inviting and cool everyone was. I followed Brian around as he knew his way around there and we soon bumped into the coaching staff. Head coach of the Orioles Dave Trembley shook hands with Brian then asked my name. He knew who I was, which was crazy, then we had a short conversation. We then toured the training room and weight facility and the other little aspects of the locker room such as the video room that players can get on and recall any at-bat or such through the computer system. Pretty cool stuff. Before I knew it we were being ushered back to the stands. It all happened so fast, and after it was all said and done I felt like I had had a mini-heart attack. I was so nervous, excited, exhausted, and anxious in the same feeling. I cannot express to you all the emotions I felt, but I hopefully can’t wait to call that place home one day. It was definitely the best day of my life so far. Then reality set in the next day as we left for Delaware. One day… one day.