Only about a month ago I wrote with eager anticipation of my first Spring Training game as the Announcer for the Detroit Tigers. I write now having survived and flourished through the entire spring season save one game. One exhibition contest remains in Lakeland and my 15 minutes are all but up. I am thrilled with the experience having reflected on it only briefly. The games flew by but I will undoubtedly remember them for a long time to come. Based on my new nickname "voice of the tigers," adopted by my bosses, I feel that I've exceeded not only my own expectations but their's as well.
While so much good has come from this past month I can say with relative confidence that sports is not my career calling. I don't know what I am more passionate about than sports, which can be frustrating at times, but I feel as though I am more suited to be a fan. I say this for a variety of reasons. Going behind the scenes is fascinating but when you get caught up in the business and entertainment aspect of this industry everything happening on the field loses some meaning. The hours are designed to be unpleasant. Yes, you are working a sporting event, but its still work and over time it begins to feel like work, although maybe not as much. And all those nights and weekends spent with coworkers over friends makes for somewhat of an unnatural social life. My last gripe about the sports industry is the pay. I've found that many end up taking a pay cut for similar jobs simply to be in sports and I no longer feel thats worth it.
But, even with all this I am excited to spend this next year, potentially my last, in sports. I will announce for the minor league affiliate of the Tigers and continue living the dream for a short while longer. So as I bid adieu to spring training I look forward to searching for what is meant to follow as I enjoy the rest of my time in baseball.
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