Got to see my favorite MLB player play, finally
I have a favorite Major League Baseball player that is currently playing the game…Byron Buxton. Byron is an Appling County native and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2012. He has remained with the team his entire baseball career.
Most know that Byron was a standout in high school and scouts began to notice him early on in his high school career. During the 2012 MLB draft, many considered him the top prospect, straight out of high school mind you. Byron was the second overall pick in 2012 by the Twins, only behind his current teammate Carlos Correa, who was drafted by the Houston Astros.
Byron has since become a household name in the country, wowing sports fans with his speed, defensive abilities and bat. When he is in a game, you will probably see him making incredible catches in the outfield on SportsCenter highlights. Despite untimely injuries, Byron has had an impressive career in the majors, winning awards such as Gold and Platinum Glove Awards and becoming an MLB All-Star. His speed has always been at the very top in MLB. He has hit nearly 140 dingers in the majors and had countless multi-base hits due to his speed. Byron is approaching 100 stolen bases as well.
On Thursday, Amy received a call from a friend who wanted to know if we wanted some tickets to Saturday’s MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Minnesota Twins. We had planned to go up to our property in Lincoln County to work, but after discussing the idea with Amy, Jacob, Cole and Bentlee, we all agreed to take a break from work, and college, and try to make the game.
Over the years, our family has tried to attend games to watch Byron several times in the past, but schedule conflicts or injuries kept us from seeing our favorite MLB player play. Last year our family was vacationing in the Tampa Bay area and the Rays were playing the Twins. We got tickets in advance and went to Tropicana Field to watch the game. I think Byron got injured like a day or two before the game. We still had a great time despite not getting to watch Byron play.
On Saturday, Byron showed out going 3 for 4 at the plate and had a RBI sacrifice. He even legged out a triple on one of his at bats, and made it look easy. Then he had several spectacular defensive plays, including a center field catch at the outfield wall. Did I mention he had a stolen base as well? I’d call that a good day at work.
I’m not going to lie; the Braves have always been my favorite team. However, my devotion as a fan was split Saturday as I found myself cheering for Byron and his Twins probably more than the Braves. The Braves did top the Twins 4-3 Saturday.
When many of the professional athletic associations started bowing to the pressures of political correctness a few years back, I stopped following many of the teams I grew up cheering for. The Twins have been an exception. I have followed Byron’s career, and as a fan, it has been fun to watch. I have also been at numerous events in Baxley with Byron and I can honestly say…I believe he is the same great young man he has always been. I credit his parents, Felton and Carrie Buxton, for raising a great man.
Congratulations to an outstanding baseball player…signed, a fan. I finally got to see you play, in the MLB, in person.
