And so, it ends.
My first season in Atlantic League baseball has come to a close, in a rather unspectacular fashion - the last thing you want to have is a blowout in your final game. However, when you're broadcasting and the score becomes so lopsided that it's almost irrelevant, it gives you time to reflect.
I got to reflect on the fact that I help create a new baseball franchise from scratch.
I reflected on 140 broadcasts (even though only 139 made the air) and the 8 different venues that I got to visit.
I reflected on the hours on buses and planes, and in hotels and airports.
I thought of the responsibilities that I undertook, and those that I had to assume. I reflected on the stress, the exhaustion, and the grind of the season.
But most importantly, I reflected on the people.
I traveled with a fantastic roster of players and coaches that taught me so much about the sport, and about my job and myself. Players who had experienced fantastic career achievements, and some who were just starting out, and some who were looking for a way back, all traveling together, helping each other, and bonding on the bus and at destinations across the league. I have never traveled with a team for work before, and these guys made it a pleasure.
I have worked with 5 teams across 4 jobs, 2 sports and three states, and I can honestly say that this is, without a doubt, the most passionate, hard working, and caring front office that I've had the pleasure of calling my coworkers. I got to experience the highest of highs and some of the lowest lows across our 161 day adventure since the start of spring training. Our staff worked tirelessly, and took failure personally. They pushed themselves, and they pushed each other. They wanted to succeed and do better each and every day. It made me miss the office while I was on the road.
I had a fantastic media department that deserves special recognition. Rick and Meredith were subject to a workload that I do not envy - and they were able to achieve great things. They were a pleasure to work with each day, and I will truly miss them once their time with the team ends.
In sports, volatility is just part of the game, and, just as a roster has turnover, so will the front office. I have no expectation that I'll get to work with the same group who I had the pleasure of working with this season again. But I desperately wish I could.
Thanks, everyone, for bee-ing the best. Here's to great things, and few tarp pulls.