As the year comes to an end in a few days a lot of us take a moment and reflect on the year that was. We reflect so that we can appreciate where we have been. Reflecting also helps us grow so that we may enjoy what lies ahead. Below is a list of my top 5 memories of 2011...
#5 "State of Hockey"
My number five moment of this past year would have to be getting the opportunity to play hockey in Minnesota. Those of you who know me know that I am a big hockey fan and a huge Los Angeles Kings fan. I remember the days of Wayne Gretzky, Marty Mcsorley, Rob Blake, Luc Robitaille, and Jari Kurri. Playing hockey takes me back to the good old days, and it makes me feel like I am a kid again. This was a little extra special, because I got to play in Minnesota, "The State of Hockey."Although I found out what I already knew (that I was a terrible hockey player) I had an amazing time. It will hopefully the first of many hockey games for years to come. (Everybody take a deep breath. It was a no contact game and I was in full pads haha.)
My number five moment of this past year would have to be getting the opportunity to play hockey in Minnesota. Those of you who know me know that I am a big hockey fan and a huge Los Angeles Kings fan. I remember the days of Wayne Gretzky, Marty Mcsorley, Rob Blake, Luc Robitaille, and Jari Kurri. Playing hockey takes me back to the good old days, and it makes me feel like I am a kid again. This was a little extra special, because I got to play in Minnesota, "The State of Hockey."Although I found out what I already knew (that I was a terrible hockey player) I had an amazing time. It will hopefully the first of many hockey games for years to come. (Everybody take a deep breath. It was a no contact game and I was in full pads haha.)
#4 Opening and Closing
In the game of baseball there are a few milestones that a player never forgets. One of those milestones is opening day. This past April I got to experience my very first opening day. What made it extra special was that it would be the last opening day Sun Life Stadium would ever see. It was definately something I will never forget. Along with opening day, closing day was pretty special as well, but this was not your ordinary closing day. This one was special because it would be the last baseball game ever played at Sun Life Stadium. To top it all off, I had the privilege of starting. I am the last Marlin catcher to ever play on that field. I helped close out a field that was home to not one but two World Series Champions. Even though we lost the game, it was definately a memorable moment for not only me but for the Marlins Organization. I was honored to be able to take part and am very excited to begin a new chapter at the new ballpark!
In the game of baseball there are a few milestones that a player never forgets. One of those milestones is opening day. This past April I got to experience my very first opening day. What made it extra special was that it would be the last opening day Sun Life Stadium would ever see. It was definately something I will never forget. Along with opening day, closing day was pretty special as well, but this was not your ordinary closing day. This one was special because it would be the last baseball game ever played at Sun Life Stadium. To top it all off, I had the privilege of starting. I am the last Marlin catcher to ever play on that field. I helped close out a field that was home to not one but two World Series Champions. Even though we lost the game, it was definately a memorable moment for not only me but for the Marlins Organization. I was honored to be able to take part and am very excited to begin a new chapter at the new ballpark!
#3 Troop Visit
Ever since the Marlins started traveling over seas to visit the troops I hoped and prayed that I would be able to show my appreciation as well. When the Marlins called me in early November I quickly accepted. I went with fellow teammates Michael "Bigfoot" Stanton and Bryan "Rudolph Pipes" Petersen. Talk about a once in a lifetime trip. We traveled to bases all over Japan, Guam, and Hawaii, and we were doing activities non stop from 7 am to 8 pm every day for 15 straight days. To be honest, we all were extremely exhausted but in the end it was all worth it. I was honored to be able to go over seas and hang out with the amazing men and women of our armed forces. Thanks to them I get to play baseball and live out my dreams. Most importantly, because of them I am free and because of that I am forever grateful.
Ever since the Marlins started traveling over seas to visit the troops I hoped and prayed that I would be able to show my appreciation as well. When the Marlins called me in early November I quickly accepted. I went with fellow teammates Michael "Bigfoot" Stanton and Bryan "Rudolph Pipes" Petersen. Talk about a once in a lifetime trip. We traveled to bases all over Japan, Guam, and Hawaii, and we were doing activities non stop from 7 am to 8 pm every day for 15 straight days. To be honest, we all were extremely exhausted but in the end it was all worth it. I was honored to be able to go over seas and hang out with the amazing men and women of our armed forces. Thanks to them I get to play baseball and live out my dreams. Most importantly, because of them I am free and because of that I am forever grateful.
#2 City of Angels
As a little boy I dreamed of being a Major League baseball player. I dreamed of playing at Dodger Stadium in front of all my family and friends. I remember playing in the backyard for hours and hours pretending over and over to step to the plate at Dodger Stadium and getting a hit. In May my dreams became a reality. Two seasons ago we went to play the Dodgers, but unfortunately I never got in. This season I got to start. I remember stepping up to the plate and hearing my 50 plus family and friends cheering me on. It was quite the surreal moment, and by the end of the night I had collected two hits. That day had felt like I was in my back yard again with my mom and dad and like I was a kid again. The only difference was this time it was for real. After the game I decided to give my game bat to my dad. I don't think I have ever seen him so speechless. Every time I see my dad he constantly reminds me that it was the best gift I had ever given him. To say the least, it was a very special night for me and my family.
As a little boy I dreamed of being a Major League baseball player. I dreamed of playing at Dodger Stadium in front of all my family and friends. I remember playing in the backyard for hours and hours pretending over and over to step to the plate at Dodger Stadium and getting a hit. In May my dreams became a reality. Two seasons ago we went to play the Dodgers, but unfortunately I never got in. This season I got to start. I remember stepping up to the plate and hearing my 50 plus family and friends cheering me on. It was quite the surreal moment, and by the end of the night I had collected two hits. That day had felt like I was in my back yard again with my mom and dad and like I was a kid again. The only difference was this time it was for real. After the game I decided to give my game bat to my dad. I don't think I have ever seen him so speechless. Every time I see my dad he constantly reminds me that it was the best gift I had ever given him. To say the least, it was a very special night for me and my family.
#1 Hayes, party of 2
My number one memory of 2011 would undoubtedly be the day I got married. Those of you who are married know what I am talking about. Those of you who are not married, you soon will find out. It was easily the most amazing day of my life. To be surrounded by all my closest family and friends on such a special day was something I will never forget. The best part about it is that the celebrations continue. We get to do it all over again in January! In November my wife and I got married in her home town of Alexandria, MN. This time around we get to celebrate our wedding in my hometown. It is a small town called Los Angeles. Ever heard of it? It will be a ceremony for all those who were unable to make it out to Minnesota. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that that celebration just might be in my top 5 memories for 2012. I guess time will tell...
My number one memory of 2011 would undoubtedly be the day I got married. Those of you who are married know what I am talking about. Those of you who are not married, you soon will find out. It was easily the most amazing day of my life. To be surrounded by all my closest family and friends on such a special day was something I will never forget. The best part about it is that the celebrations continue. We get to do it all over again in January! In November my wife and I got married in her home town of Alexandria, MN. This time around we get to celebrate our wedding in my hometown. It is a small town called Los Angeles. Ever heard of it? It will be a ceremony for all those who were unable to make it out to Minnesota. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that that celebration just might be in my top 5 memories for 2012. I guess time will tell...
