My favorite team growing up was the Cincinnati Reds. Living within 10 minutes of the ball park I went to as many games as possible growing up as long as they didn't conflict with my baseball schedule.

In 2008 and 2009 I was very blessed to be with Manager Brandon Hyde and Pitching coach Reid Corneilus. They both were extremely professional and did a great job helping prepare everyone for the next level.

I started playing well and felt comfortable. That season a set a Jamestown record of consecutive innings pitched with out a walk. (40 2\3 innings, i think) and was named Jamestown Pitcher of the Year.

Miami awarded me with the teams Pitcher of the year as well as Rookie of the year. My career at Miami only got better from there, I went on the Cape Cod baseball league for 2 consecutive summers where I did well and also to help lead our Miami team to both MAC regular season and tournament champions in 2005. I finished my career at Miami holding a few conference records including career innings pitched and by getting drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 10th round.

I first reported to our Marlins spring training complex in Jupiter as well as the other draft picks to receive physicals and to sign contracts. From there I flew to Jamestown, NY to play for the Jamestown Jammers.

Jamestown was a very small town and I was thrilled to be there. It was interesting at first be adapting to the pro ball life style of being on the road alot and having a game almost every day but once I got use to it everything felt right.

I had been working on some mechanical issues before I got called up. When I got called up I was focused on trying to be mechanically correct instead of enjoying the moment and competing like I had always done which is probably the main reason to why I wasn't very successful in my first start.