Another year is underway and again, I am with a new team.  I became a minor league free agent this October and chose to sign a contract with the Boston Red Sox.  Needless to say I took a lot of crap from people back home in New York about signing with the enemy.  It was all in good fun, but as I told them I need to take advantage of the opportunity in front of me.  Such is life for a minor league baseball player.  I had a few other teams offer me, but I felt most comfortable talking to the Red Sox and the chances of moving up.  I’ve been in spring training for about 2 weeks now, back in Florida.  I miss the short road trips in Arizona but the beach is around the corner.  I’d say it’s an even trade.  Spring training is going well, yet still my least favorite part of the season.  Early practice, the pressure of roster moves, and afternoon games without the excitement of the season.  I did have the chance to pitch in the big league game on St. Patrick’s Day, complete with green jerseys and hats.  It was my first outing this year so I was a little rusty.  Walked to leadoff guy on 4 straight fastballs, not a good start.  Next guy bunted the guy to second.  Then I struck out two hitters to get out of the inning.  A few minutes later I found myself in the dugout sitting next to Johnny Pesky while everyone congratulated me.  It was quite surreal, a great experience. 

I again went back to Penn this off-season, for the last time.  I graduated with a bachelor of economics, finance concentration from the Wharton School of Business.  To be able to say that I graduated from Penn while playing baseball is my most proud accomplishment.  I’m glad I had the chance to attend Penn and I feel I am well prepared for whatever comes my way as a result.  I hope my degree will open many doors once my baseball career is over, but for now the only door I want opened is the one to a big league locker room. 

Take Care

Jon Searles