When I met Shane, 12 years ago, his dream was to play professional baseball. In fact, he was sure that it would happen. So I played along--and actually believed that he could do whatever he set his sights on. Then the years went by, and we had lots of fun while he played in college. And great friendships and memories were made. But the dream didn't work out. And, actually, we were more than okay with it. But I think Shane secretly wondered "what if" more than once.
So, you can imagine my surprise when Shane came home this summer with an Orem Owlz uniform. 8 years post-baseball, he was signed. I was in shock, to say the least. Where did this come from? What made them think that Shane could still play? What made Shane think he could still play? And how were we going to survive on a minor-league salary?
But, being the overly-supportive wife that I am, I decided to go to his first game and cheer. And take some pictures. Because I didn't know how long this would last. And Shane played the game of his life. He was diving, jumping, sliding and throwing like nobody's business. You never would have known that this MVP was 32 years old! I was very proud.
And they WON! High fives all around!
And as I watched them walk off of the field after a stellar performance, I got a little teary-eyed thinking about how the dream had finally come true. Little did I know that he was walking towards the end, for when he got to locker room he was asked to turn in his uniform and he was released. Oh well, all good things come to an end sometime, right?
{Okay, you got me. Shane didn't actually sign to play baseball. But he did get paid to wear an Owlz uniform, do some stunts, and let them take pictures. They wanted some good shots for advertisements. I know what you're thinking--why didn't they just use real Orem Owlz players? I was thinking the same thing. And I still don't know the answer. I also wondered who the genius was that thought they should use 30-somethings who hadn't played for years. And I still don't know the answer to that, either. What I do know, is that Shane thought it was so much fun--and he got paid, which is what made it fun for me! And for those of you wondering, the other two guys are Mike Wirrick and Josh Roberts...}
8 comments:
That red uniform brings out the extra hop in his step and gleam in his eyes that might have made the difference. (He looks much wiser and emotionally balanced too):)
hahaha...i knew from the beginning, they asked seth to do it too but he couldn't. i am sure that it kind of gave shane the same feeling as he gets watching "the rookie". that movie is banned from our house.
That's cool! I bet he was in heaven!! When will you know which pics they are going to use?
that's awesome! it's a good thing they were all wearing hats to hide their gray and receeding hairlines.
maybe next year they will sign them up for a game and as a promotional stunt shane and his friends will have to play an entire game in an owl costume...I bet they'd still crush the Missoula Osprey
I love the pictures. I be Shane had so much fun. Good for him and well deserved.
shane look at you. your quite the modeling stud i think you should make it a full time carer.
That is so funny! You really had me going. My worst nightmare is that I have to go compete in college again without training. I was feeling for Shane. Thats cool.
You had me going there, for a slight second. That is too funny, looks like a lot of fun. He looks pretty good in the baseball getup. Hope you enjoyed that Shane!!!
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