Editor's Note: Ricky Pacione played baseball at Marist from 2008-11, and finished his career ranked in the program's top 10 all-time in 10 statistical categories. An Academic All-American, Pacione was selected by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 48th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. He spent two years in the Angels' organization, and is currently in his first season as a bullpen catcher for the Cleveland Indians. He wrote on his experiences with the Indians in Spring Training and the Indians' season opener against the Oakland A's.
My experience from day one is something I had imagined since I began playing when I was four years old. To be able to walk into a Major League clubhouse with a manager, coaches, players, and personnel second to none on a daily basis is incredible. It is easy to see that the Indians organization has not only great talent, but great people. Everyone I have met and everyone I interact with on a daily basis is very welcoming and maintains a positive attitude and loves what they do, as do I.
My duties in spring training were to set up the fields, throw batting practice, catch bullpens before and during the game, and warm up the starter before the game. A quality about these players that is most impressive is the great amount of preparation all the players put in on a daily basis to get better and better and remain consistent. It's easy to see that they belong at this level. They're here well before game time every day refining a skill or maintaining their bodies.
On Monday, I was able to experience my first opening day in a Major League setting. Although it's as a bullpen catcher and not a player, it was equally thrilling and everything I had imagined. The crowd and the atmosphere gave you the chills especially during tense moments in the game. It was awesome to start the season with a win.
I've had a great partner in Armando Camacaro showing me the way on a daily basis. I'm very blessed to be where I am and couldn't have done it without the help and support from my family and friends. I look forward every morning I wake up to a new experience and never take a day for granted.
