As I ventured down the bike path today, wearing my brand new running shoes, I chose a different playlist than usual. Usually I choose a Pandora station such as "Lady Gaga" or "Kesha", something upbeat and loud to keep me pumped up. Today, as I turned on Pandora, I left it on my last-listened "Michael Buble" station and started on my way. Running for me is a way to release all of my worries and cares, and to simply think about the things that are happening in my life. Today, there was a lot on my mind.
The other day one of Eric's teammates, Brandon McCarthy (a pitcher) was struck in the head with a line drive during a game. He went down immediately and the trainer and manager sprinted out to the mound. After a few minutes, he walked off the field on his own, which seemed to be a relief at the time. They soon found that he had suffered a skull fracture which caused swelling in his brain (and a few other things), and had to go into brain surgery that night. I'm not a doctor, so I can't really give you all the details of what he endured, but I do know that in those two seconds of seeing him get hit and fall, baseball became very real.
The reality of baseball is that these guys go out there, wear their bodies down, and put themselves in potential danger 162 games a year. Sure, there are many injuries throughout the season, but this is one that makes your heart stop.
Brandon's wife, Amanda, is one of my good friends on this team. What she has gone through the past few days is completely unimaginable to me. What I do know, is that there is nobody that I would rather have loving, supporting, and praying for me than this amazing baseball family that I have inherited.
The wives on our team have all come together to send Amanda meals each day, and make sure she is taking care of herself as much as she is Brandon. It's hard enough to hear about something this awful happening to someone, but it really truly hits home when it's a teammate and a friend. Without a second thought, the wives on our team have done all they can to help out, even from across the country.
It has been absolutely incredible to me to see the immediate, and constant support and encouragement from other baseball players, their wives, girlfriends and everyone in between. Although 90% of these people have never met Brandon or Amanda, they have come to their aid to support them in any way they can. It's inspiring.
As I finished my run, I was more grateful than I have ever been for the many baseball girls I have encountered in my 5+ seasons in baseball. It is so calming to know that no matter what situation I am faced with in baseball, I know that I have a whole family out there who will understand and support me in whatever it is I'm going through. Baseball brings people together in a way nothing else can, and I think it's a beautiful thing.
As the season comes to an end, please remember to be thankful for the healthy, able body that God has given you. Please continue to pray for the McCarthys!
