“Back in the Saddle” by Jeremy Slayden

We all wondered if he would be back. Slayden clarifies this in his recent blog post. See below from Jeremy Slayden’s blog. Great to hear he’s off to a good start and back to the organization!

OinK!

SO Its great to be back in spring training! I just want to give a few brief updates.

Off season training went well for some really cool reasons. Here are a few of them (no order):

#1 Michael Ware – My trainer at the Forum gym in Atlanta was not only a great motivator and a source of encouragement and wisdom three days a week..he also became a very dear friend. He took me on as his personal project and knowing I couldn’t afford that type of training – he did it for FREE.

#2 Ninth Inning – Ninth Inning Baseball provided a place for me to work every day to support myself monetarily while also providing the perfect spot to work on my baseball skills at any time. I was able to hit and throw with professional players every afternoon before work began and be surrounded by guys who were very encouraging to help me reach my goals. I want to give a special thank you to Seth LaFera for all the time spend throwing BP, giving me flips, and talking thru the mental game, Heath Honeycutt for putting together a first class place with great people and for helping out during tough times, and Jerome and Aubriana Lopez for hooking me up with some great gear for the season including bats! Also thanks to Mike Bohana who took time to hit me fly balls and work with me on throwing and running mechanics – I’m still heeding your advice brother! All you guys are great!

#3 The Rock – My Bible study group in Atlanta. What can I say – you guys are the best! Thanks for helping me see the “WAY” more clearly and standing by me no matter what. You guys are warriors and I feel your prayers. In the Spirit, physical distance can never separate us. Love you guys.

#4 Dr. Fred Achecar and Dr. John Forte – These two guys gave me medical care over the off-season for FREE!! Both of them have helped me immensely and I’m deeply grateful for their generosity and expertise.

Now I’m here in Clearwater, FL about to head into Day 5 of spring training. Its been slow so far with all the meetings, paperwork, etc… but I’m excited because we are close to getting the show on the road with Intersquad games and then official spring training games.

This is a special time. I believe God is going to use all of this and that I’m supposed to be here. Why? Because this is a risk…but with all the affirmation I have received to cause me to make the decision to make this comeback and
also the refreshed perspective I have on all of it, I now trust Him with the outcomes. My job is not to be successful…my job is to be faithful. Day by Day, Swing by swing, conversation by conversation. I may never see the big leagues – heck, a may never see another minor league game after spring training – but I believe. I believe that i am a part of a purpose and plan that is much larger, deeper and wider than the narrow bit of horizon than I can see.

Thoughts in moments of doubt:

I am too old to come back and be where I’m at.
My body has been through too much and hurts.
The top management has shut down my career two years ago…taking a year off only makes it worse.
You look foolish. It’s time to move on. Get a career.

My God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. I’m willing to look foolish. Not everyone will agree with what I’m saying here. Thats fine. Two years ago I wouldn’t have agreed with it either.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

I believe.

Ps: A special note for Gran – Stop worrying!! Love you

Jeremy