At the end of Omaha’s minor league camp 1995 he couldn’t wait to phone his mom
“Mom! I’ve made it! They’ve given me a contract, I’m going to be a pro baseball player!”
William was assigned to left field in Council Bluffs Express in Iowa. The scouts didn’t think he would amount to much - “career minor leaguer”, “never be a major league hitter”, “below average fielder” were some of the comments that followed him around but at least he had the chance to prove them wrong.
He made his debut on Saturday April 1st in a game at home in a 9-0 shutout of Lancaster Crush, in five at bats he struck out once, ground-out and had three fly-outs. He was still happy though, his rise to the MBBA had started.
Over the course of the next month he made 28 appearances and had 118 at bats; he hit in 30 of them, reached second base in 11, drove in 11 runs, swiped 6 bags and walked 11 times. He was pleased that he only struck out 19 times but wished his .254 average was a few points higher.
Then on Monday May 1st he lined up at Pacific Railroad Park facing the Vernonburg Vegans. Bottom of the first he walked, his 12th and final career walk; next batter hit in to a potential double play, William slid into second base and a sickening collision with the Vegan second baseman. He was carried from the field and spent the next week in Council Bluffs general hospital for tests.
A week later the specialist gave him the news “ I’m afraid you’re suffering from post concussion syndrome, you’ll probably always suffer from some of the side affects and could have severe mental problems”
William had trouble comprehending the man’s words “ But what does it MEAN?”
“It means Son that your career is done, you’ll never be able to play again without risking serious injury”.
So there we have it. William’s career was all too brief but at least he lived the dream, no-one can take his month as a pro baseball player away from him.
Next time you go into McDonalds, say hello to William and pray you continue to live your dream.
