Off Season 2011

We have been home a little over a month, and boy does it feel good to be home!! We have had an interesting off season so far! We waited a LONG 9 weeks to hear the status of us going to the Dominican Republic which fell through a few weeks ago.. It is a long story and don't want to get into detail, but lets just say the team down there didn't treat Jake very well, and told him not to sign with any teams because they had a spot for him on the roster.. 

We have had a few other "interest" that I throw out very carefully because baseball is so unpredictable..everything is a waiting game, and most of the time things don't happen the way we expect them to. I believe Jake has decided to shut down for the rest of the off season..We are happy and in reality whatever is supposed to happen with the protection I believe Texas has already made their mind up about us.. 


Speaking of Texas...We are so happy and excited about them being in the WORLD SERIES! Second year in a row!! We are proud to be with them, and think the team deserves it! They all have worked so hard! GO Rangers!!! 

This has been a L.O.N.G few weeks for us.. Everything is so unpredictable especially this year. We have been waiting waiting and some more waiting to hear if we get protected which we will find out sometime in November, and if Texas doesn't protect us we could get picked up in the Rule 5 draft, and that doesn't happen until December.... AHH, OR we could just go back to our life in the minors and start up where we left off in AA or wherever Texas decides to put us.. I have mixed feelings about what I want to happen..I am leaning one way and hope it happens, I love Texas, but wouldn't mind a change. I hate the unknown which is almost a joke in our profession because all of it is unknown until the day it happens, working on being patient has been a BIG challenge for me! I just want to KNOW!!! haha


We are praying a lot, and just trying to go on with our life preparing for whatever is supposed to happen with Jake's career. We have heard some mixed things through some friends in the Organization on their predictions, but obviously it all depends on who gets traded, contracts, and what Texas ultimately decides to do with Jake. We trust in the Lord that we will be exactly where we are supposed to be in Spring whether that's with a a new team, or back with Texas. 

Jake's huge fish!!

We are so thankful for many positive things that have happened OUTSIDE of baseball. Jake got on with an interpreting company that is more reliable than the one he was working for the last few off seasons. He has guaranteed hours, and is at one school (he likes that, instead of driving all over.) He likes getting to know the girls/boys he is working with, and being in one place. I got to design an office for Dora Mae Jewelry, and it was SOOO much fun!! I absolutely love what we came up with, and very pleased with how it turned out! I am still looking for a nanny job, but haven't found anything yet. I am selling my boards, and some stuff for my dad on the side, and babysitting for families on the weekends. Jake has been fishing almost everyday and loves being on the lake again catching fish! We have enjoyed both of our families and love being back in our church. 

Dora Mae Wall

Jake and I just celebrated our ONE year anniversary!! We had a lot of fun, and Jake did very well with making me feel special!! I cannot believe it has already been a year since our wedding!! It has been a crazy first year, and so much fun!  We have signed up to go to PAO (Professional Athlete Outreach) again in November and so excited!!! We got to go in Texas two years ago, and loved meeting christian players, and realizing we aren't the only ones in this crazy lifestyle..It was so good for me, and Jake and looking forward to it again this year in Orlando. 

Our One Year Anniversary

I will try to update on our life and when we find out details on baseball.. I hope everyone enjoys the holidays coming up, and again we appreciate all the people who are supporting Jake and I in our crazy journey in the minors! We know we couldn't do it without the prayers, and support from each one of you who are faithful readers, and care! 

Baseball is over: Hello Florida

The season is over, and we are back in what we call the "real world." I have had many people ask us (me) what we will be doing during the off season.. "What are your plans? Living situation, is baseball completely out of your life for 5 months?"

Jake and I got home Monday morning around 3 am. It took us 22 hours to drive from Frisco to Orlando! We had a trailer that we had to pull so took longer than usual! We were able to fit everything in our trailer, and have enough room in our car to be comfortable! When we drove from Arizona to Frisco we had no room at all! We had to hold Sophie (our dog) on the passenger seat!! It was terrible! Sophie flew home with my parents, and stayed over at the Brigham's so we didn't have to worry about her being stuck in the back of the car for days! On Saturday the game took a dive in the first inning..We still had basics out like a mattress in our guest bedroom, food, kitchen stuff.

We will be living with my parents like we did after we got married last year..with how short of a time we will be home, it is very hard to find apartments, and they don't do month to month in Orlando (or very hard to come by from previous off seasons!) plus..we all know what Jake and I make a month in minor leagues is terrible, so it's great to try to build our savings back up a bit for next season.. As of right now we are STILL waiting to hear back about Dominican..It has been such a slow process.. Jake is thinking they would want him to go over there for about a month to get some innings in. I plan on going with him if it is to the Dominican Republic..It is safe enough. This has really held us up on work in Orlando. I am trying to babysit/nanny for a job like I did in Frisco since we will be moving in February. As of right now I have not had any luck finding good families, but am busy with the warehouse. Jake plans on interpreting for deaf people, and pitching lessons, until we know more about the DR, we are working over at my dad's warehouse selling lots of antiques, and stage home items. Jake is also working out, and preparing for winter ball.

10 hours in, and over it! 

Jake is a happy boy back fishing! 

 I will keep everyone updated about winter ball, and a few things that go on during the off season with us! Until then, thank you for reading and getting to see inside our crazy journey we like to call baseball!

Finishing the season

We had a great time over the weekend while my parents came to visit!! It was again perfect weather, and got a lot done! Jake and I apartment is completely empty, and all packed up ready for our long 20+ hour drive home.. We were very scared that everything wouldn't fit in the trailer, along with my car able to pull it (my dad drove his suv that is a lot bigger than mine at the beginning of the year) surprisingly we had room and our car pulls it fine! 

parents seeing the locker room and field

I am so glad my parents got to see Jake pitch on Sunday night! He had a great game, and over 11,000 people there! He pitched 4 innings, no runs, and closed the game! He got the win! I could tell when he was warming up he was throwing very hard right off the bat..He was touching 97 which is the hardest he has thrown ever..It was a very exciting game because Jake threw 99 mph that night, which is the hardest he has ever thrown!!! We couldn't believe it, and when it was confirmed was very exciting! 

so proud of you with your last outing! 

Jake had a very good year, of course we had some ups and downs, but overall he adjusted very well into the bullpen once he got the hang of it.. There is always room for improvement next year, and he is pleased to finish the season with his stats. He had the most strikeouts on his team. As of right now we are in San Antonio for the first series of the playoffs. We played our first game last night, and lost. We play them tonight, and head back to Frisco right after the game and will arrive there around 5-6 am tomorrow morning (YUCK!!) Depending on the outcome tonight, and tomorrow we could potentially be heading home earliest by Saturday, and latest in a week or so with a championship ring! 

Jake got asked a few weeks back to play winter ball (this was the news I couldnt share) but still not sure on location, when, where, how long, and so forth..It could happen, or may not depending on how many spots are available, and on what team is wanting him..Winter ball is out of the country, and depending on the spots available, and the pay Jake could potentially play in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, or Mexico. There are a few places he would not go to, but those are where teams are located. I cannot share anymore information until we hear more, but I do ask for prayer with our decision, location, and it all works out. It is a great opportunity especially since this is a huge year for us with the protection, and rule 5 draft if not protected.. There are so many unknowns right now with baseball, and we are just trying to trust everything will work out, and Jake will be right where he is supposed to be in 2012 season! We are excited that we are going home very soon, and to be back with our families! One of my best friends is getting married in November, and Laura/Jason/Ryley (my sister) have moved back to Orlando! I cannot wait to see all my friends, and have our "normal" life! I would not trade where we were this year, or all the things we go to do because if it wasn't for baseball we wouldn't be who we are today! We are so grateful that Jake is getting to pursue his dream, and an opportunity that many don't get to do, BUT I am ready for the off season and no baseball potentially for 5 months!!!! :) 

memories last a lifetime..

One of the greatest things about baseball is all the places you get to visit/live and the people you meet! Over the last 3 seasons, I have met some of the greatest girls, and people I know will stay in touch with forever!

There is one person in particular that we have met, and he has forever changed our lives! He was so sweet to me the first day of the season, and we just love him!! I had a lot of girls tell me about an usher named "Dennis." I was a bit nervous at first thinking who is this man, and why do I go see him? I was walking around very lost in this huge ballpark, and saw an older man walking toward me smiling, and I read his name tag, made myself introduce myself to him.. He said "I've been looking for you." He was so sweet to me, bringing me water during the game, and checking on me every so often! He gave me the biggest hug (now it is what I look forward to every night.) The only negative about the ballpark is they put the wives/girls ALL over the ballpark, obviously we would never find each other if it wasn't for all of us going to section 109, and finding Dennis! He is the reason, I have met 70% of my friends this season!

I have been the only girl out here the entire season, so Dennis and I have become very close! I talk his ear off most of the game during, and he fills me in on all the groupies walking around (haha, I wish I was kidding...) Dennis gets to the field everyday a couple hours early to clean all of his section seats off, and get it prepared (this is not required.) He is married, and has been doing this since the ballpark opened for 9 years now! His wife says "as long as you go to ANY event I ask you to, you can do this!" He has two off days, Tuesday he works at his church counting all the tithe money, and Saturday he plays bingo..He has such a heart for the Lord, and has been so good to Jake and I..more than we deserve! Dennis is the reason why I went on the road last week, helping us financially..He is that good to us.. Like I said I don't know why us, other than the Lord putting him in our lives, but we adore him! Jake and I are so sad to go and will miss him dearly!

I have been thinking now for weeks what on earth could I do for Dennis after EVERYTHING he has done for us? I thought okay maybe a picture, that wasn't good enough..I FINALLY figured out what I wanted to do, but knew I needed a lot of help! I made him a shutterfly photo book! I was so excited, and immediately started writing the girls from my season, I didn't get too many responses because not many of them were out here long enough to see the amazing person we knew... I contacted one of my friends from last season that was out in Frisco last year, and she was very close to Dennis. Man if you need something done just go see Jill! She contacted all of her friends who knew Dennis, and the responses were OVERWHELMING..I cried the first night like 3 times seeing all the messages for Dennis, along with their family photos.. That to me showed me how special this man was, not only to Jake and I, but to all of these families over the years..I had over 20 wives/girlfriends respond in 24 hours, and some even out of the country (Japan) playing!! It took a very very long time to put together, but so worth it to me!! I am so excited to give it to him this weekend! I am having all of the guys from our team sign their page! I think this is something that Dennis can keep forever looking back remember each one of us, and the seasons we got to spend with him! Okay, now that i'm crying again, and rambling on I had to share this special person with each of you plus keep for my journal later on in life! I cannot wait for my parents to meet him tomorrow (plus he brags about me, so it will show my parents that i'm very sweet, and they have done a good job raising me, and I take after my mom!!!)---SORRY DAD, I got your looks right??

Earl's new friend! :)

I wanted to share our book with you, especially my in laws since they got the pleasure of meeting him a few weeks ago! I think it will make each of your hearts smile and see how special this man is! Just click the link and look if you would like! :)

Dennis special book <<<----Click there! Enjoy

We made the playoffs

The Roughriders are going to the playoffs!! Last night we clinched in our game to be in the playoffs! We will play San Antonio ! This is the 6th time in franchise history that they have gone to the playoffs! 

The 'Riders and Missions will meet in the divisional round of the Texas League playoffs, which is a best-of-five series beginning Wednesday, September 7. Game 3 and, if necessary, Game 4 will be at Dr Pepper Ballpark Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10.

The season is over on Monday (I can't believe it is finally over!) and we will leave Tuesday afternoon for San Antonio. We (I) am packing, and my parents come into town tomorrow to help me finish up, and for a visit! We will have our place packed up by Sunday, and prepared to leave in the next few weeks depending on the playoff games! It will be a lot of driving. We will go to San Antonio for 2 days (6 hours) and then come back on Friday to play in Frisco, then back on Sunday depending on who wins! I know the boys are excited to be in the playoffs.. I on the other hand, have mixed feelings about it.. The season is done, and it's hard when you are ready to go home! 

This will be our fourth move this season, and won't be our last! I have learned so much through this process and know next year, I will be packing less! :) I have had so much fun living in 3 states in the last 6 months, and getting to see places I would never get to see! It has been a great 2011 season, and look forward to the off season with my family! I will keep everyone posted about the playoffs, and our off season plans! 

Travels

Last week was my first week I got to go on the road with Jake, and it was a lot of fun! We went to Northwest Arkansas for 4 days, and then Tulsa, Oklahoma! The weather was perfect and was sooo nice not having to say goodbye to Jake!

A funny little story.. There is this website called "MILB.tv" and you can subscribe to watch minor league games, most of the teams are on there and the higher up you go the more they are on this. All last week the games for Arkansas happened to be on MILB.. My parents along with Jake's have a subscription to watch him over the season, and you can see people in the first 5 rows or so..My parents wanted to see me.. For those of you who know me, I can be very shy.. I do NOT LIKE BEING in front of people! Jake on the other hand...please stare at him all day, he loves the attention ;) My parents wanted me to go down so they could see me..they begged me to go down I kept saying no.. finally caved with a bit of bribing, of course they couldn't see me... I was so embarrassed to keep moving in this section because people were looking at me! Finally after the inning I walked up the stairs (so stupid) and back down to the next row...They could see me!! It was soooo weird!! My mom was messing with me the entire time texting me "stop moving your leg, or touching your hair" I was shaking, knowing they could see me on this tv haha!! It was so cool that they could see me the entire game, then of course when the Brigham's got on they couldn't believe that was me, and Earl was trying to get me to stand..wave.. sign to him! haha That was kind of fun and different! :)

I am the one in the center off to left

I didn't travel at all since my job (I was thankful to have one!!) I decided a few weeks ago, I couldn't take being separated any longer! All of the wives/girlfriends have gone home, so not having anyone to hang out with has been hard! It makes the games go by slower, and when the boys are out of town and with work slowing down it is BORING!!

Luckily we are wrapping up on the season (we both can't believe it) and then the playoffs! My parents fly in Thursday to help me pack and stay for 6 days, and I can't wait for them to get here!!!

As of right now we have made the playoffs and will go to San Antonio the first few days, then Frisco (if they win.) We are packing up our trailer next weekend because if we don't win then we will get on the road to Florida!!!!!!!!!! I am a bit nervous about the 18+ hour drive with a trailer, but can't believe it is the off season!

Thank you for all your support and prayers during our 2011 season!!

Update

It has been a busy crazy month for us in July! Being busy is a good thing! Jake has had a good month some okay outings, and better than others, but overall he is still doing very well in the bull pen as a reliever.

Jake's family came into town on Thursday, and I am so glad they got to come! We got to tour the field, clubhouse and everything which was the first time I saw it too! The weather was perfect the entire time! We had a lot of fun, and they were so excited to see him pitch on Friday! Unfortunately, it was only one inning, but it was a good one inning! PLUS that night he reached his 100th strike out of the season!! It was nice to have some family come and visit while we have been out here!

"Brigham's 100th strikeout of the season, which is the most by a Frisco Roughrider pitcher this season. Last season Martin Perez led Frisco with 101 Strikeouts for the entire season. Only seven pitchers had reached 100 for a season before Brigham this season."

Since Friday Jake is at 101 strikeouts, and we still have almost a month left of the season! I am so proud of him!

Defensive Tackle: Jake Brigham
Fear the beard.  Brigham has the strength and aggressiveness to compliment Ruiz next to him. He also has the long arms to knock down passes when rushing.  He brings the intensity and heart his position demands.




We have found out some news, but once we find out more what is going on we will share with everyone! Until then! Hope everyone is having a great summer, and doing well!! We are looking forward to the off season to be home with our family and friends in a month or so! :)