We tend to forget about the unsung heroes that are behind Major League Baseball teams. I’m talking about the rest of the organization that make the team that much stronger. I decided I wanted to pick the brains of organizations across the MLB. Ethan Chapman of the Kansas City Royals Organization was my first stop.
Chapman is an outfielder for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (the Royals’ Double-A Affiliate) and says the organization is top notch.
“The Kansas City Royals are an amazing organization,” says Chapman. “They really take care of the players and treat us like a family member. They provide us with the best coaches, equipment and advice out there! I’m very blessed to be apart of this organization.”
A Day in the Life
I was curious to know what it “a day in the life of Ethan Chapman” looked like. In MLB, we see a lot of what happens with those guys. They are constantly in the limelight so we get to see every move they make. (Cue “Every Breathe You Take by The Police)
“A lot of people think that all we do is show up to the field right before the game starts and play ball,” said Chapman.
I was one of them to be honest. But there’s more to it than that. This is a job after all.
I usually get up around 10 AM and get breakfast, head to the field about 1 PM, get a workout in with our strength coach, stretch, hit in the cages, team stretch, play catch, take an infield to work on our throws to the bases, batting practice, run the bases. That doesn’t include any extra work we do on certain days throughout the week. Grab something to eat, relax for about an hour, hit in the cage one more time to work on a few things, get dressed and then it’s game time! After the game we shower, grab dinner, go over some things with our coaching staff and we have to start recovery for the next day.
How Did I Get Here?
photo courtesy of Ethan Chapman
This was one of my favorite parts of the interview. I asked Chapman what his journey was life. Starting off in Rookie ball, most ball players tend to give up after that. Chapman didn’t. And it doesn’t seem like he plans on doing so any time soon.
Getting to AA has been a great journey. Of course we all want to be in the Big Leagues but we have to remember to enjoy the process and journey as well. The higher you go in the organization you have to continue to work hard. It doesn’t get any easier. Other players can taste the Big Leagues and won’t give in. It’s amazing to be around guys who have the same goal as me and push me to be a better player.
A Strong Support System
Chapman also mentions the people who have helped him in his pursuit for a professional career in baseball.
This support comes in many forms…financial support as I was growing up for equipment, hitting lessons, travel ball teams, etc.. They have always sacrificed their time for me as well. My family spent many weekends in the heat of the summer sitting in the stands watching and cheering me on. Without my wife and family I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today.
In addition to his family, he has had some individuals in the organization who have mentored him.
Glenn Hubbard our infield coordinator is a great person that really has helped me with my career. Vance Wilson, my manager in High A Wilmington and Double-A Arkansas, has had a great influence in my career and has taught me a lot about the game of baseball.
Over the course of his minor league career, Chapman has tallied a .261 average with 258 hits, 86 RBI’s and 68 stolen bases.