This is one of the most asked questions I have received since I left with Clark in February. So, why not share the answer now with you all.
First though, I want to make it super clear if you're a soon to be baseball wife, or really anyone for that matter, this is all based on our relationship. Everyone is SO different and our weakness is another person's strength. So always, DO YOU.
1. We suck at long distance
Clark and I got engaged before he was drafted, but once he was drafted he immediately left to go to Ohio for the next couple of months. I was working a lot that summer and planning a wedding, then I still had one more semester left to complete. So - I was constantly busy and so was he.
We knew we had to decide if I would travel or not soon, so we took his rookie season as a tester to see if we think we could tough it out long distance.
We learned really quick...we were not meant for long distance. haha
We fought like crazy that first season and actually talked on the phone every two to three days. We were pretty aware that long distance was just not going to strengthen our relationship...and especially our marriage.
2. i'm needy. yep, I just admitted it.
This is something that most women feel shamed for. We're always told "guys don't like needy girls" so we pretend that 'we don't need no man.' Yeah, same...but honestly, I am needy.
I love spending my time with Clark, and I'm not ashamed that I want and need that time with him. This doesn't mean I'm not independent though, trust me you have to be in this lifestyle. But I need Clark in my day to keep me sane.
For me, I knew that if I was going to marry this man - I wanted to spend my days and nights with him. I just couldn't come to terms with seeing him once a month.
3. Yolo
You only live once - a little explanation for the older generations reading this :) But as cheesy as this saying is, it hit home for me. I had just graduated college and did not have a career starting job. I had nothing holding me back from this opportunity.
I want a family and a career, don't get me wrong. But traveling around the country like a gypsy living on a minor league salary gets pretty difficult when you have other responsibilities.
The timing was perfect and so was my situation. If I had an incredible job offer, things might have looked different. But for me, I know Clark and I will get to look back on these days and be filled with laughter and joyful memories of our years traveling in the minors.
4. Baseball isn't forever
This was Clark's biggest point to convince me to travel with him. Baseball doesn't last forever. Yes, some months seem like years but at some point baseball will end.
I will have time in life to settle down, buy a house, start a great career, and live a bit more sedentary. Baseball doesn't last forever, so I want to take it all in as much as we can before the Lord puts us on another path.
I want to be there for all of the at bats, steals, and catches. I love watching my husband chase his dream, as I know he loves watching me chase mine.
5. I get to do what I love most : connect with people.
One thing that traveling in baseball has allowed me to do just so happens to be my favorite thing to do on planet Earth : Connect with people. I love meeting new faces and building new friendships. With anyone and everyone.
Traveling in the minors means a lot of moving, many new fields and several different fans. The people I meet and all the crazy places I get to see make it all worth it in the end.
Please, please, please, remember - minor league life looks different for everyone. These are the reasons that compelled me to jump in and go along for the ride. So far, even on the tough and lonely days, it has been 100% worth it.
Much love to you people!
Caro