I think what you need to understand right off is, I’m not doing this because I want to be famous. Yes, I know Italy is not a path back to the majors. Yes, I am scared that it could hurt me financially, wont help me build a big brand name for myself, and wont give me access to the book selling power of our omniscient American sports media coverage. This is a huge life decision, a completely new direction, in a totally different continent— believe me, I know what I’m up against.
But you only live once. I could go back and try my hand at filling out someone’s Triple-A roster on the hope that if enough guys above me get hurt I could sneak back onto a big league roster. Yet, after spending as much time in this game as I have, I can honestly tell you that the chances of me making it back to the top are relatively low, while the chances that I grow resentful to the grind as it eats yet another year of my life are relatively high.
And there is something else: making it back doesn’t excite me, at least not now.
I set out to make it to the big leagues, and I did. I didn’t stay long, but I stayed as long as I could, if that makes any sense. I got hurt, pushed to come back and got hurt again, then found myself next to a silent phone and no offers to return. My options were Independent ball, or something completely different.
A lot of guys would go to Indy ball and push back into the game anyway they could. I respect that. I appreciate their will to never give up on a dream, and maybe if I hadn’t reached the Bigs myself, I’d be right there with them. But, after much soul searching, I know we no longer share the same dream.
My agent said that I could make the jump from Indy ball back to Affiliated ball just as soon as I showed everyone I was healthy. But I didn’t want to make that jump. I wanted to leave the quest for Big League ball, even though it was contrary to what most American baseball players believe is the only reason to play. I wanted to see what else the world of baseball had to offer. And, in a way, I wanted to see what else I had to offer.
Baseball is played in so many countries around the world—so many beautiful countries with fabulous cultures. True, America may have the most competitive league with the most glorious venues, but baseball is more than competition and expensive stadiums. It’s a reflection of the cultures that plays it. It’s a measure of history. It’s a tool, a release, a distraction and a refinery. And for me, it’s now a passport. I don’t just want to play the game in other countries, I want to experience other countries through baseball, and I can think of few better places to start than fabulous Italy.
I’m okay with trading a chance at being famous, celebritized, and even well compensated for a chance at priceless experiences and life enrichment. I know most wont understand this, but the Big Leagues are not everything, at least not to me. They’re Big, and great, but they are just one part of a life that can be filled with an infinite number of wonderful experiences. I have a chance to chase down a few more of them, and, in my opinion, I’d be a fool not to take it.
My new dream is to catch as many of them as I can. Wish me luck.
Best of luck Dirk, I admire your courage and willingness to try something different.
How I envy you. Most of us don’t realize what you have, until it’s too late.
I will enjoy your adventure vicariously , keep writing.
good luck!!
Dirk,
You have always been a unique man in this game of baseball. You have truly made a wonderful decision for yourself and your wife. Baseball provides you with a gift, as you said, a passport. No matter where you end up in this world, you are absolutely right to use your talent to live, to experience, to grow.
it’s fascinating how social media creates a connection. I ‘followed’ you on Twitter when you joined the Jays, participated in trivia, answered a few questions, and followed your path to this point – and feel a real sense of pride and excitement for you. Buona fortuna.
Good luck in Italy,
Here’s hoping for trips to Korea and Japan and maybe some Dominican winter ball, following this adventure and a kick ass “International” baseball memoirs best-selling book.
Can’t wait for it to come out…Guess I should go purchase Out of My League first.
Dirk, ive been a clubby and have seen so many guys come through and tell me stories about their path and now reading your books and thoughts it puts me back in those times. Growing up they were the best times being at the ballpark as a young teen and now playing college ball trying to find my way in this game.
Good Luck in Italy, and take lots of pictures for us to see on Twitter and here on the blog, so we can see what it’s like over there. Baseball is Baseball, even if played in far away places. And besides, now you can learn Italian baseball words, too!!
Do you have a dogsitter?? Send them out here, and I’ll watch them if you’re not taking them with you!! I promise to love them and spoil them rotten while they are here–mine have the run of the house!!!
Be sure to check out “Baseballissimo” by Dave Bidini, about his summer following Italian baseball.
Best of luck to you and your family, and please keep writing!
Best of luck in Italy Dirk, but perhaps more importantly – have fun!!
It should be an awesome experience and I am really looking forward to hearing all about it via twitter, your blog and future books.
Looks like I’ll have to come up with an Italian-themed adventure for “Business Garfoose”
So if i bone up on my Italian, will I be able to watch live feeds (or replays) of your games?
Watching your nearly perfect half game last year was a delight. I anticipate twice as many this year.
Dirk – all the best on this decision. It sounds like a great opportunity and I think you’re right about wanting to experience the world. You’ll love it!
Ti aspettiamo in Italia!!!
Mr Dirk… you cannot imagine how excited we are here (in Nettuno) waiting for you and you wife to come and enjoy ‘our’ baseball. Let me say when you write ‘baseball is more than competition and expensive stadiums’ you touch the right chord… In my hometown, Nettuno, baseball is part of our life in a special way, like the sea, like food… baseball it’s part of our daylife and sociality… and it’s not like that all over Italy, believe me.
Maybe you can learn more by watching a movie called ‘City of Baseball’ (look for trailers on web).
We will wellcome you not only because it’s clear you’re a great pitcher… but especially because you seem to be an outstanding man.
A presto!
Firmato: una nettunese
Dirk- Best of luck to you. I am looking forward to reading of your adventures over in Italy!
Hey Dirk, this is pretty cool.
Since you write about yourself and those of us who have read your book have had a window into your life, in many ways you´ve become like a storybook character. And now this twist about Italy and seeing the greater world adds to it.
Check out the Grisham book “Playing for Pizza”. I enjoyed it a good deal and, while under different circumstances, it´s the entertaining story of a professional sports player ending up in Italy. Will you become the real-life playing for pizza and keep us informed of your adventures in Italy?
All the best!
Good luck and I hope it’s a fun experience. Looking forward to hearing the differences and similarities to your experiences here in the states.
[...] (well…more like former Durham Bull) and author, Dirk Hayhurst, announced via Twitter and his blog, that he’ll forgo the grind of making his way back to the big-leagues and pitch in Italy, [...]
Hi Dirk,
I embarked on a similar journey in 2008-2009 as a hockey player in France. I never played in the NHL, but had previously played college and semi-pro. After my playing career, I “settled down” in a “normal job” for four years, but still felt I wanted to pursue the game. So my wife and I quit our jobs and took a leap of faith. Yes, it was scary as we were both leaving good paying jobs for an unknown country. That being said, it was the experience of a lifetime and what I learned from my year in France has allowed me to live a much more complete life now that I am back in Canada.
Best of luck and enjoy the ride.
[...] (well…more like former Durham Bull) and author, Dirk Hayhurst, announced via Twitter and his blog, that he’ll forgo the grind of making his way back to the big-leagues and pitch in Italy, in [...]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdDQx3tv4v4
welcome…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pehK8so8OIM
this season
we must win the championship
The Garfoose Goes to Italy sounds like a title for a good book. I think they could use a good hero over there. I just wonder how I can get my hands on a Garfoose’d Italian League Baseball? Good luck over there and enjoy it.
Good luck man!
Maybe is you play in the Netherlanfds with your team, I’ll come and finaly can see you play.
Italy is great, great culture, very very nice.
Have fun!
Not a terrible decision at all – quite the opposite. I’m betting you will love Italy and perhaps even get some stories out of it which I can’t wait to read.
Hi Dirk
I have had the opportunity to work and travel abroad and Italy is an awesome country. You are making the right move here. iBook forward to reading your insights into the world of international baseball and your observations about Italy.
All the best!
Hi Dirk
I have had the opportunity to work and travel abroad and Italy is an awesome country. You are making the right move here. I look forward to reading your insights into the world of international baseball and your observations about Italy.
All the best!