The Atmosphere of Baseball Through The Eyes of New York Mets' Pitcher Garrett Olson
Mets Non-Roster Invite Garrett Olson.
Story by Spencer Frady and Craig Collins
[email protected], [email protected]
The dictionary defines a journeyman as an experienced and reliable worker who has usually worked for many employers. Such is the case for New York Mets pitcher Garrett Olson. Olson, a professional ballplayer since he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2005, has played for four different organizations. After beginning his career in Baltimore, Olson moved to the Seattle Mariners and then to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, he finds himself working through the New York Mets system.
Olson, a native of Fresno, California, has experienced several different atmospheres while playing the game of baseball. He has seen the game from both the minor league and major league levels. Most recently, Olson spent time with the Indianapolis Indians. They are the Pirates Triple-A affiliate and Olson said the atmosphere played a role both on and off the field.
"Just a real friendly environment," said Olson, "You know, not a lot of people that I would say would be heckling, but just really supportive of both teams." The pitcher went on to say that fans were very open and receptive of Indians players while he walked the streets of Indianapolis. He also said that a receptive fan base was a large part of being a successful pitcher.
"It's huge." he said, "This is a game and I feel that if fans can come to support rather than [be] derogatory." Olson said it was important to have a good environment for fans, families, and players. He went on to say that even the team management helped create a strong atmosphere for players. Special promotional nights, like Faith Night in Olson's case, often lifts the spirits of the players at the ballpark.
Olson is currently playing with the Triple-A Buffalo Bison. The New York Mets moved him to Triple-A at the end of the spring training period. In his role with Buffalo, Olson will be a starting pitcher. The Mets website said the plan for Olson was to bring him up to the major leagues as a spot starter throughout the 2012 season.
For more from Garrett Olson, see the video clips below.
[email protected], [email protected]
The dictionary defines a journeyman as an experienced and reliable worker who has usually worked for many employers. Such is the case for New York Mets pitcher Garrett Olson. Olson, a professional ballplayer since he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2005, has played for four different organizations. After beginning his career in Baltimore, Olson moved to the Seattle Mariners and then to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, he finds himself working through the New York Mets system.
Olson, a native of Fresno, California, has experienced several different atmospheres while playing the game of baseball. He has seen the game from both the minor league and major league levels. Most recently, Olson spent time with the Indianapolis Indians. They are the Pirates Triple-A affiliate and Olson said the atmosphere played a role both on and off the field.
"Just a real friendly environment," said Olson, "You know, not a lot of people that I would say would be heckling, but just really supportive of both teams." The pitcher went on to say that fans were very open and receptive of Indians players while he walked the streets of Indianapolis. He also said that a receptive fan base was a large part of being a successful pitcher.
"It's huge." he said, "This is a game and I feel that if fans can come to support rather than [be] derogatory." Olson said it was important to have a good environment for fans, families, and players. He went on to say that even the team management helped create a strong atmosphere for players. Special promotional nights, like Faith Night in Olson's case, often lifts the spirits of the players at the ballpark.
Olson is currently playing with the Triple-A Buffalo Bison. The New York Mets moved him to Triple-A at the end of the spring training period. In his role with Buffalo, Olson will be a starting pitcher. The Mets website said the plan for Olson was to bring him up to the major leagues as a spot starter throughout the 2012 season.
For more from Garrett Olson, see the video clips below.
Olson on Faith Night
|
On Ball Park Atmosphere
|
Olson on Indianapolis
|