Ooh... Free Stuff...

A major perk of Division I is the stuff you get that you don't have to pay for. For instance:

--Clothing. Just for fall ball today, I got a hat, three shirts, and a nice pair of under armour shorts. All custom material (as in, you can't buy them anywhere). Estimated total cost? Probably around $80-100. And I'm not even on the team yet. They took down my batting glove size, pant size, preferred bat size, cleat size, and jersey size, for stuff that I could get if I make the team. Estimated cost: Who knows? Bat alone could be $300, cleats $100, jersey pants $50, custom top $70, batting gloves $30. Oh, and jacket, $60. That adds up to $610. Per player. Athletics are expensive.

--Health care. There are few things I love more than walking into an athletic training room. It's like a free health care club. Here's an excerpt from an email I wrote to my brother today:

"I went into the training room after lifting today to get some ice for my shoulder and back (shoulder preventatively, and back because it's been a bit sore from all the hitting). I was swarmed by student trainers who were just dying to help me. I had to tell them I was fine, that I could get my own ice bags...and then they swarmed me to help wrap everything on. I asked them their names and introduced myself, and they looked at me like nobody had ever asked them their names before. I thanked them for helping take care of me, and they were all smiles."

Note to future athletes: Trainers are PEOPLE. Just like you. Just as it is your job to perform on the field, it is their job to keep you healthy. Your job may be higher-profile, but it is not more important. Don't forget that. Let them know that you appreciate their help and they will come through in spades for you.

--Tickets. Any game we play at home this year, I can get a few people in for free. I know, it doesn't sound like much, since tickets are probably only like $3 for non-students. It's more the principle of it. Maybe it only sounds cool to me.