protect my heart

3

c h r i s t i a n

"Yeah, I think going into my last year, I want to uh, make sure that I'm performing to the best of my availability. Uh, I don't really have a prediction right now, but I think I'll put out some good numbers." I say to interviewers as I'm getting ready in the clubhouse for another game. You would think by now I would be used to cameras in my face all the time but honestly? It just got more annoying as time went on. I get it, I'm a big name in baseball, but it wasn't fair to me to not allow me room to breathe sometimes. Especially when my family is out here with me.

"What are your plans for after the season? I know it's early, but have you put any thought into what you're gonna do?" One of the press members asked.

I shrug, "Yeah like you said, it's still early in the season. I got a lot of games to play and a lot of time to figure that out. I definitely know I'm going to be dedicating a lot of my time to my family. Yknow, my daughter is turning three soon and my son is five and he's getting involved with baseball, so I want to make sure I'm involved in their life as much as I can be," I look around, looking at Wyatt who was sitting on my chair. "Other than that? I'm not sure on what I want to do. I'm sure I'll still be doing stuff involved with baseball, but, I know that a lot of my time is gonna be going towards family."

"You said your son is doing baseball, correct? Does he get any sort of flack or anything because his dad is such a big name in baseball?"

I laugh, "I haven't really seen anything, he does get a lot of people asking if I'm his dad and he is really proud when people ask. Which makes me feel good, I know that he's a tough kid, he's got tough skin so he isn't taking flack from anyone." I nod, thanking them before I went by Wyatt.

Wyatt looked up at me smiled, "Can we go play catch now?" He asked.

I nodded, "Get your glove. The guys are excited to play with you!" I smile at him, holding out my hand for him to take as we walked through the hall to get out to the field.

Once we got out there, I let Wyatt play a couple of rounds with the guys while I took batting practice. Any time Wy was allowed to play with the guys, he took that opportunity. It helps him improve, which is what we want.

"Daddy!!" I hear a familiar little voice call out. I turn around and see Willow running towards me.

I pick her up and kiss her cheek, "Hi Willow bug! Run away from mommy again?"

She giggled, nodding, "She slow, daddy. I run super fast!"

"You did! Faster than me!" I fix her little pigtails, looking up as I saw Nadia walking, "Gotta catch up to her speed."

She rolled her eyes, "Oh, whatever. She was excited to see you." Nadia came over and kissed me, fixing my hat when she pulled away, "Where's Wyatt?"

"Playing some catch with the guys. He was super excited to get on the field." I tell her, "You doing okay?"

"Yeah! Just had a little headache when I woke up this morning but I'm feeling better now. Willow and I got some breakfast, then went to get her hair trimmed and she wanted to come see her daddy and big brother." Nadia smiles at Willow, "Right, baby girl? You were antsy this morning!"

Willow just giggled and hid her face in the crook of my neck. I walked into the dugout with Nadia and Willow, going to take a seat. I sat Willow down on the bench and grabbed my water bottle, taking a drink.

"I think we should take the kids out to dinner," I suggest, "They don't really get to eat out much and I think being out of Milwaukee is a special occasion. It won't become a regular thing, though." I chuckle and shrug.