At first glance it's beautiful. The grass is green, and the players-- actually getting a pay check to be on this field. Yes, Christian Colonel is living the dream, but it's not one filled with gold and glamour.
"The minor leagues, it's really tough, the travel schedule," said Sky Sox 3rd baseman, Christian Colonel. "We fly out the next day. We'll play on Friday night we'll fly out Saturday morning at like 4:30 in the morning and then play that night so it's really tough."
Colonel has come a long way since the days in American Falls as a high schooler... And is just one step away from being a major leaguer.
"It's just a matter of getting out there and getting to play. It's tough when you only play every other day, every 3rd day. I have a lot of respect for the guys who come off the bench" said Colonel.
In town to take on the farm team for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim... The Salt Lake Bees are currently boasting the best record in the Pacific Coast League. That didn't stop the Sky Sox from taking the first of their 4 game series. A game in which Christian was 2 for 5 with an RBI.
"It gets better every year so I just have to stay consistent, keep working hard and hopefully something will happen."
Traditions and superstitions are just as much a part of baseball as hitting home runs. And Christian Colonel and the Colorado Sky Sox are no exception.
"We have something in the club house going we have a little Miley Cyrus going. We like listening to Miley Cyrus right now, she's doing a good thing right now and it's our good luck charm so it's kind of out there but we're liking Miley" said Colonel
Currently batting .371 this young 3rd baseman continues to work at every position.. Starting this series as an outfielder. Hopefully increasing his worth as a utility player for the next level.
"I can't control it and I'm just out here having fun. Playing baseball for a job so I can't really complain about anything you know. So I'm just out here doing my work and whatever happens- happens."
Occasionally when a big leaguer gets hurt, the clubs will send them down to work out and play with the triple a teams... Much like Howie Kendrick of the Angles currently playing with the Bees. So when it's the Rockies and Sky Sox.. Colonel does what he can to learn from those who've already made it.
"I learn from how they go about their business. I learned a lot from big league camp how those guys go about their business and work hard and they don't over do it. It's all about quality not quantity and that's what I took from them from big league camp and just to watch them and learn because they're the best of the best so I just have to watch and learn" said Colonel.
