No one could have predicted how this year would pan out. From the cancellation of sporting events, to entire sports programs being canceled, 2020 has been a year to remember.
We've seen a lot of firsts this year. Including with Minor League Baseball. For the first time in its 120 year history, the season was canceled.
"We saw it coming," said Derrick Adams, a pitcher in the Kansas City Royals Organization. "So it wasn't just like a total shock. It did sting a little bit though."
"It was disappointing," said Brewer Hicklen, a left fielder in the Kansas City Royals organization. "Definitely something that I kind of saw coming with how delayed the MLB was with getting a proposal out there and getting it accepted. But it was disappointing because you work so hard all off-season, you get to spring training and you feel like you're ready to go -- you're ready to play and then here you are getting a call saying you're not gonna be able to play this season."
Derrick Adams and Brewer Hicklen are Tennessee Valley natives and both are a part of the Kansas City Royals organization. This time of the year they're used to being out on a baseball field, but now they're adjusting to their new normal.
"A typical day for me, I usually give pitching lessons to kids in the area. I go play golf and I workout and throw. You know, this time of the year is the best baseball so it's definitely been a lot different." said Adams.
"I had high hopes and aspirations. Going into spring training I felt I was at the best point of my career that I've ever been in. And the coaches saw that, they recognized that and they were excited because they wanted me to be ready to contribute right off the bat." said Hicklen.
While life is full of uncertainty for MiLB players right now, Derrick and Brewer say they are hopeful about the future.
"My faith has played a huge role in this. And just believing that the best days are ahead and just be where your feet are. It's important for us to try to make a positive impact on people's lives."