Greetings Motor City fans, from the Arizona Fall League home of the Mesa Solar Sox. First off, let me start by introducing myself. My name is Zach Simons and I have been blessed with the opportunity of being the official blogger for the Detroit Tigers here at the Arizona Fall League. Throughout the next two months, I look forward to answering your questions and giving you game-to-game updates on Tigers prospects who are playing here. Before I tell you a little about myself, I would like to let you know who else will be representing the Tigers in the AFL. Beside me, the Tigers have selected three pitchers — Casey Fien, Rudy Darrow, and Louis Marte, along with three hitters — Jeff Larish, Casper Wells, and Will Rhymes.

 

My Journey to the AFL:

I was born and raised in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, a small farming community in Southern Idaho.  In a town that small, I guess the only thing you can live and breathe for is sports. With a population of 1,600 and only one blinking stoplight, it is the definition of “small town America”. It is a prominent football town well known for producing state championship football teams.  Heck, baseball wouldn’t have even become a sport there in 1995 if it wasn’t for one man, my high school coach, Dennis Uhl.  As a three sport athlete in high school, I was fortunate enough to be drafted in the 38th round by the Oakland A’s. I decided to hold off on my dream of professional baseball to attend Everett Community College in Washington. After playing two years at EVCC, everything I worked for became a reality when I was taken by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2005 Draft. As a 19-year-old kid, I was excited to start my career at the professional level and begin the ultimate journey and “dream” of playing in the big leagues. Now in my fourth pro season, I can say my career truly has been rollar coaster ride.  On April 30, 2008, I was traded to the Detroit Tigers for RHP Jason Grilli. Leaving all the friends I had made with the Rockies, I was sent to Lakeland, Fla., the high-A affiliate of the Tigers. There, I was primarily used as a setup man and was fortunate enough to put together a fine season. With a week left in the schedule, I found out that I was going to represent the Tigers in the AFL. You can say that I was a little PUMPED!

Now, on Oct. 1, I find myself walking into a clubhouse that will house the future stars of five different teams. Row after row of jerseys, you begin to see some of the finest prospects in Minor League Baseball and even some that have already played in the “bigs”. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to grasp the feeling I had when I first got there. It definitely is something I will cherish until the day I die. Well, I guess I better cut this off now.  It’s time to lace up the spikes and get ready for practice.  AFL Opening Day is Oct. 7. GO TIGERS!!!

Reliever Zach “Swig” Simons