Player Journal: Fowler reflects on camp

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Hey everyone, I'm Dexter Fowler reporting to you from exciting Tucson, Ariz., the National League Champion Colorado Rockies' Spring Training home. This is my first time writing a player's journal for MiLB.com, and I am very excited about the opportunity.

I grew up in Alpharetta, Ga., and signed to play baseball for the University of Miami, but was blessed to be drafted and get the opportunity to play for the Colorado Rockies.

After I signed, I went to Instructional League, and there I became a switch-hitter. This was one of the best developmental moves I made in my career.

The past season, in Class A Advanced, I broke my hand midway through the year and missed the last half of the season. In an effort to bounce back quickly, I played in the Arizona Fall League, where I was fortunate to be selected to the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team.

Also during the offseason, I was blessed to receive an invitation to my first big-league camp. Needless to say, I was very anxious and excited.

Of course, the first day I got to camp, "rookie hazing" started. Yep, you guessed it! I was the first one to have to go on the podium. Up there in front of all my peers and the media, I had to read my bio. After reading my bio, I had to answer a few nerve-wracking questions. The first day of my hazing was over.

Just when I thought my hazing was over, Day Two came and I was called up to the infamous podium again. This time I had to SAY the national anthem like Romeo would recite it to Juliet. I failed miserably.

So the next day I was up there again, and this time I had to SAY the national anthem like a Spartan would to his troops. But this time the twist was every time I messed up, I had to remove two articles of clothing, in front of my peers and every news station in Colorado. Again I failed miserably! Left in my Sliders, they let me down off the podium for the day.

Day Three I finally got it!

My first big-league camp was an awesome experience, learning and observing the big-league lifestyle. At the end of Major League Spring Training, I was sent down to the Minor Leagues, which gave me a great appreciation of how great the big leagues are and where I strive to be one day soon! This year, I will be in Tulsa, Okla., playing for what is anticipated to be a very exciting Tulsa Drillers team.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read my journal. There will definitely be many more exciting entries to come! Can't wait to answer your questions! You can drop me a line at [email protected] and I will try to answer them in my next journal.