Bray Day, Volume 3

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each Monday, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astros Fans,

Hope everyone had a great week. I know I did, except for Saturday when my Georgia Bulldogs had a chance to take down #4 LSU, but could not capitalize. I know today was the last day of the major league regular season so I can't wait to start watching some playoff baseball. As I mention in every blog I am still in school and behind, but this week I finally caught up and I am looking forward to relaxing. In my four years as an athlete, I think I went to the Library four times, I have a feeling in the next month I will double my trips to the Library. I am looking forward to getting my degree, though. Now for the question of the week.

What was the last day of the season like? Were there any team meetings, did
the manager talk to y'all? Were there hugs? Was there crying? Signing of
yearbooks?

The last day of the season in Greeneville was different from any other last day of the season. I hate to sound negative, but after my first year in the minors I wondered who of the guys I was teammates with would be in Spring Training and who would not be? Would I be going to spring training? Would I play with most of these guys next year? It was different because before it was fun and although it is still fun, it is a job and a business and you never know what could happen.

As for our last day, we had a team cookout that the coaches did for us. They used the money we had to pay our fines with, so paying a fine works out well for us. We did have a couple of meetings to go over certain off-season events, such as workouts and what needs to be gone while were away. As for hugging I think there were a few, but for the most part it was handshakes and goodbyes. Instead of signing yearbooks we signed our cards for each other as a keepsake. But I did enjoy my first season in Minor League Baseball.

Got a question for Aaron Bray? Send an e-mail!