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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

How To Go From Tryout Hopeful To The Opening Day Roster

This article originally appeared on florencefreedom.com. Click the title of this blog post to check it out today!

Freedom Report: A profile of Tim Holmes

By Nick Dobreff / Florence Freedom

FLORENCE, KY - What does it take to turn a dream into reality?

For Freedom pitcher Tim Holmes, it's all about effort.

"If you want to get ahead, you have to work hard," Holmes said. "You have to be self motivated to work and improve every day because there are guys out there who want to take your spot on the team."

Holmes knows from experience. He enjoyed a successful career as a pitcher while playing four years at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. He garnered all-region honors his junior year and second-team all-conference honors during his senior season.

But playing at a smaller school limited his visibility to pro scouts. After going undrafted by a major league organization, he had a decision to make: pursue a career in information systems and 3D drawing, or take a chance on playing baseball professionally.

With supreme confidence in his ability to perform and out-work his competition, Holmes attended a try out with the Florence Freedom in April. After throwing approximately 20 pitches, he was invited to spring training by the Freedom coaches and signed to a contract.

In doing so, Holmes became the first player to be signed and make an opening day roster during the four years Freedom Manager Toby Rumfield has been in the Frontier League.

But he's not satisfied with just making the team.

"My goal is to have a successful season with a winning record and a good ERA. Long term, I want to catch on with an affiliated club, get to the minors and see what happens from there. Hopefully make it to the Majors," he quips with a smile.

While those sound like daunting goals, Holmes believes his work ethic and attitude set him apart from others.

"Everyday could potentially be your last. I take that approach with me to the ballpark and I try to go the extra mile in my preparation and do something to help the team win".

And what is his philosophy on pitching?

"I don't like to be predictable. I'm not afraid to throw inside. I'm not intimidated by any hitter. My mentality going into each at-bat is, I want to strike this guy out."

Armed with ability, confidence, and toughness, Tim Holmes is doing more than dreaming.

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