“It was November 2011, when the SnakePit went to the Arizona Fall League. To quote our report, “It was so chilly, that the grounds crew didn’t rake the base-paths, they used a zamboni, and the fielders wore gloves on both hands.” But the AFL rosters that year were packed: Mike Trout and Bryce Harper took part, while the opposition on this particular night included some guy called “Nolan Arenado, who the word is, could be a starter for Colorado in 2013.” Whatever happened to him? But we were there for the D-backs, including Adam Eaton and Ryan Wheeler. Or “Good Wheeler”, as we dubbed him, for there was a Tim Wheeler from the Rockieson the Salt River roster…
Fast forward to now. During the five and a half years since, Wheeler made it to the show and was traded – ironically, to Colorado, where he hit a grand-slam (so he’s one up on Ozzie Smith!). He finished his career back with the D-backs in spring last year, then retired from baseball, having appeared in 109 major-league games with a .233 batting average. But he’s still in Arizona – he worked in IT, and now helps run a sports drink company. The SnakePit recently chatted with Wheeler, both about life in and after the majors.”
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