APPLETON — The start of Major League baseball spring training is officially delayed, the league announced a few days ago.
The earliest there could be spring training games is March 5, as the league and players negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.
However, baseball is not delayed for all. The minor leagues are able to hit the field right now. NBC26 caught up with Nick Bennett, who is a pitcher in the Brewers organization and spent time with the Timber Rattlers in Appleton last year.
“I saw a tweet today, we’re 50 days away from minor league baseball," Bennett said. That’s really cool and approaching really fast, so I’m excited about that.”
After being drafted back in 2019, Bennett hasn’t been able to have a full normal year of professional baseball due to COVID and now the lockout.
“You got to adapt and just kind of stay focused on what you need to do in the offseason – whether we’re delayed or on-time,” said Bennett.
As minor leaguers, they’re trying to do what they can to make the big leagues. With the major league team not being there to practice right now, this a chance for them to get noticed.
“I think it’s huge for everybody," he said. "We got eyes on us at all times, whether we’re throwing off the mound, throwing in the outfield, working out. Somebody’s always watching. That’s kind of how it’s been since college for me.”
One thing that is new this year is that housing must be provided to minor league players. This will be a huge boost for guys who are grinding their way to achieve their dreams. Some players make a significant amount less than others.
“I think the MLB and all the organizations made a great decision by helping out by paying for our housing this year," said Bennett. "I think that’s really going to be a huge benefit for all of us.”
A big battle between the league and the players, is that the MLB wants to reduce how many players are in the minors for each team, from 180 to 150. This comes after reducing minor league teams from 162 to 120 just recently.
“That’s why we appreciate the big leaguers so much doing this, because they really are trying to benefit us minor league guys," Bennett said. "That’s why we stand with our older players and with our guys in the big leagues, because what they’re doing is trying to benefit us and for the future.”
As for playing in Appleton, he couldn’t speak highly enough about the local fans and them packing the stands for their games.
“I thought the fanbase in Appleton was incredible. Just kind of stood out to all of us and really showed that Appleton and Wisconsin in general really appreciates baseball,” said Bennett.
