DALLAS — Former Air Force baseball standout Nic Ready was ready for his first year in the minors.
"I felt pretty comfortable coming into pro ball," Ready said. "We played in the Mountain West against pretty good competition."
In 67 games, the Dallas, Texas native hit .263 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs for the Batavia Muckdogs (Class A) last season.
"Everyone gets a fastball the first couple of days, so you just have to capitalize," Ready said.
However, nothing could prepare the Marlins 23rd-round pick for what would transpire in 2020.
A worldwide pandemic and Pro Baseball Agreement, essentially ravaging the MiLB ranks and likely ending the dreams of nearly 1,000 players.
"There's a little uncertainty for sure, the best thing you can do is hope and keep working," Ready said. "Unfortunately for some guys the bats are taken out of their hands and it's not up to them."
Currently waiting out the sport's inactivity at home, Ready is soaking up the chance to spend extended time with his family for the first time in five years.
"It's kind of refreshing to see them, my brother is a little annoyed, I've seen him too frequently," Ready said.
While many are struggling financially, the College World Series Home Run Champion is fortunate to be on the right side of the business.
Miami is one of nearly two dozen Major League teams to commit to paying their minor league players through the end of the season.
"They've been on the forefront of doing it which certainly calmed some seas for everyone," Ready said.
Ready is in current dialogue with the organization's coaches and preparing as if he could get a call to return action in the near future.
"Guys are going to be scrapping at the bit to get back especially with cuts made, there are fewer spots," Ready said.
The 23-year old is focused on picking up where he left off. Starting his professional career in impressive fashion, despite being one of three AFA players in the affiliated ranks.
"Losing those at-bats hurt but at the same time we've proven we can play at that level," Ready said. "End of the day, still here trying to showcase what I can do, hopefully we'll get back."
