BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — On a dusty field, under the Bakersfield sun, the Bakersfield Train Robbers are putting in the work.
The team practices and plays at Sam Lynn Ballpark, where manager Bill Rogan recruits players and helps give them a chance to develop. Asked what he likes about baseball, Rogan said, “Everything except the losing. I don’t like losing.”
Rogan said the team’s purpose is to give players an opportunity to show what they can do and keep moving forward in the sport.
“It gives guys a chance to prove themselves on a nightly basis,” Rogan said. “The goal is to move up. The ultimate goal is the major leagues. And we’ve had some players make the major leaques but it is a long journey for them.”
The roster includes players from a range of backgrounds, including 25-year-old Max Fullerton, who has played in Australia, Jordan, Nebraska and Colorado before coming to Bakersfield. Fullerton said he’s grateful for where he is now.
“I’m happy where my feet are. It’s a good spot to be and I’m happy to be around the guys that I’m with. I’m very thankful that I’m around such a good group of guys,” Fullerton said.
Another player, Jed Downham, left his home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to secure a spot with the Train Robbers. Downham said his competitive drive started early.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been a big competitor with my dad and my brother in the driveway playing basketball or wiffle ball and I just wanted to see how far God could take me in the sport of baseball,” Downham said.
Rogan said he admires the commitment it takes for players to pursue that kind of goal.
“They gave it a shot. There’s something about people chasing their dreams that I admire,” Rogan said.
And it’s the American Dream to go after those goals. America’s pastime is their passion, playing out on the field at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
“I played for another team before this but I am happy I am here and happy I am playing for Bill and out here in this wonderful town,” Fullerton said.
“They could be on a beach somewhere. They could be hanging out at a movie theater or just doing fun stuff at an amusement park but they’re here in the middle of the afternoon. It’s over 100 degrees and they are working on their craft living the dream. And I would say to anybody if you have a goal or a dream go for it,” Rogan said.
Downham said his focus is on steady progress. “It’s just about getting 1% better everyday. So as long as you’re putting the time and you know, believing in yourself, believing in the Lord you know he’ll take you there,” he said.