Texas Rangers Michael Hollander

Update
Southern Brother comments:

Pictures are of Baron [Greg's note: my nephew] getting Michael Hollander’s autograph @ 2008 CWS. Michael Hollander is from LSU...he is as tough, hard nose, run you over scrappy as there is...he has a big time arm, good feet, and good hands...I think he will be outstanding...@LSU for three years he was a leadoff hitting SS...new coach brings in his own SS phenom...forces Hollander out...without a single complaint one he made the transition to 3rd and took his team to Omaha…Hollander is a winner with character and he could play for me everyday…I want him on my team

Greg's note: This is encouraging to hear. Michael Hollander thus instantly becomes one of my favorite Rangers. I love smart and scrappy; I love Louisiana competitive, such as pitchers Andrew Laughter (Louisiana-Lafeyette), Beau Jones, and Ben Sheets! (hint hint)


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Michael Hollander, a minor league infielder exploring conversion to catcher, performs under scrutiny of six watchful eyes. Three former catchers? Maybe, as former catchers often become coaches.

Photo courtesy http://rangers.scottlucas.com/

Let's say these coaches are all former catchers. There's a fair chance they held onto to their playing dream, and held on to it, and fought for it to the bitter end, yet never themselves made it to the major leagues - or at least never became starting catchers in the major leagues.

In Michael Hollander, who maybe is an older minor leaguer latching onto his last slim chance to make it to the show, drafted in 2008 out of LSU, these coaches see themselves: their own struggles and efforts and dreams. Therefore, you can't keep these coaches away from Michael Hollander. He maybe has only a long shot chance, yet look at the coaches' body languages: they are focused and intent. They will give Michael Hollander everything they've got - partially because they know he will soak it all in. 

And someday, a 40 year old coach Michael Hollander will transmit what he learned, during these very moments, to other young kids fighting to hold onto their dreams. He will give them everything he's got...