Blue Jays: Against all odds, Anthony Alford keeps baseball in perspective
Slumps and injuries are no greater obstacle than those previously overcome by Blue Jays prospect Anthony Alford.
The date is July 17, 2017. Ominous, gray clouds swallow Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, the Spring Training home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Outfield prospect Anthony Alford is in center field taking flyball after flyball with fluidity and grace.
Alford, who recorded his first major league hit nearly eight weeks earlier, did not expect to be in Dunedin prior to 2018 Spring Training. Why would he? He was impressing in Double-A New Hampshire, so much so that Blue Jays’ general manager Ross Atkins recalled the Ole Miss product without any experience in Triple-A.
Alford’s slow climb from playing in the Gulf Coast League for two consecutive seasons to Midwest League All-Star had reached its apex.
“Just getting the call period was a dream come true,” Alford said. “I didn’t expect it to happen that early but it did, and I’m blessed to say I got that opportunity.
“It was a special moment for me, my wife and my family. Just them experiencing that my dream came true — They know how much work I put in growing up and put in in the offseason.”
Days later, Alford accomplished the first of many major league hits — a double off the center-field wall of Milwaukee’s Miller Park. His batting average had life and a smile flashed across the face of the former collegiate football player.
Then, a grimace emerged.
Alford suffered a broken hamate bone in his left wrist just two innings after his monumental hit. He sustained the injury when fouling off a pitch from Brewers reliever Neftali Feliz.
A trip to the disabled list was certain, but Alford’s attitude remained positive. After all, there was a time when all the chips were stacked against him and an opportunity to play professional baseball was distant.
“I come from a rough place, and I’ve seen some rough stuff growing up. Every time I face adversity, I just remind myself it could be worse,” explained Alford. “I’m blessed to be able to put a jersey on my back and do something that I enjoy doing.”
As a child, MLB’s 49th-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, said he did not possess the same privileges as his friends. He was raised in a poor socioeconomic situation and had to overcome family adversity.
The circumstances molded Alford and forged a devoted connection with God, one which is central to who the young man is today.
“That’s definitely a major key for me. That’s what I rely on. That’s my foundation,” said the Mississippi native. “You can only handle so much on your own. That’s what helped me through my tough times, whether it’s on the field or off the field.
“I just keep that in mind and keep seeking God because I feel like He helps me overcome that adversary. He helps me through those hard times and gives me peace of mind.”
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If a slump or bad performance plagues the 6’1″ right-handed hitter, Alford does not grow irritable or disappointed. Instead, he reflects upon his journey and realizes his play on the field pales in comparison to those growing up in financial hardship.
“There’s people real-life struggling out there, whether it’s financially or homeless or they don’t know where their next meal is going to come,” Alford said. “We can all get blinded by the stuff that comes with baseball and get caught up in our selfish ways and get caught up in being so result-oriented. I just know there are people really hurting out there and really struggling, not on the field but struggling life or death.
“That’s what keeps me positive. That’s what motivates me because I want to be able to help people like that one day. That’s what pushes me on the field.”
As September 1 grows near, Alford is expected to be one of the call-ups returning to Toronto. The 23-year-old is batting .305 with five home runs, 23 RBIs and 15 stolen bases with New Hampshire this season.
“The next goal is to get up there and stay. Now that I got a taste of the big leagues, I want to become an everyday big leaguer. I can’t settle on just making it to the bigs.”
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However, if he never plays in another major league game, Alford ensures he will have no regrets.
“Whatever happens on the field, I just go out there and give it my all,” Alford said. “That way, if my career ended tomorrow, I wouldn’t have any regrets.”