Playing Major League Baseball is a dream for many but is only a reality for a very small percentage of aspiring athletes. For those athletes, there are lower levels of professional baseball including the independent league which is not affiliated with any major league team. Specifically, the Atlantic League is home to players who are just starting out with the hope of making it into the majors, while others play just to keep their dream alive. Playing baseball for a living is a dream in its own, but these players are often away from their families and can face long days at the field. I was able to get a more in depth understanding when I spoke with several players from the Long Island Ducks and Somerset Patriots.
