Ethan Chapman’s dream to make it to the Big League level hasn’t happened yet. This past winter, Ethan signed to play 2017 in the Mexican League (AAA level) with the Vaqueros Union Laguna club.
Off the field, he’s a husband and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. His faith is at the center of who he is as a person.
Today is the ninth of a season-long diary that Ethan is going to share with us as he continues his battle through minor league baseball and his quest to make it to the Big Leagues.
This past weekend was the first time in years, I was able to be with my dad on Fathers Day. He traveled all the way out to Torreon, Mexico to catch a few of my games.
Ever since my mom passed away, my dad has stepped up in a major way! He has always had a huge impact in my life and the best dad I could imagine but recently, he took it to a whole other level.
Ethan and his Dad.
(Photo Courtesy: Ethan Chapman)
My dad has always been a provider, worker and sacrificed to give his family the best he could. He attended all of my games, all of my practices and made sure I had the newest equipment. We weren’t rich but he always provided for us. The stemmed from his upbringing. When he was young, he had to borrow equipment from his school and forge insurance documents because his parents didn’t want him to play.
Dad understood my passion for baseball because he had that same passion as a young boy.
My dad played football and baseball in high school and went on to play a couple years of football in college.
His parents never attended a single game.
He wasn’t going to let that happen to me.
At first I was kind of embarrassed when my dad showed up to my first college practice. He was the only one in the stands. But I realized it was because he loved me, supported me and was proud of me.
Why should I be embarrassed of something like that?
I quickly changed my thought and realized how blessed I was to have a dad that would change the cycle of parenthood he was accustomed to.
He has provided a great life for his children and showed us what it means to be a great leader and loving father. If I’m half as good as a dad that he is, I know my children will be ok.
Since my mom passed, he’s had to be the strong father figure as well as the applying all the character qualities of my loving mom. I can’t imagine how hard it is to lose your wife of 33 years, but my dad has shown that he’s more of a superhero to me now then he ever has been.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
E. Chapman
Impact People
Through 60 games with Vaqueros Union Laguna in the Mexican League, Ethan is batting .271 with 4 HR, 18 RBI, 36 Runs Scored, and 15 Stolen Bases.
To read Ethan’s previous journal entries from this season, click here.
