Washington Wild Things outfielder C.J. Beatty has been through one wild ride over the past year. The slugger helped lead the Wild Things to a Wild Card spot before having his contract purchased by the Chicago White Sox prior to the Frontier League playoffs, where he would finish the year in his hometown with their High-A Winston-Salem club.
Beatty started the 2015 season in Winston-Salem, but only played in two of the club’s games over the first month of the season. He then asked for his release from the White Sox organization and rejoined the Wild Things prior to the start of the Frontier League season. It’s a move that you don’t see happen often, but Beatty wanted to be in a place where he could reset.
“You take the lemons and make lemonade,” said Beatty. “I could be negative about the White Sox, but at least I have an opportunity to come back and get back into the shuffle. What better place to do that then with the Washington Wild Things where it’s like home for me.”
Beatty had a solid season with the Wild Things in 2014 posting a .275/.382/.528 slash line and a .928 OPS with 13 doubles, 18 home runs and 57 RBI in 75 games. That, along with the relationship he has with the organization, made the decision to come back and restart his career an easy one.
“At first, of course it was an easy decision to come back, but the most important thing is that I wanted to come here and make sure I get my reps, play every day and play at a good level,” said Beatty. “I could have gone to another league, but why should I go to another league when I know what to expect here in the Frontier League? To start all over from the beginning, trying to be an everyday player, I knew coming to the Wild Things was going to be good for my career and good for the organization.”
After the completion of this year’s season-opener in Washington, a large crowd gathered in the stands by the Wild Things dugout. They were gathered to welcome back Beatty, who stood and received hugs, well-wishes and signed autographs for everyone that offered.
It is something that he enjoys doing after every game. No matter if it’s one person or 100, Beatty wants to give back to the fans, especially the children, because he believes it aids in the enjoyment of the game.
“I tell everyone all the time, I remember being the kid coming to the ballpark, and I believe that it’s our responsibility as professional baseball players to keep the cycle going,” said Beatty. “I was the one that was always chasing my favorite player in Winston-Salem around the ballpark. I wished that he could sign every day and when he was able to, it would make my night. That’s what it’s all about.”
Beatty will now begin the 2015 season with a rare second chance and he’s not taking it for granted with the team that has treated him so well.
“The Wild Things run a great organization here and they bring in great guys,” said Beatty. “I want to be here for a championship.”
(Photo Credit: Washington Wild Things)
