From Intern to Otter
Published on June 12, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
Evansville, Ind. - Tom Mueller left the offices of the Evansville Otters on Sunday, June 7th as an account executive. He returned to the stadium Monday afternoon as the Otters top left arm out of the bullpen.
Mueller, an intern with the Otters in 2008, was hired on full time this year after finishing his senior year at Ball State where he was a stellar reliever for the Cardinals baseball team.
"As soon as the season ended, I knew I wasn't ready to give [baseball] up yet," said Mueller. "I had talked with (Otters' owner) Bill Bussing earlier in the year about my aspirations to play pro ball. He passed my [stats] along after the season, and I got a tryout. I threw a couple times in front of the coaches, and they seemed to like it."
Mueller so impressed the Otters coaching staff with his initial tryout that he was invited back for a second, more thorough evaluation.
Mueller finally heard the good news from the coaches on one of his rare off days from his front office duties.
"I was sleeping in and woke up to the coach's phone call. I was a little tired, but it woke me up in a hurry. I was pretty excited."
Mueller suited up for his professional debut on Tuesday, June 9th, for a road game with the Southern Illinois Miners.
"I actually wasn't too nervous for the game. I was nervous when we got the phone call down in the bullpen, but once I ran out on the field, I didn't feel nervous," recalled Mueller. With starter Dusty Renfrow tiring and a somewhat comfortable 10-5 lead, Otters manager Wayne Krenchicki called on his newest arm. Muller retired the first batter he faced before walking the next two and being relieved.
Even with his professional career under way, Mueller still keeps an eye to the front office.
"I'm actually going to still try to do whatever I can for them in the front office, during the season, maybe database stuff, something I can help out with while on traveling. After the season I'll be working full time again until the following season starts."
Things have certainly changed for Mueller since last summer, although his work address has remained the same. A year ago, Mueller was cutting vegetables and power washing sidewalks for the Otters. This year, he'll be cutting down hitters with an 87 mph fastball and knee-buckling curve.
"I think it's everybody's dream to get paid to do something they love. It's a dream to play professional baseball. I just can't believe their paying me to do it. I should be the one paying them."
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- From Intern to Otter - Evansville Otters
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