In ten days or so, our family of four will be packing up and heading to Montana for three months. Jeff is the pitching coach for the Missoula Osprey, and their season begins on June 16th.
As a baseball family, this is considered normal. But as I started getting questions from those around us, I realized this isn’t normal for most families. So I thought I would answer some of the questions I have been getting most frequently.
Here they are, in no particular order:
I thought Jeff coached for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Yes.
What?
He coaches for the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball organization.
Huh?
The Diamondbacks actually have 9 teams. One major league team and 8 minor league teams. The last three years he has coached for the Arizona League Diamondbacks, a team that plays all of their games in Phoenix.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (Major Leauges)
- Reno Aces (AAA)
- Mobile Baybears (AA)
- Visalia Rawhide (Advanced-A)
- South Bend Silver Hawks (A)
- Hillsboro Hops (Short Season A)
- Missoula Osprey (Advanced Rookie)
- Arizona League Diamondbacks (Rookie)
- Dominican Summer League Diamondbacks (Rookie)
Does Jeff eventually want to coach in the pros?
Technically he is already coaching in the pros (Pro = players are paid to play). I think what you mean is major leagues, and yes that is the ultimate goal.
Do professional baseball coaches make millions of dollars?
Hahahahahahahahahaha.
Ha.
No.
Are you excited to move?
Yes! We are excited for a new adventure and a new challenge. Jeff is a good baseball coach, and an even better developer of young men.
Where will you live?
We are renting a one bedroom apartment on the first floor of a house.
Are you moving to Montana forever?
No. Just for three months, then we will be back in Phoenix.
Will you keep your rental home in Phoenix?
Yes. It doesn’t make sense to move out for three months then have to find a new place when we get back.
What is the weather like in Missoula?
In June, the average high is 74 with a low of 48. To say I am excited about our summer weather would be an understatement.
Do you even like baseball?
Thankfully I LOVE baseball. I would hate to think of how this all would go if I didn’t.
What about school?
School starts July 13th, and our baseball season isn’t over until September 4th. At this time, we believe being together as a family is more important than being here for the start of school.
In fact, since we will probably be moving around every year for 3-6 months at a time, we are going to give homeschooling a try. Yes, I am excited about it. No, you don’t need to tell me “good luck” in your most sarcastic voice when we talk about it.
Will you keep blogging this summer?
Our internet is going to be spotty, so I will have to see. I’m not going to stress about it. I will however be taking zillions of photos (sorry in advance), so you can always keep up with me on Instagram.
How’s the packing going?
Send help.
Won’t you miss your friends in Phoenix?
Of course!!
Are you good at keeping in touch?
No, I suck at it so please reach out to me often.
I am equal parts excited, nervous, overwhelmed, and giddy about this move. If you have any other questions, please ask!
That sounds like a fabulous situation to homeschool in!
Thanks! I think it will be fun 🙂
SO excited for you! We’re homeschooling next year, too- to bring our antibullying message on the road! i’m saying “good luck” in my best WE CAN DO THIS voice!
Oooh, exciting! Can’t wait to hear about your adventure!
Wow! Pretty cool! I had no idea. Lol! You explained everything really well…or I at least understand everything you said! =) You should visit Fresh Life church while you are up there! The pastor is amazing and I want to visit Montana someday simply to visit his church since I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it.
Alesha <3
Thanks for the tip, I will check it out!
Missoula is the best place to live in the summer!! you will love it here!:)
PS. The Osprey rock!
Thank you, we are excited!
Montana in the summer is awesome! Glad you guys are getting an opportunity to experience it! Missoula is a cool college town. Have fun!!
Thanks Sunny!
Montana Sky is the best – it amazes me every time. I love laying out and looking at the stars on summer nights. Enjoy your few months there!
Ooooh, I can’t wait!
My dad-in-law was in pro baseball his whole career as a player, coach and scout. They traveled a lot during the summers but always kept their base in. Mesa AZ. It was hard for them to have dad gone a lot during the season and as my husband grew up, harder to leave community in the summers. I think it’s great you’ve made the decision to stay together as a family and move around. Stability is best found as a family. My husband coaches high school baseball now so I guess he wasn’t scarred for life :). Also, I hear Montana is beautiful so I’ll be looking forward to your Instagram shots 🙂
Thanks Suzie! I think every family has to make hard decisions each season. We will take it year by year and see how it goes. I love knowing you have baseball in your family 🙂
You’re family is going to have an incredible time!! Can’t wait to hear about the adventures, see all the pictures, and live Montana through you!! xoxoxox
Thanks Jenn! Miss you!
I am excited for all the adventures you are having! Homeschooling!!! We just “finished” our homeschooling adventure with the graduation of our youngest this year (we homeschooled for more than 25 years – our children range in age from 39 to 18). Homeschooling is more a lifestyle than anything, and you already seem well into that thought process! Have a blast!
Thank you, that is so encouraging!
I know a family who does this (their dad is a baseball player), and they always seem to enjoy the adventure! Yay for homeschooling! – I was home schooled all the way through to college, and had an amazing time. It is wonderful to be able to go deeply into subjects that might be barely touched on in a school setting 🙂 I hope you and your family have the greatest time!
<3 Lucie
Thank you, I’m excited about homeschooling!
Have.A.BLAST! Excited to see the pics of the adventure…and kiddos!
Thanks Kandice!
Congrats on the new adventure! Montana is BEAUTIFUL. Be sure to spend some time in Yellowstone if you can.
I think we will definitely spend some time there on the way home in September!
I’m so annoyed at the people who are sarcastic to you about homeschooling. It will be challenging, but I know you are up for it! You will be GREAT! I love that you pursue good things for your family, not easy things. Miss you, friend.
I love your fierce love for your friends. So much. Thank you for your confidence in me. Miss and love you!
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Summer based out of Missoula is the best!!!! Consider me jealous!
We only live a few hours from Missoula. It’s a great little town. There is an amazing coffee/wine shop downtown called Liquid Planet. When my son lived there it was my favorite place to hang out when I would visit him. Enjoy your journey 🙂