Article: Moving On

[AJPettersen]

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php/3078-Moving-On

[Jeremy Nygaard]

You're a great dude, A.J. And I think I speak for everyone when I say that you'll be successful in whatever it is you choose to do. I, personally, appreciate you opening up the doors on what it's like to be a ballplayer, for taking the time to talk to people (like me) who are much less knowledgeable than you. And for sharing late-night baseball stories in the Beloit Applebees.

 

You're a prospect, man, and someone is gonna be real happy to call you up... in the real world.

[JB_Iowa]

Thank you for all you have brought to Twins Daily ... for giving us an understanding of the day to day life in MiLB, for taking us along on your journey, for helping us to understand the drive and determination it takes each and every day.

 

All the very best to you, your wife and your extended family members. It seems as though you will have many options to share your passion for the game and for life ... whether through the written word, through coaching or through another avenue.

 

It has been our privilege to read your thoughts the past couple of years. Enjoy your life -- and let us know how you're doing from time to time!

[Shane Wahl]

You will find a new (and better) career quickly. You can look at this as baseball taking away previous time from your writing career.

[lukingood]

Best of luck. I enjoyed your writing.

[Thrylos]

AJ, congrats for going after your dream and making it happen and congrats again for stepping away when it was not your dream any more. Wishing you the best on the next page of your life.

[Mike Sixel]

Good luck in your future. Really appreciated what you did here.

[John Bonnes]

Thank you for discussing a tough subject in such a personal and candid way AJ. You'll always be a favorite of this community, and I can hardly wait to see what you do next.

[Squirrel]

All the best to you, AJ. Thanks for all that you've shared with us here.

[Seth Stohs]

By the way, everybody, I bugged AJ all day yesterday and told him he needed to keep writing here occasionally... and I think he'll be willing to do that from time to time... I hope so at least... OK, it I didn't have to bug him too much.

[mlhouse]

One thing that really needs to be mentioned is that sometimes we only look at a journey like A.J. Petterson's as a means to an end, and forget that sometimes the journey is an ends in itself. Minor league baseball is a special thing, and too often the game is clouded over when it is only seen as a dream. Anyone who has been to a game knows it is more than that. It is worthwhile in itself. Congratulations on a great baseball career A.J.

[triplethreat]

AJP, you have blessed us with your writings, thoughts, philosphy, ... . Thank you. We wish you all the best.

[gunnarthor]

Best of luck!

[Paul Pleiss]

It's been a pleasure following you from draft day until today. I had a chance to talk to you at a game in Iowa about growing up in Minnesota, to talk MiLB with you on my podcast, and to read your thoughts here on Twins daily. It's been a pleasure. I wish you much luck in whatever comes next for you. Go Twins!

[benji21]

Best luck to you AJ. I hope you really enjoy the next phase of your life.

[dgwills]

Very few people have as much success in sports as you have. I know most of us would of loved to have been in your shoes for a few days. I always enjoyed your post . You seem like a genuinely good person. Keep us updated!

[tarheeltwinsfan]

AJ, To quote Bob Hope: "Thanks for the memories." Now onward and upward. You'll be fine young man. I hope you keep writing. I especially admire your honesty in your writing. I hope you will keep in touch.

[Wyorev]

sometimes the journey is an ends in itself... Congratulations on a great baseball career A.J.

Ditto the other comments here. Mulhouse and Shane and all... I like this line: "Remember, the detour is the journey." AJP thanks for sharing your journey with us. I join the TD community in gratitude, and in wishing you the best in whatever comes next!

[DocBauer]

AJ, thank you so much for all the tremendous insights and contributions you have shared with us. Not only the baseball side of your life and journey, but the very real personal side to things you revealed.

 

There is only a few at Twins Daily that have met you or know you in any way. But I think articles, openness and candor makes us all feel that we've met you and know you, at least a little bit. The Twins organization was lucky to have you, and might just be a little bit bleaker now without you. Who knows, perhaps your career path, if you do follow new dreams that lead you to coaching and the such, might lead you back to the Twins organization one day.

 

If you decide to agree to Seth's request to continue writing here, you will have some very grateful readers. Best of luck to you and yours AJ.

[lightfoot789]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20140329_MIN@BOS

 

Always remember playing and scoring in your Call Up game this past spring training. Those are the moments that make the journey worth while. Great reading your articles and a pleasure following your gritty utility style of play. You are the definition of a hard nosed "Ball Player" - Enjoy your new ride??????

[ashbury]

Like the others who have posted, I enjoyed your posts very much. Stick around and keep contributing.

 

I never wanted to even hint at this before now, because, well, why. But I have to say that this outcome does not surprise me. There was always a tone, I'll call it melancholy, in your writing here that presaged a crisis or decision soon to come. I say that only to reinforce that IMO this decision has been brewing for quite some time, whether you realized it explicitly or not, and thus it surely is a solid one that comes from the heart. So, very best wishes to you in your next phase and proceed with confidence - I'll also echo the others who said that I'm sure you'll make your mark.

[tshide]

I've enjoyed your writing AJ and hope you continue to contribute to Twins Daily. I wish you the best and respect the decision you made. You got a chance to chase a dream that few are able to and you give it your best, for that you should be proud.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Thanks AJ. It has been a pleasure reading your work, and I hope to continue to read it. It has also been a pleasure to follow your work as a ball player. I am confident that your zeal and conviction will carry you well through the next steps in your journey.

[Don't Feed the Greed Guy]

Thanks for chasing a dream, and walking away at the right time. As one reader who can only imagine what it's like to play baseball at such a high level, I thank you for telling me what it's like. I thank you for visiting with my boys among the mosquitoes outside the Rock Cats' clubhouse door, long after most of your teammates had left for the night.

 

Two of my dear friends played minor league ball. One went on to invent a breakfast cereal that feeds America's kids every morning. Another has made a career of turning floundering Boys & Girls Clubs into difference makers in low income, multicultural communities. He's a troubleshooter, who applies the hard work he learned on a baseball diamond, everyday.

 

AJ, I will look forward to seeing where God takes you. Keep writing. Tell your story. May your great gifts meet the world's great need. (paraphrase from Fredrick Buechner).

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Best wishes. It's a privilege to be in this community with you.

[jimbo92107]

AJ, thanks for your excellent write-ups on baseball and on your perspective on sports in your life. Your articles have been a pleasure to read, so I hope you keep letting us in on your perceptions. Your writing has a friendly, sociable style that I'm sure reflects the kind of guy you are. I hope your life's adventures are as interesting and enjoyable as what you have shared with Twins Daily.

[Halsey Hall]

AJ, I've really enjoyed your articles posted here on TD. I got to watch you play some last year in Ft Myers, and every year in spring training. Met your wife this spring down there, she's a keeper! You've lived the dream that this guy had from about 6 years old, and done well. The best of luck to you in what ever the future brings.

[lightfoot789]

As I said earlier - I wish you the best AJ. That being said: I would love to know your prospect rankings for the Twins as you had the pleasure to watch and play with these guys in Spring Training and beyond. I hope you stay involved with Twins Daily becuase like Jeremy said - You give such a different perspective on the make up of these guys as a true insider. I don't want you to lose friendships over your thoughts but would love to hear a more personal outlook on the TWins future (from 1 man's view).

[drunksam]

Very simply, thank you.

[kaylaxmarie18]

When I saw you had retired from professional baseball, I will admit I was sad. I will miss cheering you on at the Rock Cats, but have to thank you for allowing me to have so much fun being your fan. You always seemed so happy at the games, and I appreciate that you would take the time to wave and say hello. I wish I had gotten the chance to say hi one more time this season. You always seemed so grateful and excited to be playing. I know you'll be able to find a new passion that you will love greatly. I wish you luck in whatever journey you tackle next, and hope for nothing but the best for you and your family. I will always be your fan, Kayla.