Baseball Wives - Meet Cayte!

Today we're mixing things up, I'm doing a blog swap with another baseball wife! Cayte is introducing herself and sharing about her baseball adventure here, and I am doing the same over at her blog, so make sure to head over Cayte's blog to read my interview when you finish here!

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Hey y'all! Thanks for letting me take over your daily readings from Hannah today.  My name is Cayte and I blog over at www.blogwiththebrowns.blogspot.com about everything from home DIY projects to the crazy minor league baseball life my husband and I live.  My husband got drafted with the Cleveland Indians back in 2012 and is currently playing in the Carolina League Advanced-A level with the Lynchburg Hillcats.  This is the first season I have been some-what able to travel with him, as my job is allowing me to work remotely for the summer! It's only been a week since I started working from home, but it has seriously been the best thing for both of us.  Being able to still work and see my husband everyday during the season is such a blessing. 

Some of my friends think its so weird that I have blog friends and that we have never met in person, but I truly think that Hannah and I would be two peas in a pod together at a baseball field! Before Cy got drafted, Hannah and I connected and I have enjoyed seeing their life change over the past year and a half! I hope y'all stop my my little blog and check out our crazy MiLB life!

1. How many seasons have you been in baseball, college and pro ball?

D.J. has been playing baseball forever, but I have been around since 2010, when I met D.J. as I was hauling his dorm room bedding into his room on the first day of his freshman year! We started dating in 2011, got engaged in 2012 at married in 2013! So in total, I have been with D.J. and baseball for about five years- college and professional ball.

2. How did you and your hubs meet, and when did you realize that he was “the one”? 

Pretty funny story actually... My sophomore year in college, I was chosen to be an orientation guide for the incoming freshman.  Of over 25 dorms at James Madison University, the school paired me with good ole' Ikenberry - which just so happened to be D.J.'s dorm.  JMU is known for its friendly people and exceptional move-in experience, so as I was dragging in loads of his baseball stuff from his parents car, we met each other.  Now, at the time I had a boyfriend and thought "oh great, I have the athletes and they are going to be a pain in my back." But - it was just the opposite.  D.J. was so sweet and participated in all the freshman activities.  Long story short - we started dating the end of my junior year in 2011 and the rest is history! The story on how he proposed to me is quite hilarious also. Check it out here.

3. How do you make the time pass when yall are apart?

D.J. and I spent the last three seasons apart.  I have a full time job in Norfolk, VA where we own a house and live in the off season.  So keeping busy during that time may seem hard, but between work, exercising, hanging out with family and friends and listening to the games on the radio, the seasons went by pretty quick actually!

4. What is one thing you have learned about yourself through life in baseball?

I will admit- I am a "long-term" thinker.  When I knew D.J. was "the one" I was mentally planning our wedding.  When we got engaged, I was mentally thinking about our wedding day.  On our wedding day, I was mentally thinking about having kids.  You get the point. With baseball, I have realized that living in the moment is the only way you will be able to enjoy the experience.  I have learned to be happy with where we are in the organization and to not compare our relationship or baseball experience to anyone else.  This is our journey and it may be different than someone else's, and I am fully embracing that.  I have also let go of planning things because I have learned the hard way (read more about that here.)

5. You recently were given the opportunity to travel with DJ in the summers. What has that been like so far?

So far traveling with D.J. has been great! I love being able to see him every morning when I wake up and give him a big kiss before he leaves for the field.  I have a great little set up in the apartment as my work station and I've been so productive every day.  One of my favorite things about living with him this summer has also been the experience I have had with the ladies here.  Right now, there are eight wives or girlfriends here full time and it is so awesome having girls around to balance out all that testosterone the boys bring home! 

6.  Baseball certainly has its’ highs and lows, but what is one of your favorite game-related memories?

Oh, yes it does.  I would say one thing that D.J. is incredibly good at is maintaining a healthy balance between the highs and lows.  He's big on having a positive mental attitude, so that really helps in times of lows.  The top two moments of D.J.'s career for me is when (one) his college team one the CAA Championship in 2011 and (two) when he struck out his first major leaguer, Jayson Werth earlier this season! Talk about a high!

7. What has been the most fun place you have traveled to see DJ play?

Hmm, most fun place...I would have to say Myrtle Beach, SC.  The stadium is beautiful, the hotel we stayed at was within walking distance of great restaurants and the field, and who doesn't love a beach town?! We have been so blessed to live so close to all of the teams that D.J. has played on the past two years.  Being from Virginia, all of the teams he plays right now are within five hours from both of our parents homes.

8. When and why did you start blogging?

Before I worked at the job I am currently at, I traveled the country as an Educational Consultant for my sorority, so I started my first blog when I was working for them.  When I stopped, I needed a new blog, so I began Blog With The Browns.  I love being able to connect with other bloggers, near and far, and to keep everyone updated on the insane life that D.J. and I live day-to-day.

9. When you go to starbucks, what is your order?

Confession: I'm not a coffee drinker. But a girl can always find a way to become a gold member at Starbucks right?! I'm either a Mocha Frap with skim milk (keep the whip ;)) or a peppermint mocha in the winter months!

10. If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?

Outgoing, driven, affectionate, talkative and friendly. 

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I hope you enjoyed getting a look into another baseball life! Head on over to Cayte's blog to read my interview and more adventures with the Brown fam :)

XO, Han