Mark Wesley Pritchard
Bio
You can call me Wesley. Former cosplayer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @misterwesleysworld
Instagram: @misterwesleysworld
Stories (395)
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Wesley's 2025 American League Wild Card Picks
Spring Training will be here before you know it and the 2025 MLB regular season is less than two months away. We all miss baseball, but it's never too early to think about your favorite team possibly making it to the Postseason and/or winning the World Series. In this story, I'll focus on potential Wild Card teams that might accomplish either one or both aforementioned objectives. If you want to see my picks of every 2025 Division Winner from both the American and National League, I'll have links to those stories at the end of this story.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Lessons to Live By in 2025
Happy New Year, Vocal readers! 2025 is the year to wipe the slate clean and start off fresh. If you're unsure of how to make this year memorable for yourself, I have a few pieces of advice that might be beneficial. Remember that we're all works in progress, so don't think that you're alone in this.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Humans
The Story Behind the Blue Rangers Ball Cap
Greetings, baseball nerds! If you've read my numerous stories about the Texas Rangers, you know that I've been a die-hard fan of theirs since I was a teenager. However, in case you didn't know that before, stick around because I have an interesting story to share with everyone about an accessory that stuck with me for years. More on that later.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Wesley's 2024 Year in Review
2024 has been full of ups and downs for yours truly. However, as this year comes to a close, all that we can hope for is that 2025 will treat us kindly. In my final story of 2024, I'll be highlighting several important stories I've written. Before I begin with that, I want to remind everyone that to please send me a one-off tip, big or small, at the end of this story. They'll support creators like me to bring you the stories and poems that we'd want to share. Let's end this year on a high note and finally, please follow me on social media. The information to my pages will be found in my profile. Without further ado, let's get started.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Writers
My Thoughts About the Rangers Latest Acquisitions
The 2024 Winter Meetings in Dallas, TX have been busy. If you aren't familiar with Winter Meetings, it's an opportunity for all 30 Major League Baseball teams to bolster their rosters by trading and signing players. The biggest headline during this offseason was Juan Soto recently signing with the New York Mets. His record-breaking contract has since caused controversy, with some calling it insane and others questioning his ability to make a significant impact with the Mets. I still believe that a salary cap needs to be put in place, because no athlete is worth $765 million or even $700 million, the amount currently being paid to Shohei Ohtani over the next 10 years. Seeking to be paid more isn't immoral but feeling that you're entitled of being paid nearly a billion dollars is selfish. I don't care what good intentions both the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations have.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
More Thoughts About the Juan Soto Deal
It's been almost three days since the news of Juan Soto being traded to the New York Mets was announced. Now, the online baseball community has reacted to the latest blockbuster deal. Let's just say that the news wasn't well received, and I'll explain the reasons why in a bit. In case you're not up to speed with this, let's recap.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Family...What Family?
Christmas is right around the corner and I'm looking forward for some well-deserved R&R alone. According to a YouGov study, 11 percent of Americans spent the holidays solo. More specifically, holidays that different people celebrate in the month of December. Recently, one of my coworkers asked what my plans are for Christmas. I replied that I was planning on spending them alone. He told me that I needed people during the holidays, but I insisted and expressed that I wanted to spend them all by myself. While his kind gesture was well-intentioned, it's okay for me to be alone.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Families
OMG! They Made a Deal!
The Juan Soto sweepstakes has finally concluded late Sunday night, as the right fielder signed a 15-year contract with the New York Mets for a whopping $765 million. Yes, you don't need to adjust your eyes or screen. The Yankees offered a 16-year, $760 million deal. This latest deal is the largest in MLB and sports history. At least he didn't pull a Shohei Ohtani on us. During the 2024 season, his stats included a .989 OPS, 41 home runs, and .288 batting average. I was one of many people who advocated for him to receive a contract extension, because he was the piece that kept the Yankees together. The 26-year-old will be joining a Mets team who reached the NLCS before losing to the eventual World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers. Not to mention, a fantastic season: one of the best seasons since 2015. You got to give credit to first-year manager Carlos Mendoza for making the Mets' season memorable.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Taking Back My Power At Last: Update
Greetings, Vocal readers and subscribers. Two months ago, I wrote a story discussing my personal struggles of standing up for myself and the things I was seeking for almost two years. In case you're not familiar or don't know the situation that has haunted me since 2022, I'll fill you in. I went without a raise at work for almost two years, despite all of my hard work and surviving a global pandemic. I was also seeking more hours. For two years, I was stressed and had sleepless nights. It was almost like my voice wasn't heard and I got increasingly frustrated. I remember one day on my way home from work that I threw a huge fit, because no one was listening to me or my concerns. Don't get wrong. I love my job and the people I work with. I just didn't like being frequently undermined and disrespected. I wanted to discuss these issues with someone, but it seemed like it every time that I attempt to, there was always something that comes up. Finally, one day, I decided to have the courage and talk to someone about the things that I was going through and had bothered me for so long. A date for a meeting was scheduled and I was ready. I was nervous, but I felt like I needed to do this to get some things off my chest and also, finally put this year's long painful chapter behind me.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Humans
The Most Hated Figure in Major League Baseball. Content Warning.
When you think of who the most despised player in Major League Baseball history was, which name comes to mind? Roger Clemens? Barry Bonds? Jose Canseco? This former MLB player that I'll be talking about in this story is a name that you may or may not be familiar with. He's former Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker. Rocker was born on October 17, 1974, meaning that as of 2024, he's 50 years old. He played for four different teams: the aforementioned Braves, the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), Texas Rangers, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now known as simply the Tampa Bay Rays).
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Humans
National League Division Winner Predictions for 2025
Now that I've shared my American League division winner predictions and opinions of each team, it's the National League's turn. There was a plethora of outstanding moments from many NL teams during the 2024 MLB regular season, including the Postseason. If you would like to see my AL division winner predictions, you can click the link down below. Other than that, here are the NL teams who I think will win their respective divisions.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
