You won’t find a much better combination than baseball and Bosse Field. Like peanut butter and jelly, ice cream and cones, roads and construction, the two are a comfortable and proper fit. Being the third oldest ballpark used for professional baseball in operation today (behind only Fenway Park and Wrigley Field), Bosse’s historic bricks seep memories and tradition like Warren Spahn. One of the Frontier League’s most popular clubs, the Otters will soon light up the field with a flurry of excitement in their opening charge May 21st. Facing the Windy City Thunderbolts, new names and old hats will put their skills on display in effort to launch the start of their thirteenth season successfully and bid for a second league championship.

            Like the tectonic plates that are constantly shifting and resettling the Earth as we recognize it (recently, no doubt), baseball lineups and rosters follow the same principle. The Otters are no exception; acquiring many talented players from across the map, the team’s dynamic is always evolving. One of those talented players (whom I’ve had the great pleasure of working a daily 9-5 grind with) is local-bred success, Adam Rogers. Recently signing to pitch in the starting rotation, 24-year-old Adam is no stranger to hard work and the reward it brings. He helped propel Harrison High School to state during his sophomore year, won a championship his senior year at the University of Evansville and went on to be drafted in 2006 in the 31st round by the Toronto Blue Jays.

            Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Adam about his experiences in baseball and his plans for the future.

BK: You had a successful baseball career at UE. Where exactly did you go after that?

AR: After graduating and finishing my career at UE, I was drafted in the 31st round by the Toronto Blue Jays and went to Pulaski, Virginia, to play in the Appalachian League. The following season [last year] was spent in numerous locals. I spent most of last season in short season but also had stints in Low A [Lansing], High A [Dunedin] and Double A [New Hampshire].

Clearly, baseball has been very good to you and vice versa. What would you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?

Baseball has been very good to me, but I think everyone who has had opportunities like I’ve had should understand that baseball owes you nothing and that you owe everything to the game. I’ve seen so many places and met so many people because of the game. I would have to say my greatest accomplishment would be going to state my sophomore year in high school and helping my team win a championship my senior year at UE.

Those are wonderful achievements, indeed. Another amazing experience must have been pitching in the Hall of Fame Game as a Blue Jay against the Baltimore Orioles at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown for a sellout crowd. What was that like?

The Hall of Fame Game was an amazing experience. I was able to rub elbows with players like Frank Thomas, Alex Rios, Roy Halladay and the rest of the team. And getting to face Jay Gibbons and Corey Patterson was a thrill as well.

Frank Thomas, wow. He’s been such an amazing presence throughout his many years in baseball. At 6”5, 275 he’s no small fry. Did he live up to his reputation of “Big Hurt?”

He did live up to his reputation as a massive individual--probably the biggest player I’ve ever been around. He was actually really laid back and quiet.

It was recently decided that baseball will end the tradition of playing the Hall of Fame Game after this June’s meeting between the Cubs and Padres. Any comments on that?

It’s too bad professional players today can’t sacrifice one day off for this game. It means so much to the community of Cooperstown and was such a special experience for myself; it should be a special experience for the big leaguers as well.

Speaking of big leaguers, one of the best in the game today, Alex Rodriquez has a monster contract with the Yankees for $230 million ($28 million per season). That’s more than the combined Florida Marlins team payroll. That’s fair right?

I feel AROD’s salary is fair. Most people don’t understand the strain and hard work that ball players must put into their craft. People also forget the millions AROD brings in to the Yankees through TV, endorsements, ticket sales, etc. If anyone in their job brought in that type of money for their company, they would want to be reimbursed for their efforts.

Yankees or Red Sox? I’m Yankees, for sure. You?

Not a Yanks or Sox fan, but if I had to choose I’d say Yankees because I’d like AROD to get a championship.

You’ll be pitching for the Otters this season. How does it feel coming back home to play baseball?

I felt like signing with the Otters would be a good way for family and friends to watch me pitch me again. The Otters are also going to let me start, which is what I did throughout college. My ultimate goal is to get picked back up by an affiliate, but while I’m with the Otters I’ll give it my best to help the team win ball games.

So it’s safe to assume you are looking to move back up.

I won’t play independent ball very long. I would love to play for as long as I can, but at the highest level.

I wish you all the best and look forward to your success this year. Any parting advice for players looking to work through the ranks like you?

For any aspiring players, don’t take the game too seriously. Work hard, but let it go after the game is over. For a stretch in my career, I let the game consume me and it wasn’t a good time. You’ll play worse and won’t have fun. Also, enjoy the game when you’re young, because as you get older the game turns into more of a job.

Be sure to come out and support Adam and the rest of the Evansville Otters this season. Tickets start at only $5!