This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Freddy's back.
It's been a long, frustrating journey. The conclusion is anybody's guess.
Yet, in his inimitable style, Freddy Sandoval recalls two lost years with a positive, bright attitude. On Monday, the Salt Lake Bees second baseman celebrated his return to Utah with a couple of base hits.
Sandoval's two singles were among the few bright spots as Sacramento (56-39) drubbed the Bees (40-56) at Spring Mobile Ballpark, 14-3.
"I always missed ... this," said Sandoval, arms wide as if embracing the Bees' dugout, his uniform and teammates. "I'm lucky to be playing this game and have this as my job."
In 2008, it was Sandoval's time, thanks to a breakout offensive season for Salt Lake that resulted in being named the L.A. Angels Minor League Player of the Year.
Sandoval was part of the Angels' plans for 2009. Then came wrist surgery (2009), Tommy John surgery (2010) and a torn oblique muscle (2011).
"Every now and then you go through a depression moment, when you question what you are doing," said Sandoval, now 28 and wondering if he still has It. "'Is this the time to walk away from the game?'"
Sandoval, who had to travel the tough road from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego, Calif., just to attend high school, looked at it as a test of faith. He saw positives, including the birth of his son.
He is also halfway to a master's degree in Management Human Resources. There will be life after baseball.
"The last three years has been an eye-opening experience," Sandoval said. "You never know how long this will last.
"[Yet] I'm so happy to be here."
Owlz 4, Voyagers 1 • Wesley Hatton had three hits and two RBIs, and Frazier Hall added two RBIs to lead Orem to the Pioneer League win in Great Falls, Mont. Starter Baudilio Lopez worked six shutout innings for Orem.
Mustangs 8, Raptors 6 • In Billings, Mont., the host Mustangs rallied for four runs in the sixth inning to beat Ogden. —
In short River Cats 14, Bees 3
R Salt Lake pitchers yield seven walks, including four in a seven-run Sacramento sixth.
• Sacramento's Chris Carter and Jai Miller finish with three RBIs each.