Auburndale, Wisconsin native and former UW-Stevens Point pitcher Jordan Zimmerman is staying ready when the call comes for Major League Baseball to resume.
The 34-year-old righthander for the Detroit Tigers spoke by phone with central Wisconsin media friend, Gene DeLisio, yesterday. Zimmerman admitted it was tough & there was a lot of uncertainty when it was announced the season was being delayed, just as they were about to break spring training camp in Lakeland, Florida.
With temperatures only in the ’30’s back home in Auburndale, Zimmerman chose to stay in the sunshine state, throwing and working out with some teammates. He returned to Wisconsin about a week ago and is doing some long-tossing, trying to keep his arm in shape & stay ready and plans to throw to young catching prospect, Dalton Varsho, in coming days.
The most recent proposal by MLB & the players association is that when the all-clear is given, they’ll start the season in Arizona.
Zimmerman also spoke about the late Al Kaline, the baseball Hall of Famer who died earlier this week. He says Kaline, known as the Greatest Tiger of all-time, was at spring training camp last month and “was always there for people to seek advice. He’s truly going to be missed.”
