Getting to live out your life-long dream of becoming a professional baseball player is something special. But getting to live out that dream with the person you love is extraordinary. Recently, I sat down with Morgan Peterson, wife of Kansas City Royals farmhand, Mark Peterson. These two have been married since last October, and it hasn’t always been easy. Although some people might think that being a “baseball wife” is a glamorous thing, it really isn’t. Being a baseball wife isn’t for the weak, and Morgan Peterson is here to help people understand:
Q: The average starting pay for minor leaguers is between $1100-$2150 per month, which falls far below the national poverty rate for any U.S. citizen, not factoring in family members. With the season being so short, does that ever concern you?
A: Every time someone hears Mark is a professional baseball player, they assume we live a lavish lifestyle, and that’s not the case. We are ordinary people living an unordinary life. We pay two rents (one in Raleigh, where we live, and one in Arkansas, where he is for the season), we have car payments and student loan payments just like anyone else. We are fortunate enough that I have a good, stable job as a 1st grade teacher and that he is able to work at a gym/baseball facility during the off season. Some months are tougher than others, but we make it work.
Q: What is the biggest daily struggle you face knowing that you may not see your husband for days, weeks, or maybe even months at a time?
A: I think the biggest daily struggle for both of us is missing out on daily life events. Having to watch games on MiLB TV instead of watching them in person is really difficult. Luckily, we have no children so he isn’t missing them growing up.
Q: How much do you see him during baseball season? Do you stay home, or do you travel with him?
A: Last season Mark played in the Carolina League so I saw him every 2-3 weeks because they were down in North Carolina so often. This year, I’ll probably only see him 3-5 times within a 2 month span. We look at schedules and flights a lot to see what will work out best.
Q: If you were to start a family, would you wait until his playing career is finished, or would you handle it yourself for the six months that he’s away?
A: Mark and I got married in October 2014 and as of now, we have no intentions of starting a family for a few years. Obviously, the end goal is for Mark to make it to Kansas City and then to start a family. I don’t think he could manage being away from his child for months at a time, nor would I want our child to be away from him for that long either.
Q: What are some benefits of being the wife of a professional baseball player?
A: Meeting others, definitely! I’ve met some really wonderful people throughout this baseball journey and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s amazing how we know people from everywhere. I can say that Mark and I have gotten close to a lot of families throughout the past 4 years and it has really helped having someone to always connect with.
Q: Since Mark is fourth season in the minors, have you ever felt like this is a ridiculous dream of his, or are you looking to the future when he finally gets to pitch in the Big Leagues?
A: I feel like every wife or girlfriend goes through a time where they think baseball is the enemy. For whatever reason, mine is always during spring training. During spring training (especially at the beginning), I feel like baseball has taken my husband from me. I have to remind myself of the bigger picture always. Mark is a good motivator for himself and me and always has a clear picture of the future. I always feel more comfortable with the season once we know where he will start out.
Q: How do you think you’d react if Mark makes his Major League debut with the Kansas City Royals? Would you be there when he made his first appearance?
A: I will definitely cry and be on the first flight out to Kansas City! To see someone live out their childhood dream will be amazing.
Q: Do you ever talk to other baseball wives or girlfriends who may have trouble being away from their significant other for so long? Do you feel like you could offer helpful advice?
A: Being apart doesn’t last forever. It isn’t ideal, of course, but we are in an age of great technology, with FaceTime, texting, and everything else. Have fun when you are together and spend quality time doing things you would normally do! I can’t stress that enough. Go to the movies, the mall or even the grocery store. Just because your life revolves around baseball, doesn’t mean your relationship needs to.
Q: What helpful advice do you have for the women who maybe are struggling with the separation aspect of being involved with a professional baseball player?
A: Meet other player’s wives or girlfriends! They are going through similar, if not the same feelings as you. Talk with them and work out a time to go to the games together. It really will help you deal with the separation.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: For the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes: Don’t forget about you! People get caught up in your significant other’s sports career they forget about what you do or how you might feel. You’re just as important as he is. Live out your dreams with him.
Photo provided by Morgan Peterson, all rights reserved.
